Krishna's Butter Ball, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

The legend told is that baby Krishna was fond of stealing butter and the gods dropped a giant dollop of butter for the baby. The actual name of the stone is “Vaan Irai Kal,” which translates to “Sky God’s Stone"; but the monolith may be more of a remanent created by glaciers. No human power has been able to budge this stone though many have tried. Seen in the picture are local goats who seek shade under the rock from the hot, scorching sun.

Arjuna’s penance (Descent of the Ganges), Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Arjuna’s penance or Descent of the Ganges is an Indian rock sculpture which is not seen anywhere in India. Located in Mamallapuram and created during the Pallava era, the rock is carved on two monolithic stones and tells a story of the descent of the Ganges River, which is believed to possess supernatural powers, to Earth from the Heavens led by Bhagiratha.

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

The Shore Temple (built in 700–728 AD) is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal and one of the oldest structural stone temples of India. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite dating from the 8th century AD. During the time of its construction, Mahabalipuram was a busy port under the reign of Narasimhavarman of the Pallava Dynasty.