Head off the main track down to the beach and you'll be met and chased by the locals

Only 15km from Mamallipuram, the roads are empty except for the odd lorry.

At this center about 5000 crocodiles of 6 different species are being reared. There is also a snake farm where anti venom is produced. This center is one of the most successful reptile breeding centers in India.

After a hearty breakfast at the now regular Moonrakers, we set off towards Crocodile Bank on our newly acquired bikes

On the way to the temples, you can hear and see the master craftsmen at work

Krishna's Butterball

One of India's most celebrated sculptures portrays the eight armed goddess Durga the "crusher", accompanied by dwarfs in battle with the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

The Five Ratha : These monolothic rock-cut temples are shaped in different styles and rated as excellent examples of Pallava art. Named after the Pandava brothers of Mahabharatha and Draupadi, four of these temples have been scooped out of one single rock.

Excavation indicates the site was sacred long before the Pallavas (ruled India 5-8th century) built the temple.

The magnificent Shore Temple - built in the 8th century and South India's eariest stone built temple.

On the Bay of Bengal and south of Madras, Mamallipuram was a busy 8th Century port and is now a magnet for travellers, it has miles of unspoilt beaches and has been declared a World Heritage Site for its extensive rock art.