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This skilfully carved rock is the largest bas - relief sculpture in the world. It gets its name from the figure of an ascetic who is believed to be Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, doing penance to obtain a boon from Lord Siva. However, there are others who think that the figure is actually Bhagiratha who entreated Siva to let the river Ganges flow over the earth. 

Among the other carvings on the rock are animals and heavenly beings witnessing the descent of the Ganges from the Himalayas and some episodes from the Panchatantra tales.

There are nine rock cut cave temples. 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.

This cave has a big bas relief, notable for its realistic representation. The panel relates one of the stories of Lord Krishna. Bas-Relief.- The World's largest bas relief measuring 27m X 9m is the pride of Mamallapuram. This huge whale back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds and infact, representatives of the entire creation. 

These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent example of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the five structures are named after the Pandava brothers of Mahabharatha and Draupadi. These are monolithic temples, each created in a different style, They are also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas, and the fort of the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation. 

This is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 8th Century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style.

Ganesa Ratha, Varcha Cave, Old Light House, Krishna's Butter Ball, Gopi's Churn, Valayankuttai Ratha, Kodikal Mandapam,etc.

It is 5 kms North of the main monument complex, and on the way to Chennai. It has an open air theatre, where cultural programmes were held for the benefit of the royal family. 

(66kms) West of Mamallapuram. This temple town was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. The silk sarees produced here are renowned throughout the world.

(53kms) One of the major water bird sanctuaries in India. The birds migrate here every year from November to February, from all over the world. 

(14kms) About 5000 Crocodiles representing 6 species and other reptiles are reared here. 

Just North of Kovalam, this is a fine picnic spot. It is also an ideal location for boating and water sports. TTDC runs a boat house here. 

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