Arjuna's penance
The world's largest bas-relief measuring 27m x 91 is the pride ot Mamaltapuram. This huge whaleback shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, and birds and in fact, car be said to represent creation itself

Five Rathas
These are five monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas. Four of the Rathas are believed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation. They are richly carved with art motifs and wall panels depicting many Hindu divinities and royal portraits.

The Shore Temple
This is one of the oldest temples in South India standing on the edge of the sea, enclosed by a row of bulls carved out of rock. It is said to have been built by King Rajasimha in the latter half of the 7th century AD. It is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in the Dravidian style. It has two shrines, one dedicated to Vishnu and another to Shiva. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty after sunset too.

Cave Temples
The rock-cut cave tradition, represented by more than thirteen caves, was first initiated here by Mahendravarma. They are known for their simplicity in plan and decoration.

Notable one among the cave temples are Konerimandapa, Mahishsura-mardhini cave, Varahamandapa, Adi-varahamandapa, Tirumurthi C,'ave ancj Krishnamandapa.

Mahishasurarnardhini Cave
The Mahishasuramardini cave, depicting the CJoddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable scooped cave, sure to keep one spell-bound.

Varaha Cave
This is a small rock-cut mandapam featuring four
panels of tine looking doorkeepers and four
interesting bas-reliefs.

Krishna Mandapam
In the Krishna Mandapam, there is a sculpture on the rock face of one wall - Lord Krishna as the protector of all living beings, presenting man, bird and beast. Krishna Mandapam epitomizes rural bliss and resents activities that have changed little with time.

Krishna's Butter Ball
The huge boulder near the Ganesha Ratha is popularly known as Krishna's butterhall. it rests precariously on a narrow rock base. Legend has it
that several Paliava kings attempted to move it, but all the kings and their elephants (could not shift the boulder even by an inch.

Open Air Museum
This newly set up modern open-air museum of sculpture reflects the cultural heritage of the Tamils from the pre-Sangam days. The objects on display, shopped mostly from granite by 200 sculptors, include chains of stone, ornamental wheels and a host of other items. The themes here are many, including those relating to historical and cultural events of the past, placing the contribution of the Tamils in proper perspective. Situated very close to the Shore Temple, one can have a glimpse of the past as well as the progress being made in the present in the field of art in Tamil Nadu here.

College of Sculpture
Here training is given in various branches of temple art and architecture, according to the Silpa Sastra. The college also has a display hall, which exhibits beautiful traditional sculptures.

Tiger Cave
It is 4 kms north of the main monument complex. It was built as an open - air theatre, where cultural programmes were held during the Pallava period. Though it is very near the sea, the place is serene and calm.