[ Mahabalipuram photo ]
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), 60 kilometres south of Chennai, is an open-air museum of Pallava rock-cut art from the 7th century. The Shore Temple stands by the sea, the five monolithic rathas (chariots) are carved from single boulders, and Arjuna's Penance is one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world. The town has a relaxed fishing-village pace with excellent seafood.