SHORE BEACH TEMPLE

Standing on the beach of Mahabalipuram along the shore of the Bay of Bengal, the Mahabalipuram Shore Beach Temple is a UNESCO classified World Heritage Site. The temple was constructed under the reign of the Pallavas and was also the first-ever stone structure built by them.

It is a monolithic structure devoted mainly to the deities of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The temple is now a place of mass gathering during the time of the Indian Dance Festival. Other attractions include the lighthouse, sculpture shops and submerged temples.

Location: Mahabalipuram, Saluvankuppam, Tamil Nadu 603104. 

Entry-Fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 340 for foreigners. (Extra INR 25 for shooting videos). Children below 15 do not need to buy tickets. 

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm. Tickets are sold till 5:30 pm.

Best time to visit: Evenings or early morning and during monsoon, that is between the months of August and September.