Apart from the cold waves and soft sand, a few fascinating monuments further beautifies Mahabalipuram beach. People throng Mahabalipuram to see the magnificently built temples and the serene beach. One of the longest and cleanest beaches of India, this beautiful beach is 20 kms long.

Mahabalipuram is some 58 kms away from Chennai. .

Accommodation and Connectivity

From economy to high-end, various types of accommodation is available in Mahabalipuram. However, the beach resorts of Mahabalipuram are a big hit among the tourists. As the resorts remain full during peak season, it is advisable to go in for advance booking.

The airport nearest to Mahabalipuram is Chennai at a distance of 60 kms. It is an international airport. The nearest railhead is Chengalpattu at a distance of 29 kms. Mahabalipuram has very good road connectivity with Chennai, Kanchipuram and Pondicherry.


Beach Attractions

The Shore Temple

The 7th century Shore Temple is widely visited throughout the year. It is a structural temple built out of hard blackish leptinite. Both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are worshipped here. What is more fascinating is the fact that this temple has withstood numerous onslaughts from the sea and still stands tall on the beach.

Swimming and Sun Bathing

The beach at Mahabalipuram is one of the cleanest in Tamil Nadu . The serene ambience of the beach becomes most appropriate for sun bathing. A number of foreign tourists may be seen sunbathing at the place. Swimming is also very popular on the beach.


Arjuna's Penance


The world's largest bas-relief that measures 27m x 9m also stands on the Mahabalipuram beach. It is actually a huge rock that contains figures of Gods, Demigods and beasts. Infact, it is said that an attempt has been made to depict representatives of the entire universe on the rock.

Five Rathas

Each one of them created in a different style, the five rathas are infact five monolithic temples. They are also called "Pancha Pandava Rathas". The presence of the rock formations and temples lend a spiritual colour to Mahabalipuram beach.

Dakshinachitra

Dakshinachitra is a heritage crafts centre on the beach. While strolling on the beach, one can also pick up information on traditional crafts of Mahabalipuram.

There are a few other attractions near the beach that are also worth a visit while on a tour to the beach. They include the crocodile farm, snake venom extracting centre and a school of art and sculpture.