This is Part 9 of Wonders of India, our series on India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Start from Part 1: Taj Mahal or read the previous part, Part 8: Chola Temples.
Just south of Chennai, the seaside town of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was a busy port of the Pallava kings. Here, in the 7th and 8th centuries, artists experimented with carving temples from solid rock and building them in stone, laying the foundations of South Indian temple architecture.
At a glance
- Location: Mahabalipuram, about 55 km south of Chennai
- Built: 7th-8th centuries CE
- Dynasty: Pallavas, especially Narasimhavarman I "Mamalla" and Rajasimha
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: since 1984 (Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram)
What to see
- Shore Temple: an elegant structural temple built in the early 8th century, standing right on the beach and dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.
- Pancha Rathas: five monolithic temples, each carved from a single rock, named after the Pandava brothers and Draupadi, with life-size stone elephant, lion and Nandi sculptures.
- Arjuna's Penance (Descent of the Ganges): one of the world's largest open-air rock reliefs, covering a huge boulder face with gods, sages, animals and a natural cleft representing the river.
- Krishna's Butter Ball: a giant boulder balanced improbably on a slope.
- Cave temples: the Mahishasuramardini and Varaha mandapas with beautiful reliefs.
- Lighthouse and Olakkannesvara temple: for views over the town and sea.
History
The town takes its name from Narasimhavarman I, known as Mamalla ("great wrestler"). The Pallavas used it as a port for trade with Southeast Asia, and legend speaks of "Seven Pagodas" along the shore. When the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami pulled back the sea, remains of submerged structures were briefly revealed, renewing interest in the legend.
Visiting Mahabalipuram
- Timings: sunrise to sunset.
- Tickets: one ticket (around ₹40 for Indians and ₹600 for foreigners) covers the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas; Arjuna's Penance and many cave temples are free to view.
- Getting there: about 1.5 hours from Chennai along the scenic East Coast Road.
- Festival: the Mamallapuram Dance Festival is held against Arjuna's Penance from late December to January.
Tips
- Visit the Shore Temple at sunrise for the best light and fewest crowds.
- Watch stone carvers at work in the town's sculpture workshops.
- Combine with Kanchipuram for a full Pallava heritage trip.
Did you know?
Mahabalipuram hosted the informal summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2019, chosen for its ancient trade links with China.
Ticket prices and timings are set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and can change; online tickets are usually slightly cheaper. Check the ASI website before you visit.
Next in Wonders of India: the Buddhist monuments of Sanchi.
