Mahabalipuram Shore Temple

Very nice temple on the shore of Bay of Bengal. Very elegant as well. It reminds us how capable our ancestors have been to erect such fabulous architecture rich buildings. It is where PM Modi had a meeting with Chinese President Jinping. There is no access to sea/beach from the temple directly. You will have to come out of it and walk around 500m to reach beach. Beach was bit crowdy in December. Car parking is available near to temple but you will have to walk a little to see temple. May be difficult for elderly people. Be cautious while driving on temple road as the people walk there carelessly.

Beautiful place, no doubt this is a Unesco World Heritage site. Better take a guided tour to learn more about this magnificent place on the sea shore. However the sea shore adjacent to this mighty temple is filled with garbage and garbage. Thankfully you can't see the ugly side of beach from the temple. Also if you buy tickets using their QR code there is discount compared to cash purchase. And temple stays open even after 6 PM (probably till 7 / 7.30) coz lots of people were getting in around 6.45 PM.

The Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram is a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site located right next to the beach. Entry requires a ticket, and it takes about 10–15 minutes of walking from the entrance to reach the temple. Buggy services are provided, but they are strictly reserved for pregnant women, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, despite having undergone a C-section just three months ago and visiting for prayers, I was not accommodated, which was quite disappointing. To add to the frustration, I noticed several young and healthy individuals being allowed on the ride, while genuine cases like mine were overlooked. I also overheard some visitors planning ways to bypass the rules, which the staff did not seem to monitor properly. That aside, the temple itself is worth visiting. The structure is unique, with detailed carvings and an atmosphere steeped in history. The artistry and cultural significance make it a remarkable experience. However, I strongly suggest the management to improve visitor comfort by providing more benches or shaded seating areas, as the current seating is very limited. Overall, it’s a worthwhile place to visit at least once, but management could certainly improve the accessibility and facilities for visitors.

Shore Temple is an ancient structure built during the 8th century, known for its beautiful architecture and seaside location. The view of the coastline from the temple is stunning. The area is very clean, neat, and well-maintained, making it a great place to visit and explore.

Standing strong and resilient beside the Bay of Bengal, is this majestic ancient structure called the Shore temple at Mammalapuram. It is an experience which cannot be described in words. Mixed emotions go through when facing a structure which is 1300 years old, built by the great Chola king, Rajaraja Chola. The beautiful backdrop of the sea and the pristine beach just elevates the experience to another level. There is free as well as paid parking available. As you go towards the temple, there is a booking counter to the left. Also there is option of online payment via UPI which has discounts as well. You have to show your tickets to the security guard at the gate to enter. Ticket per adult is 40₹. There is around 300-400 mtrs to walk to reach the temple. The sight of the temple with sea in background is majestic. There are lawns created around it and good walkways. If you are a history buff, better to hire a English speaking guide to know the history behind the structure. The sacred Nandi bull statuettes adorn the fencing around the temple. It's most likely a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. But there is a idol of a God in reclining pose which is usually attributed to Lord Vishnu. The photos taken here will be one if the best that you will have with you, because of the lighting, the space, the backdrop of the sea and the exquisite structure of the temple. You cannot stop imagining the awe it created on a onlooker in that era!!! Just unbelievable!!

What a Place..! Mahabalipuram Shore Temple and 5 Rathas are truly stunning places that showcase ancient Indian architecture and artistry. The intricate carvings, beautiful beaches, and historic significance make them an absolute must-visit. The temples' grandeur and serene atmosphere are awe-inspiring, and the breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal are simply unforgettable. A perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty - highly recommended!"

The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is truly a masterpiece of ancient South Indian architecture. Standing majestically on the Bay of Bengal’s shoreline, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest structural temples in India, built during the Pallava dynasty in the 7th–8th century. The temple is carved out of granite and dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, showcasing the fine craftsmanship and devotion of the Pallava rulers. Its twin shrines, intricate carvings, and the way it faces the rising sun over the sea make it a breathtaking sight, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Temple watching was great. But in sunny weather it's very difficult, government have to make some arrangements for visitors or tourists. It's good they are having battery cars for ladies, old citizens, phc. Better time to visit is evening.