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

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Fabhotel Chamiers Park
Fabhotel Welcome Inn
Fabhotel saravana shelters residency - Near tambaram railway station

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
MGM Beach Resorts

MGM Beach Resorts

4 out of 5
1/74, East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Tirupporur, Chennai or Mahabalipuram
MGM Beach Resorts
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

At Shore Temple in Tirukalukundram, visitors can enjoy a blend of relaxation and wellness activities, including swimming and yoga. Take advantage of the serene beach area and refreshing sea breeze, perfect for outdoor yoga sessions. Look for Thavathiru yoga classes that offer unique experiences amidst stunning coastal views, ensuring a rejuvenating getaway that combines spiritual practices with the beauty of nature.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Mumu Surf Shop, located only 0.2 miles from Shore Temple, perfect for souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Super Saravana Stores and Phoenix Market City, both about 24 and 26 miles away, offering a lively mix of shopping and entertainment.

Recreation

At Mayajaal Multiplex, enjoy a variety of sports activities in a vibrant atmosphere just 16 miles from Shore Temple. For golf enthusiasts, AKDR Golf Village offers an outdoor golfing experience 20 miles away, while the Oz Golf Academy, located 29 miles from the temple, provides a perfect setting for improving your game.

Adventure

At Muttukadu Boat House, enjoy thrilling water sports 13 miles from Shore Temple, perfect for adventure seekers. Kart Attack, located 20 miles away, offers an exhilarating karting experience. For winter fun, VGP Snow Kingdom, 21 miles from the temple, provides indoor skiing and snow activities for the whole family.

Nightlife

Catch a movie at Devi Cineplex, 27 miles from Shore Temple, where the atmosphere is filled with entertainment and romance. Alternatively, enjoy a film at Inox Theatre, 30 miles away, offering a blend of culture and family-friendly vibes for a delightful evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Shore Temple

When visiting the Shore Temple in Tirukalukundram, Tamil Nadu, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore the stunning Shore Temple complex, relax at Mamallapuram Beach, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastline. Don't miss the chance to experience local street life and the rich history surrounding the area, making your trip memorable and diverse.

  • Mamallapuram Beach: Located a short half-mile from Shore Temple, Mamallapuram Beach offers a serene escape with its soft sands and calming waves. It's perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, or enjoying a leisurely stroll while soaking in the coastal beauty.
  • Old Mahabalipuram Road: This bustling street, situated 2 miles from Shore Temple, is vibrant with local life, shops, and eateries. Experience the lively atmosphere and explore the unique culture of the area as you navigate through its lively scenes.
  • Descent Of The Ganges: A fascinating monument located 0.4 miles away, Descent Of The Ganges showcases intricate rock carvings that depict mythological tales. This site offers a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Best time to go to Shore Temple

The best time to visit Shore Temple can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Shore Temple falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Shore Temple falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February78.8°F (26.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
March82.6°F (28.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
April86.5°F (30.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May89.6°F (32.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June88.9°F (31.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
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 HighSlightly Low
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 money on your trip to Shore Temple, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May or September to October, and aim for a Sunday stay, as it’s the least expensive day. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly eco-certified hotels and sort prices from lowest to highest for the best deals. Additionally, booking your hotel, flights, and activities as a package can lead to significant savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and the opportunity to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Shore Temple are May and September to October, 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options, including your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you have in mind. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase available sustainable and eco-friendly hotels. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Shore Temple hotel reservation with your flights and activities by booking 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.

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