The Five Rathas, also known as the Pancha Rathas or Pandava Rathas, are a group of monolithic rock-cut temples in Mahabalipuram, on the coast of Tamil Nadu in India. Each structure is carved out of a single granite boulder, and each is shaped like a chariot, which gives the site its name.
The temples belong to the Pallava period of the 7th century, and they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because they were cut from solid rock rather than built up from blocks, they show the sculptural side of early South Indian temple design. Visitors can walk among the five structures, which differ in size and form, and see how the carving follows the shape of the stone.
What to expect
- Five separate rock-cut temples, each carved from one granite boulder
- Chariot-like forms that reflect Pallava-era architecture
- An open-air site that suits a walking visit
The Five Rathas sit within Mahabalipuram itself, a small town whose other heritage monuments and carved rock formations are close by, so a visit here can easily be part of a longer day exploring the area. The town's seafront and its sculpture workshops also give visitors a sense of its surroundings.
Planning a visit
The site is at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India. For questions before you go, you can call +91-44-27442226. Plan to set aside enough time to walk around each of the five temples at an unhurried pace, and check conditions locally before you travel.
