Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a historic port city located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is famous for its ancient temples, sculptures, and monuments, which are excellent specimens of Dravidian temple architecture and Pallava art. The city has a rich history dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries and was a thriving port town during the time of the Pallavas. The monuments in Mamallapuram are known for their robust earthly beauties, mythological episodes, epic battles, demons, gods, and animals, all vividly depicted on the walls. The shore temple is one of the most photographed monuments in India and is particularly beautiful when floodlit at night. The city attracts tourists from all over the world with its monumental splendor and sunny beaches. There are also nine cave temples, known as mandapas, which are famous for their real-life depiction of incidents from Hindu mythology. The caves have bas-reliefs and carvings, including the famous 'Descent of the Ganges' and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva