City-information for Mahabalipuram

Temples Accomodation Travel City Information Map

Population 12,000

Mamallapuram, located on the Bay of Bengal, means "the town of Mamalla, the great wrestler." Mamalla is the title given to the Pallava ruler Narasirnha Varman I, who built many of the temples here. The name Mahabalipuram means "the town of the great king Bali," from whom Lord Vamana begged three paces of land. This town was an ancient port of the Pallavas kings in the 7th century.


The rock carvings here are divided into three zones: the main group of carvings on the slopes of the hill, the Shore temple to the east, and the Pancha Ratha (Five Chariots) temples to the south. The temples here are among the earliest examples of monumental architecture temples in South India. They were made mostly between the 5th and 8th centuries. Most of the cave temples are carved out of a granite hill that is close to the sea. The Five Rathas are located south of this area. The Shore temple is located right next to the sea.

Besides the famous Shore temple there are 14 cave temples, 8 monolithic rathas, and many other small rock sculptures. The monuments are floodlit at night. There is a dance festival here during January and February.

Mamallapuram is one of the more visited places by foreign tourists in South India. It is a very peaceful town with good atmosphere and is a good place stay for a few days or more just to relax. It is located on the seashore.