Must-see attractions in Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

  • Arjuna’s Penance

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    The crowning masterpiece of Mamallapuram’s stonework, this giant relief carving is one of India's greatest ancient artworks. Inscribed on two huge,…

  • Trimurti Cave Temple

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    At the northern end of the Mamallapuram Hill compound, the Trimurti Cave Temple depicts the Hindu 'trinity' amid guardian figures: Brahma (left), Shiva …

  • India, Mahabalipuram. The intricately-carved Panchas Rathas, part of the Five Rathas Temple, is carved entirely out of the granite bedrock.

    Five Rathas

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    Huddled together at the southern end of Mamallapuram, the Five Rathas were, astonishingly, all carved from single large rocks. Each of these fine 7th…

  • Shore Temple

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    Standing like a magnificent fist of rock-cut elegance overlooking the sea, surrounded by gardens and ruined courts, the two-towered Shore Temple…

  • Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    This marshy bird sanctuary, 55km southwest of Mamallapuram (an easy day trip), is a spectacular 30-hectare breeding ground for many kinds of waterbirds,…

  • Mahishamardini Mandapa

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    At the southern end of the Mamallapuram Hill complex, the Mahishamardini Mandapa is carved from the rock, displaying very fine scenes from the Puranas …

  • Varaha Mandapa

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    Home to some of Mamallapuram's most brilliant carvings, the Varaha Mandapa depicts Vishnu's boar avatar, Varaha, lifting the earth out of the oceans (left…

  • Vedagirishvara Temple

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    About 15km west of Mamallapuram is this hilltop temple dedicated to Shiva, reached via approximately 500 steps. According to legend, two vultures (easily…

  • Krishna Mandapa

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    Just south of the Arjuna's Penance relief carving, the Krisha Mandapa has a fine 16th-century colonnade and contains a famous carving of Krishna…

  • Krishna's Butterball

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    You can't miss this enormous boulder (and favourite photo spot), balancing precariously on Mamallapuram Hill, right opposite the compound's northernmost…

  • Lion Throne

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    A beautifully carved throne or seat in the shape of a lion, a little west (uphill) from the Raya Gopura on Mamallapuram Hill.

  • Unfinished Relief Carving

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    Similarly sized to Mamallapuram's famous Arjuna's Penance, this unfinished relief carving is just south along West Raja St.

  • Ganesh Ratha

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    Decorated with lion-shaped pillar bases, the Ganesh Ratha is carved from a single rock and was originally a Shiva shrine.

  • Lighthouse

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    Accessed via steep, narrow steps, Mamallapuram's lighthouse offers wonderful panoramas.

  • Ramanuja Mandapa

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    South of the Raya Gopura the main Mamallapuram Hill path passes the Ramanuja Mandapa.

  • Raya Gopura

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    Generally thought to be an unfinished gopuram dating from the 16th century.

  • Dharmaraja Cave Temple

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    This empty cave temple sits south along the road from Arjuna's Penance.

  • Panch Pandava Mandapa

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    This unfinished cave temple has just five completed lion columns.

    • placement: fullWidth
    • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
    • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
    • targeting:
      {
        "position": "superzone"
      }