Greenwoods Beach Resort

Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)


Surrounding a leafy, somewhat unkempt courtyard, this backpacker standby is definitely showing its age. Rooms are clean enough, but each is battered in its own way. The saving grace for some are the balconies – and the friendly staff. Despite the name, it's not on the beach.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) attractions

1. Shore Temple

0.23 MILES

Standing like a magnificent fist of rock-cut elegance overlooking the sea, surrounded by gardens and ruined courts, the two-towered Shore Temple…

3. Ganesh Ratha

0.29 MILES

Decorated with lion-shaped pillar bases, the Ganesh Ratha is carved from a single rock and was originally a Shiva shrine.

4. Arjuna’s Penance

0.29 MILES

The crowning masterpiece of Mamallapuram’s stonework, this giant relief carving is one of India's greatest ancient artworks. Inscribed on two huge,…

5. Trimurti Cave Temple

0.29 MILES

At the northern end of the Mamallapuram Hill compound, the Trimurti Cave Temple depicts the Hindu 'trinity' amid guardian figures: Brahma (left), Shiva …

6. Krishna's Butterball

0.3 MILES

You can't miss this enormous boulder (and favourite photo spot), balancing precariously on Mamallapuram Hill, right opposite the compound's northernmost…

8. Varaha Mandapa

0.31 MILES

Home to some of Mamallapuram's most brilliant carvings, the Varaha Mandapa depicts Vishnu's boar avatar, Varaha, lifting the earth out of the oceans (left…