Mahabalipuram, Ancient port town in Tamil Nadu, India
The coastal settlement contains 40 religious monuments and temples spread across its shoreline, featuring intricate stone carvings and architectural designs from granite blocks.
Between the 4th and 9th centuries, Mahabalipuram functioned as a major port during the Pallava dynasty, facilitating trade connections with China and Rome.
The temples display narratives from Hindu texts through detailed rock-cut sculptures, including the massive relief depicting the Descent of the Ganges.
The monuments remain accessible year-round, with November through February offering temperatures between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius for comfortable exploration.
The town houses five monolithic structures known as Pancha Rathas, each carved from single rocks to represent different architectural styles.
Location: Kanchipuram district
Location: Tamil Nadu
Elevation above the sea: 12 m
GPS coordinates: 12.61960,80.19365
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:31
Shore Temple
647 m
Group of monuments at Mahabalipuram
391 m
Pancha Rathas
1.3 km
Krishna's Butterball
146 m
Descent of the Ganges
391 m
Dakshinchitra
23.2 km
Mayajaal
25.9 km
Mahishasuramardini Mandapa
386 m
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Thiruporur Kandaswamy temple
11.8 km
Vedagiriswarar temple
14.3 km
Patalathri Narasimhar Temple
26 km
Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram
386 m
Varaha Cave Temple
18.3 km
Muttukadu boat house
21.4 km
Tiger Cave
4.4 km
Dharmaraja Ratha
1.2 km
Arjuna Ratha
1.3 km
Bhima Ratha
1.3 km
Draupadi Ratha
410 m
Mahabalipuram Lighthouse
518 m
Panchapandava Cave Temple
386 m
Ganesha Ratha
183 m
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Krishna Cave Temple
386 m
Nakula Sahadeva Ratha
615 m
Olakkannesvara Temple
386 m
Fort Sadras
11 kmReviews
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