Mamallapuram(Tamil: மாமல்லபுரம்), also known as Mahabalipuram, is a historic town located on a narrow strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake in the southeastern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Renowned for its ancient temples and monuments, the town was developed during the 7th and 8th centuries by the Pallava dynasty. Among its most famous landmarks is the Shore Temple, which features three intricately designed granite shrines. Another iconic site is Krishna’s Butter Ball, a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple.

The town, which is part of the Chengalpattu district, is also recognized for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. These structures are significant examples of early Dravidian architecture. Once known as Thirukadalmallai, Mamallapuram is now a satellite town of Chennai, situated within the Chennai Metropolitan Area. It is a popular tourist destination and an important cultural hub, attracting visitors from around the world.