The rock carvings at Mamallapuram are notable for the delightful freshness and simplicity of their folk art origins, in contrast to the more grandiose monuments build by later larger empires such as the Cholas. The shore temple in particular strikes a very romantic theme and is one of the most photographed monuments in India. It and all the other places of interest in Mamalapuram, are floodlit each night. The sculpture here is particularly interesting because it shows scenes of day to day life - Women milking buffaloes, pompous city dignitaries, young girls primping and posing at street corners or swinging their hips in artful come-ons. In contrast, other carvings throughout the state depict mostly gods and goddesses, with images of ordinary folk conspicuous by their absence. Stone carving is still very much a living craft in Mamallapuram.

Five Rathas: (The five rathas are 1. Draupadi ratha, 2. Arjuna Ratha, 3. Bhima Ratha, 4. Dharmaraja Ratha, 5. Nakula Sahadeva Ratha. ) The five rathas are sculptured temples in the style of chariots(Rathas). Set close by the Sea they are carved from Solid rock. Popular belief is that the chariots depict the story of the pandava brothers, heroes of the Mahabharata.

Krishna Mandapam: It features carvings of a pastoral scene.

Shore Temple: This beautiful and romantic temple ravaged by wind and sea, represents the final phase of Pallava art. The temple is approached through paved gardens with weathered walls supporting long lines of Nandi statues (Nandi is Shiva's bull vehicle).

Arjuna Penance: Carved in relief on the face of a huge rock, Arjuna's penance is the mythical story of the River Ganges issuing from its source high in the Himalays. The panel (27m by 9m) depicst animals deities and other semi divine creatures, fables from the Panchantantra and Arjuna doing a penance to obtain a boon from Shiva. Ganesh Ratha, Mahishamardhini Mandapam & Olakkaneswvara Temple, Dharmaraja Mandap.

Tirukkalikundram: Which means hill of the holy eagles.