The ancient port town of Mammalapuram houses the most number of grand monuments in Kanchipuram. It was an important port city during the Pallava reign and is a “must see” destination within the Kanchipuram tour. It houses some spectacular specimens of Pallava art and Dravidian style of medieval architecture.

The Pallava dynasty was Jain followers and their temple architecture is simplistic but extremely lifelike. The king Mahendra Verman was later converted to Shaivism which is why there are several Shiva and Vishnu temples as well in Mammalapuram. The sculptures within most of the temples emphasize on the hearty worldly beauties and are imbibed with life. The depictions on the temple walls are glorious mythological battles, demons, Gods, episode from the epics and other depictions of simple life of this town’s ancient dwellers.

This place also houses the Shore Temple which is perhaps the most photographed place in India after the Taj Mahal. It is based on a splendid romantic theme as portrayed by the sculptures within the temple. At nights these places lit up with flood lights which further enhance their beauty. The magnificent views of these grand structures in combination with the cool sea breeze in the evenings would surely leave the tourists allured with their beauty.