Krishna's Butterball is a gigantic natural granite boulder, roughly five metres across and estimated at hundreds of tonnes, that perches on a smooth sloping rock on the Mamallapuram hill yet has never rolled away. Its Tamil name, Vaan Irai Kal, translates roughly as the stone of the sky god, and it sits amid the Pallava monuments that make up the UNESCO ensemble.
Krishna's Butterball is a gigantic natural granite boulder, roughly five metres across and estimated at hundreds of tonnes, that perches on a smooth sloping rock on the Mamallapuram hill yet has never rolled away. Its Tamil name, Vaan Irai Kal, translates roughly as the stone of the sky god, and it sits amid the Pallava monuments that make up the UNESCO ensemble.
By tradition the boulder is a dollop of butter dropped by the child-god Krishna, famous in legend for stealing butter, which gives the rock its popular English name. Whatever its origin, its gravity-defying balance has made it one of Mamallapuram's most photographed and best-loved sights.
Entry: Free to visit, as it stands in an open area of the monument hill (indicative)
Getting there: From Chennai, drive the East Coast Road (ECR) roughly 55-60 km south to Mamallapuram by taxi, app cab, or bus in about 1.5-2 hours; the boulder is a short walk uphill from the town centre (indicative)
Approach from the uphill side for the classic photo of the boulder seeming to defy gravity; the shaded rock below is a popular rest spot.
Road km to Chengalpattu; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Visit in the cooler months from about November to February, and in the morning or late afternoon for gentle light and comfortable temperatures.
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Visit in the cooler months from about November to February, and in the morning or late afternoon for gentle light and comfortable temperatures.
Entry: Free to visit, as it stands in an open area of the monument hill (indicative). Timings: Accessible through daylight hours (indicative). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
Walk up from the town centre and circle the boulder to find the angle where it looks most precarious. Combine it with Arjuna's Penance and the hilltop mandapas and lighthouse on one easy loop. Take your photographs, then rest in the shade the rock casts through much of the day.
About 15 to 30 minutes is enough for photographs and a short rest in the shade.
Nearby you can pair Ganesha Ratha (80 m), Arjuna's Penance (280 m), Mahabalipuram Lighthouse (430 m), Shore Temple (740 m).
The smooth sloping rock around the boulder can be slippery underfoot, so wear grippy shoes and supervise children closely.
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