"Mamallapuram - Rock show by the coast" Mamallapuram by Willettsworld

Mamallapuram was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. 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 temples of Mamallapuram, built largely during the reigns of Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman, showcase the movement from rock-cut architecture to structural building. The mandapa or pavilions and the rathas or shrines shaped as temple chariots are hewn from the granite rock face, while the famed Shore Temple, is built with blocks of granite. It is believed by some that this area served as a school for young sculptors. The different sculptures, some half finished, may have been examples of different styles of architecture, probably demonstrated by instructors and practiced on by young students. This can be seen in the Five Rathas where each Ratha is sculpted in a different style all carved out of a single piece of granite in situ.

Mamallapuram has a certain backpacker/traveller vibe about it and has lots of cheap places to stay and some very good places to eat. Although I only stayed here for one night, as time was against me, I guess many people stay here a bit longer to take in the wonderful rock culture and to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. It's one of those places to just kick back and chill out if you have the time to do so.