Shore Temple Tours

Shore Temple showing a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture
Shore Temple featuring heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Shore Temple showing a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture
Shore Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture
Shore Temple showing a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture


Witness fine Pallavan architecture and ornate shrines to Hindu gods at this gorgeous seaside temple, which is at its most beautiful at sunset.

The Shore Temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal and is an attractive sight on the Mahabalipuram shorefront. The name of this finely carved structure derives from its proximity to the sea, being situated on the sands of Mahabalipuram beach. Study the weathered façades, marvel at sculptures of the temple’s patron Hindu gods and gaze at the pyramidal towers as they reflect the golden rays of sunset.

The Shore Temple was built in the 8th century under the reign of King Rajasimha of the Pallava dynasty. This landmark, which features Dravidian stone cut building techniques, is one of India's oldest temples. It has been under the protection of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1984.

The Shore Temple is comprised of three shrines, one large and two small ones. Admire the two ornate pyramidal towers, which rise above them and feature elaborately carved tiers capped by domes.

The three shrines are dedicated to the Hindu deities, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Ksatriyasimnesvara. Stop by each one and see carved tributes to the gods, including a depiction of Lord Vishnu resting on a the holy serpent Seshanag. This is a Hindu symbol of consciousness.

At the main shrine, the sanctum sanctorum, see the repeated sculpted figures of Nandi, Shiva's bull companion on the walls surrounding the temple. Venture inside for the Shiva Linga, a phallic sculpture symbolizing the presence of Shiva. Elsewhere in the grounds is a partly sculpted monolith of a lion.

The temple's beautiful designs serve as a backdrop for the yearly Mahabalipuram Dance Festival. Visit in December and January to see many traditional dance performances in this scenic locale.

The Shore Temple is approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from central Mahabalipuram. Arrive by rental car, taxi, bus, rickshaw or on foot. The site is open daily from early morning until early evening and there is an admission fee. If you are here on a Sunday, browse the stalls of the nearby street market. Then enjoy a lazy meander on the beach.

Plan a trip to see Shore Temple

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Fabexpress Joy Residency
Treebo Deluxe Inn, Chromepet
Fabhotel The Royal Plaza

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Shore Temple

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram

4.5 out of 5
57, Covelong Road, Kanchipuram District, Tirukalukundram, Tamil Nadu
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
Kaldan Samudhra Palace

Kaldan Samudhra Palace

3.5 out of 5
ECR, Tirukalukundram, TN
Kaldan Samudhra Palace
Chariot Beach Resort

Chariot Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Five Rathas Road, Behind Five Rathas Monuments, Tirukalukundram, Tamil Nadu
Chariot Beach Resort
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach, Mamallapuram

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach, Mamallapuram

4.5 out of 5
No 53, Devaneri Village, East Coast Rd, Tirukalukundram, Tamil Nadu
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach, Mamallapuram
Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center

Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center

4 out of 5
ECR-OMR Junction, ECR, Poonjeri, Mahabalipuram, Tirukalukundram
Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center
Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
280 ECR, Vedanamelli, Tirupporur, Tamil Nadu
Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa
Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai

Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai

5 out of 5
Covelong Beach, Kancheepuram Dist., Tirupporur, Tamil Nadu
Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai
Novotel Chennai Sipcot

Novotel Chennai Sipcot

4 out of 5
Opp. SIPCOT IT Park Siruseri, Old, Mahabalipuram Road, Near ECR Beach, Tirupporur, Tamil Nadu
Novotel Chennai Sipcot
ibis Chennai SIPCOT Hotel

ibis Chennai SIPCOT Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Opp. SIPCOT IT Park, Old Mahabalipuram, Road, Near ECR Beach, Tirupporur, Tamil Nadu
ibis Chennai SIPCOT Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Shore Temple

Near the Shore Temple in Tirukalukundram, Tamil Nadu, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including swimming and yoga. Hiking trails provide scenic views for nature lovers, while evening walks offer a chance to soak in the tranquil atmosphere and stunning surroundings. These experiences make for a fulfilling vacation, blending relaxation and adventure in this culturally rich region.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is Mumu Surf Shop, only 0.2 miles from Shore Temple, where you can find unique surf gear. If you're up for a drive, check out Super Saravana Stores - Chrompet and Phoenix Market City, both offering a variety of family-friendly shopping experiences 24 and 26 miles away, respectively.

Recreation

Mayajaal Multiplex, located 16 miles from Shore Temple, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for active tourists. For golf enthusiasts, AKDR Golf Village, 20 miles away, and Oz Golf Academy, 29 miles away, provide beautiful outdoor settings to enjoy the game amidst nature.

Adventure

Muttukadu Boat House, located 13 miles from Shore Temple, offers exhilarating water sports amidst stunning scenery. VGP Snow Kingdom, 21 miles away, is perfect for skiing fun and family bonding in an indoor winter wonderland. For a thrilling experience, try Kart Attack, 19 miles away, with its exciting karting adventures.

Nightlife

Catch a movie at Devi Cineplex, 27 miles from Shore Temple, where romance and family vibes create a perfect evening. For a cultural experience, Inox Theatre, 30 miles away, offers an entertaining atmosphere for families and couples alike. Enjoy a memorable night out!

Find the best attractions near Shore Temple

While visiting the Shore Temple in Tirukalukundram, Tamil Nadu, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore. From the stunning Shore Temple Mahabalipuram and the picturesque Mahabalipuram Beach to the rich cultural experiences offered by local temples, there's something for everyone. Whether you seek adventure, outdoor activities, or a taste of local culture, the area around Shore Temple has it all for an enjoyable vacation.

  • Mamallapuram Beach: Enjoy the serene atmosphere of Mamallapuram Beach, located just 0.5 miles from the Shore Temple. With its golden sands and gentle waves, it's perfect for relaxation or a leisurely stroll, offering a quintessential beach vibe.
  • Old Mahabalipuram Road: This bustling street, situated 2 miles from the Shore Temple, is filled with local shops, eateries, and vibrant city life. Experience the urban energy and discover traditional crafts and delicious Tamil cuisine along the way.
  • Descent Of The Ganges: Located a mere 0.4 miles from the Shore Temple, this remarkable monument showcases intricate rock carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and artistry that defines this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best time to go to Shore Temple

Visitor numbers around Shore Temple is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Shore Temple is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February78.8°F (26.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
March82.6°F (28.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April86.5°F (30.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May89.6°F (32.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June88.9°F (31.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July86.9°F (30.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August85.6°F (29.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September84.7°F (29.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October83.1°F (28.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November79.7°F (26.5°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December77.7°F (25.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Shore Temple

To save on your trip to Shore Temple, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May to June or September, and aim for a Sunday stay to minimize hotel costs. Use Expedia to filter hotels by price and select "Eco-certified" for sustainable options. Combine bookings for flights and accommodations to unlock better deals, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and future savings. Utilize public transport and explore free activities nearby to further stretch your budget while enjoying the cultural richness of Tamil Nadu.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Shore Temple are May to June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Shore Temple is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Shore Temple is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Explore Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you're looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will reveal a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Shore Temple hotel reservation with your flights and activities when you choose an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.