World famous for its shore temple, Mahabalipuram was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. The shore temple in particular strikes a very romantic theme and is one of the most photographed monuments in India. It and all the other places of interest in Mahabalipuram are floodlit each night.

This beautiful and romantic temple, ravaged by wind and sea, represents the final phase of Pallava art and was built in the late 7th century during the reign of Rajasimha. The temple's two spires, containing a shrine for Vishnu and one for Siva, were modelled after the Dharmaraja Ratha. Such is the significance of the shore temple that it was given World Heritage listing some years ago. Following that, a huge rock wall was constructed on the ocean side to minimise further erosion. The temple is approached through paved forecourts, with weathered perimeter walls supporting long lines of bulls, and entrances guarded by mythical deities.On Saturday there is sometimes a free dance programme at the shore temple.