Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Built in: 700–728 AD

Entry Fee: Rs 10 (Indian Citizen) | $5 USD (foreign nationals)

I was off to Chennai for an Interview, which got over at 11 am in the morning. And I was left with an entire afternoon after I was done with the yummy Chennai local foods. As I was staying in Siruseri, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai, I decided upon visiting Mahabalipuram without wasting much time. And after spending ten more minutes on Ola or Uber, I realized, none of these cab rental companies cover Mabalipuram, which is outside Chennai City. So here I was in a local bus for a fun ride, which you should try too, not just because the roads are beautiful, less traffic or it’s so cheap. But also because you can snack in the stops(with hot fried groundnuts, corn and fresh coconut water)!

So, after an hour of bus ride and 10 minutes of walking through a local market area, I reached my first destination: The Shore Temple! Here is the first look, and it is already difficult to put everything in words when you see blue Bay of Bengal, that horizon and the marvel from Pallava Dynasty, all in a single frame:

With all the Nandi(the Bull) sculptures on the wall, you probably started guessing the deity.

Yes, Shiva is the main deity. Two shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and one is dedicated to Vishnu.

Other details documented:

If you are coming down to see the Shore Temple along with other monolithic architectures in Mahbalipuram, consider one full day at least. There are a lot to see in this small town of Mahabalipuram. This temple closes by 6 PM. And I was on my way back to Chennai.