Mamallapuram attracts tourists from all over the globe to its monumental splendour and sunny beaches. Though it is no longer a port ,Mamallapuram has retained its fame,thanks to the great Pallava artisans. It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture and the jewel in the crown of the Pallava contribution to Tamil Nadu.

       In a land that is liberally strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mamallapuram holds its own, and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators and sculptors. Unfortunately most of the work was left incomplete, and time and naturel have also eroded the remains of this once great port. Despite this, Mamallapuram's wonders in rock leave visitors enthralled, conveying as they do, an impression of beauty, harmony, gentle wit and humour. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset.

       The Mamallapuram dance festival is conducted every year during Jan - Feb. It is a month long festival and dances are organised during the weekends. Classical dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi are performed by well known exponents of the art. On the shores of Bay of Bengal, just 60 kms from the state capital Chennai is Mamallapuram. What looks like an incomplete city of stone temples was, in fact, a flourishing port town during the time of Pallavas. This thriving port city was given the lease of life through the chisels of Pallavas.

       The monuments of Mamallapuram are excellent specimen of Dravidian temple architecture and Pallava art. The art in the marvellous monuments with sculpted panels, caves, monolith rathas and temples lay emphasis on robust earthly beauties, imbibed with life. Mythological episodes, epic battles, demons, Gods, animals, all vividly depicted on the wall. These sculptures are breathtakingly real and artistic.

       Most of the temple and monuments were completed during the reigns Narasimha Varman I and Narasimha Varman II. In contrast to the grand monuments of the Cholas, the architecture of Pallavas is simple yet very lively and attractive. The Pallavas were followers of Jainism but the conversion of Mahendra Vernman to Shaivism had drastic consequences on the future of Jainism and it also explains the Shiva and Vishnu temple at Mamallapuram.

       The shore temple strikes a very romantic theme and is perhaps the most photographed monument in India after Taj Mahal. The temple is flood lit in the night and then its beauty comes out to fully. The pleasure of watching the monument in light with cool breeze from the sea has no comparison.

       Mamallapuram is full of stone carved temples, rathas and exquisitely carved stone walls. Till date this place has kept alive and to a great extent revived the ancient art of stonemasons and sculptures. This art was very much in the life line and blood stream of Mamallapuram when the Pallavas ruled this place. This place wakes up to the sound of chisel working on granite stones.

       The sculptors in various yards work to carve beautiful shape and size from stone. They receive contract from all over India and abroad to supply images of various kinds. These images include deities for temples and other forms for restoration works. One can buy these images and statues at the Poompuhar Handicraft Emporium or from various other shops along the shore or on the road to five rathas.

       In this coastal town the temperature is equable and the temperature in summers reaches till 35°c and in winter falls till 19°C.

     It receives rainfall throughout the year.

       Mamallapuram can be visited all year round but in summers it is hot and uncomfortable.

       It has a much pleasant weather in winters and monsoon period is best avoided.