Religious site
Shore Temple
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The Shore Temple stands as one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, built during the reign of Narasimhavarman II. Perched on the edge of the Bay of Bengal, its two shrines dedicated to Shiva and a third to Vishnu are surrounded by the sea breeze. The temple's pyramidal towers and intricate carvings have withstood centuries of coastal erosion. Visitors can walk around the temple grounds, feeling the ocean spray, and observe the distinctive Dravidian architecture that influenced later temple construction.
Don't miss
- See the twin shrines, one facing east and one west, both dedicated to Shiva.
- Notice the weathered but still visible carvings of lions, bulls, and deities on the temple walls.
- Watch the sunset over the Bay of Bengal from the temple's seaside platform.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Shore Temple
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inMahabalipuram walking tour by tourism ministry approved company5★ · 117 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$50 per personSee dates →
Best full dayMahabalipuram tour by Tourism Ministry approved company5★ · 446 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$115 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleMahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Day trip from Chennai by Private car with Guide5★ · 37 travelers~12 hoursFree cancellationFrom$129 per personSee dates →More attractions in Mahabalipuram