What to expect
Pallavaram Cave Temple
An early 7th-century rock-cut cave temple on the Pallavaram hill attributed to Mahendravarman I, one of the oldest excavated shrines of the Pallava dynasty. Pallavaram is also a landmark in prehistory: Robert Bruce Foote found Palaeolithic 'Madras handaxe' tools here in 1863.
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Pallavaram Cave Temple
Place
Practical guide
Plan Pallavaram Cave Temple
Typecave
Nearest basePallavaram
Best timeOctober to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta
Time neededAbout an hour
EntryFree
Nearest town/basePallavaram
DistrictChengalpattu
Place typecave
Time neededAbout an hour.
An early 7th-century rock-cut cave temple on the Pallavaram hill attributed to Mahendravarman I, one of the oldest excavated shrines of the Pallava dynasty. Pallavaram is also a landmark in prehistory: Robert Bruce Foote found Palaeolithic 'Madras handaxe' tools here in 1863.
Pallavaram Cave Temple is planned from Pallavaram, one of the travel bases in Chengalpattu district. Use Pallavaram for stays, food and local transport, then plan this place as a focused stop.
Visiting
Pallavaram Cave Temple — at a glance
TimingsOpen sunrise to sunset
Best timeNovember to February; early morning
Entry: Free
Getting there: On Pallavaram hill; Pallavaram is a Chennai suburban railway stop on GST Road, about 8 km from Chennai airport
Wear sturdy shoes for the short rocky climb.
Getting there
How to visit
- Base yourself in Pallavaram or nearby in Chengalpattu, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel.
- If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
Distance by road
- Chennai55 km
- Kanchipuram65 km
- Puducherry95 km
- Chengalpattu (town)30 km
- Vellore130 km
Road km to Chengalpattu; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
Weather in Pallavaram Cave TempleSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Pallavaram Cave Temple is
Good to know
Pallavaram Cave Temple — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Pallavaram Cave Temple?
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
What are the entry fee and timings at Pallavaram Cave Temple?
Entry: Free. Timings: Open sunrise to sunset. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Pallavaram Cave Temple?
Base yourself in Pallavaram or nearby in Chengalpattu, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel. If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
How much time do I need for Pallavaram Cave Temple?
About an hour.
What else is near Pallavaram Cave Temple?
Nearby you can pair Thiruneermalai Ranganathar Temple (3.3 km), Chitlapakkam Lake (4.8 km), DakshinaChitra (18.9 km), Muttukadu Boat House (20.5 km).
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