Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, a short drive down the coast from Chennai, is an open-air gallery of 7th- and 8th-century Pallava-dynasty rock-cut temples and carvings, including the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple standing right at the water's edge.

The Five Rathas and the giant relief carving of Arjuna's Penance are equally worth the visit, and the town's relaxed, low-key pace makes it an easy half- to full-day stop on a Tamil Nadu route.

Highlights

• The UNESCO-listed Shore Temple on the Bay of Bengal
• The Five Rathas monolithic rock-cut temples
• Arjuna's Penance, one of India's largest rock reliefs
• A relaxed coastal town atmosphere

Best Time to Visit

November to February for comfortable coastal temperatures.

Getting There

A 1–1.5 hour drive south from Chennai, often combined with Pondicherry for a coastal Tamil Nadu route.