What to expect
Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur
One of the earliest Pallava rock-cut cave temples, excavated by King Mahendravarman I in the early 7th century, pre-dating the monuments of Mamallapuram. A Sanskrit foundation inscription records that it was made without brick, timber, metal, mortar or stucco. It is a protected Archaeological Survey of India monument, with Jain rock beds cut into the hill above the Shiva cave.
Practical guide
Plan Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur
Typeheritage
Nearest baseDalavanur
Best timeOctober to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta
Time neededAbout an hour
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseDalavanur
DistrictViluppuram
Place typeheritage
Time neededAbout an hour.
One of the earliest Pallava rock-cut cave temples, excavated by King Mahendravarman I in the early 7th century, pre-dating the monuments of Mamallapuram. A Sanskrit foundation inscription records that it was made without brick, timber, metal, mortar or stucco. It is a protected Archaeological Survey of India monument, with Jain rock beds cut into the hill above the Shiva cave.
Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur is planned from Dalavanur, one of the travel bases in Viluppuram district. Use Dalavanur for stays, food and local transport, then plan this place as a focused stop.
Visiting
Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur — at a glance
TimingsDaylight hours (roughly 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Best timeOctober to March
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur
About 15 km south of Gingee town; nearest railway Villupuram Junction (~30 km); nearest airport Puducherry (~60 km) or Chennai MAA (~150 km)
A protected ASI site; carry water as facilities are limited.
Getting there
How to visit
- Base yourself in Dalavanur or nearby in Viluppuram, 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.
Timing
Best time
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
Weather in Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, DalavanurSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur is
Photos
Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur in pictures
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Good to know
Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur?
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
What are the entry fee and timings at Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur?
Entry: Free. Timings: Daylight hours (roughly 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur?
Base yourself in Dalavanur or nearby in Viluppuram, 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 Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur?
About an hour.
What else is near Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur?
Nearby you can pair Alagiya Narasimha Perumal Temple, Ennayiram (3.0 km), Mandagapattu Cave Temple (Trimurti Temple) (5.4 km), Veedur Dam (12.3 km), Raja Desingh Memorial, Gingee (13.4 km).
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Image credits
- Satrumalleswaram Rock-Cut Cave Temple, Dalavanur:TNSE NEETHI VPM, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0