Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is located in the state of Tamil Nadu of India. Located near the beach, it has a population of 12,000 only. The climate of the area is rather hot with the summer temperature reaching a maximum of 36.6°C. In the winter, temperature ranges from a maximum of 30.5°C to a minimum of 19.8°C. The people in the area speak Tamil and also English.

Mahabalipuram is on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, about 58 kilo meters from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. This place was a well established sea port during the seventh and tenth centuries of the Pallava Dynasty.

History of this town goes to Narasimha Varman I, a famous king also called Mamallan. Mahabalipuram is also called Mamallapuram, after the nick name Mamallan of the great king. The king had a devoted interest in art and sculptures. He built many temples, especially in the city of Mahabalipuram, which is prettified with the seven rock-cut pagodas.

The richness and aestheticism in Mahabalipuram was hidden till 18th century. The specialty about Mahabalipuram lies in the rock-cut caves, temples, and the different structures. Tourists are drawn to this beautiful place by its rock-cut art, virgin, silvery sandy beaches and casuarinas trees. Mahabalipuram is referred as an uncovered museum.
The famous Arjuna's Penance and the Krishna Mandapa, decorate massive rocks near the centre of the village. The beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves, behind a shielding breakwater. Sixteen man-made caves in different stages of completion are also seen, scattered through the area.