Lying 58 km south of Chennai , this group of sanctuaries , founded by the Pallava kings , was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries.
The famous Shore Temple , one of the oldest in South India , stnads on the sea shore with its paved forecourts. Another wonder is Arjuna’s Penance , which is the worlds largest bas-relief .
The mandapams(porticos) are grand specimens of art . Scooped out of solid rock from a hill side , each mandapam depicts exclusive carvings rich in detail. Krishna mandapam shows Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain , to protect kinsfolk from the wrath of the rain god Indra.
Tourist Information : Open on all weekdays from sunrise to sunset.
The best time to visit : Is in the month December and January.
Places to stay : Temple Bay Ashok Beach Resort , Silver Sands , Ideal Beach Resort .
Places to visit : Rock cut caves, Arjuna’s Penance , The Rathas ,Shore Temple.
MIGRATIONOLOGY 