• Thirukadalmallai, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was also built by Pallava King in order to safeguard the sculptures from the ocean. It is told that after building this temple, the remaining architecture was preserved and was not corroded by sea.

• Shore Temple. The temple is carved from a single piece of stone and has stood for more than 1400 years. Entry US $5 for foreigners (there is a lower price for Indians), also includes entry to the Pancha Pandava Rathas.

• Pancha Pandava Rathas - five "rathas", literally chariots, dating from the 7th century. The sculptures are complemented by some enormous stone animals, including a large elephant.

• Arjuna's Penance - a giant bas-relief filled with detailed carvings, including a family of elephants and monkeys. Nearby is Krishna Madapa, another bas-relief.

• Varaha Cave has four impressive carvings of Vishnu, Gakalakshmi, Trivikama and Durga.

• Mahishamardini Cave. The central carving is of Shiva and Parvati and Murugan

• Krishna's Butterball a giant natural rock perched on a hillside. It provides welcome shade if you dare to sit underneath it!

• The Sculpture Museum, East Raja Street has sculptures.

• Old and new light houses provide views across the area to the sea. There are several unfinished temples nearby, and the December 2004 tsunami exposed more previously submerged temples.

Local guides, who speak multiple languages, are available for around Rs 200 (as of 2008-06-23) and will take visitors to the most of the attractions mentioned above.

Buses arrive in the centre of the town from either Koyembedu or Tiruvanmiyur (in Chennai) and Kanchipuram. You can also catch the bus from Pondicherry.

A taxi from Chennai will cost Rs. 600-800 (USD 15 to 20) though the rates are likely to be higher based on the season, cab operator. Visitors outside Chennai, even Indian nationals and most definitely from Overseas are likely to be asked for higher rates. Please negotiate the cab fares at the beginning of the journey and remain firm if the operator asks for more.

The drive from Chennai on the East coast road is a wonderful experience. It is one of the few toll roads in India and maintained well. Also, it runs parallel to the coast of Bay of Bengal making it a scenic driveway. (Note: The area around Mamallapuram was devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami: you will see shanty-towns built for affected fishermen and much of the greenery has been swept away.)

There is entrance ticket if we want to visit the historical place Rs.10 for Indian citizens and Rs.250 (approx USD 7) for visitors.

It's easy to get around the town on foot, though bike rental is also available.

• Stone sculptures made by local artists. You can see them on their work (and also learn it yourself, see #Learn). You can save a lot of money if you buy sculptures in small side roads and not in the main road.

There are lots of food stands in the centre serving large portions for next-to-nothing price. Clustered around Othavadai Street and Othavadai Cross are restaurants catering primarily to tourists (e.g., Moonrakers, Tina Blue Lodge, and Village Inn) which serve generally undistinguished Western food. Your best bet is often fresh grilled fish (which you can usually select yourself) served with french fries or salad.

• Mamalla Bhavan - Shore Temple Road (near Raja Street). Cheap, very good, popular veg thali (unlimited vegetables and curries, fixed rice and roti/bread) joint. Rs 27 to Rs 35 (lunch thali as of 2008-06-23).
• Moonrakers Restaurant.
• Nautilus - Othavadai Cross. Popular with foreign tourists, this French-owned cafe features credible Western food, a decent cup of coffee, a competent and friendly waitstaff, and a library stocked with Tintin and Asterix volumes. Rs 50-200.
• The Golden Palett - At Hotel Mammalla Heritage, 104, East Raja Street, serves excellent Indian vegetarian food!
• Surf - Surf provides a wide variety of food for all sea-food lovers. This restaurant is at the enterance of the town. If you are not the greatest fan of sea-food, then you will find this restaurant over priced. If you are really hungry, then Surf is not a good place to eat. The service is really late and you will receive your order just before you are about to starve down.
• Gecko Cafe - Othavadai Cross. family-run,fast, friendly and clean. features indian veg and non veg food as well as freshest seafood, offers an nice lake view for bird watching and has a relaxed atmosphere, very helpful waiter and cook
• the new cafe, No:6,Ottavadai Cross Street. friendly people, very good music and healthy breakfast and variety of sea food .specialty in (bar - b -q )indian currys and pastas,  edit

• Mamallapuram is famous for its coconut water.
• Many restaurants serves beer though it may not be on the menu.