Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
Granite on the Bay of Bengal, carved by the Pallavas
⭐ Why it is famous
One of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, a UNESCO site amid rathas and the Descent of the Ganges relief.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Built around 700–728 CE under Narasimhavarman II; six of its companion shrines are believed to lie under the sea.
🕰️ Temple timings
- 06:00 – 18:00
🙏 Darśan details
- ASI ticket ₹40 for Indians
- Worship is no longer conducted — this is a monument
- Sunrise is the best hour
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Mahabalipuram, ChengalpattuChengalpattu (CGL) — 30 km
Mahabalipuram bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Chennai (MAA) — 55 km
On the ECR, 58 km from Chennai.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Beach resorts and backpacker hostels in Mahabalipuram
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹2,000 | ₹4,500 | ₹12,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Arjuna's Penance
- Pancha Rathas
- Crocodile Bank
- Covelong beach