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,…
Must-see attractions in Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
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 …
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Decorated with lion-shaped pillar bases, the Ganesh Ratha is carved from a single rock and was originally a Shiva shrine.
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,…
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…
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
You can't miss this enormous boulder (and favourite photo spot), balancing precariously on Mamallapuram Hill, right opposite the compound's northernmost…
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.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Similarly sized to Mamallapuram's famous Arjuna's Penance, this unfinished relief carving is just south along West Raja St.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Accessed via steep, narrow steps, Mamallapuram's lighthouse offers wonderful panoramas.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
South of the Raya Gopura the main Mamallapuram Hill path passes the Ramanuja Mandapa.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Generally thought to be an unfinished gopuram dating from the 16th century.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
This empty cave temple sits south along the road from Arjuna's Penance.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
This unfinished cave temple has just five completed lion columns.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
A 16th- to 17th-century Vishnu temple, behind the bus stand.
