It is the lone survivor of seven such temples, the rest having fallen to the ravages of the sea. This temple is Originally constructed in the middle of the 7th century, it was later rebuilt in the reign of Narasimha Varman II in the 8th century. The spectacular 2-spired shrine is unique in that it houses shrines for both Shiva and Vishnu. Spanning 12 centuries of history, the Shore Temple stands as a symbol of the soaring aesthetic aspiration of the Pallavas and is now a World Heritage site.

These are sculptured temples in the style of Rathas (chariots). Set by the sea and carved from solid rock they provide another fine example of Pallava architecture. These structures were hidden in the sand until excavated by the British 200-years ago. The Five Rathas derive their names from the heroes of the epic Mahabharata, the five Pandava brothers and their wife Draupadi. These Rathas resemble pagodas and are mini-shrines chiselled out of big boulders in the form of temple chariots, but in different styles. The Rathas are named- Draupadi Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Dharamraja Ratha and Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha.

It is a rock cut Dravidian temple located north of Arjuna's Penance. It was once a Shiva temple but it became a shrine to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god after the original lingam was removed. It has a tiny yali (a mythical lion creature) pillared porch.

There are about 9 rock cut caves in the complex. Of these the most notable is the Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable one.

Located near the Ganesh Ratha, this temple honours the Hindu Trinity - Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver) and Shiva (Destroyer) - with separate sections dedicated for each deity.

There are many mandapams (pillared pavilions in front of temples) featuring fine internal sculptures, scattered over the main hill. The Krishna Mandapam is one of the earliest rock-cut temples that predates Arjuna's Penance. Its carvings of a pastoral scene show Krishna lifting up the mythical Goverdhan Mountain to protect his kinsfolk from the wrath of Indra, the rain god. The Mahishamardhini Mandapam has scenes from the Puranas (Sanskrit stories dating from the 5th century AD) with the sculpture of goddess Durga, in all her wrath. This is considered one of the finest in Mamallapuram. Above this Mandapam are the remains of the Olakkannesvara Temple that provides spectacular views of Mamallapuram.

It contains more than 3000 sculptures by local artisans who work with wood, metal, brass and even cement. Some fine paintings are also on display.

Located about 5km north of the main monument complex, this rock shrine, possibly dating from the 7th century, is dedicated to goddess Durga. It has a small mandapam featuring a crown of carved yali (a mythical lion creature) heads.