Shore Temples
The famous shore temple of Mamallapuram stands on the water's edge. Closeby are early rock-cut temples, excavated from the hillside near the centre of the village. They have large carved panels depicting stories from Indian mythology. Several man-made caves are scattered through the area too. Then there are the rathas, "chariots", carved in situ from single boulders, to resemble temples or the chariots used in temple processions.Also worth seeing is the smaller but equally spectacular Krishna’s Butterball, a precariously perched yet curiously unmovable boulder. The intricately carved bas relief of the descent of the Ganges with its crevice catching and directing the flow of rain water to reproduce this important religious event.
The beach is wide and sandy and ideal for walks. The many beach-side restaurants offer a good selection of fresh sea-food.
With the superb rock cut carvings and the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean, Mamallapuram is a must on a south India itinerary.
