Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram is a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It has an average elevation of 12 metres (39 feet). Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla.
It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Shore Temple is famous for its incredible ancient sculptures. They are fascinating because they show ancient scenes of day to day life. For example the sculptures show women milking buffaloes and Lords moving about their kingdom and unlike other temples here you see ordinary people represented not only the Gods.
Being located so close to the beach the waves lap against its walls.The Mahabalipuram Dance Festival starts in early January and lasts for four weeks.dance forms from all over India are staged here usually in the open air with the temple as a background.