The town of temples, sand and sea - Mamallapuram, formerly known as Mahabalipuram, is world renowned for its beautiful Shore Temple, It was once the main port and naval base of the great Pallava Kingdom and was later made the capital of this Dynasty.

'Mamalla’ meaning the great wrestler, was the name given to King Narasimha Varman I. Most of the temples and sculptures in Mamallapuram dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, were completed between 630 A.D. and 728 A.D. during the reign of Narasimha Varman I and Narasimha Varman II.

Sand, water and temples set the backdrop for the graceful and evocative dancers who celebrate the ancient Indian culture and tradition at the annual Mamallapuram Dance Festival held during January and February. Here the expressive Indian Classical dancers adorned in traditional costumes perform Odissi, Kuchupudi, Kathakali and Bharatanatyam.

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