The exit road from the East Coast Road (ECR) joins East Raja Street, that runs right into the heart of Mahabs (as the town is popularly known), marked by the bus stand. The Shore Temple Road leads east from the bus stand to the Shore Temple and main Mahabalipuram Beach. The Perumal Temple, Krishna's Butterball and Arjuna's Penance are among a number of sights clustered along a short walk west of the bus stand. East Raja Street south of the bus stand becomes West Raja Street and leads to the ASI Museum, the Mahishasuramardini Cave, Shiva and Adivaraha temples, and further south to the sculptor's village and the Pancha Ratham. Resorts, guest houses, restaurants and curio shops are all north of the bus stand, on lanes leading east to the beach off East Raja Street, and are clustered around Othavadai Street and Othavadai Cross in particular. The big seaside resorts are further north from here, off the ECR. The Tamil Nadu Hotel and Tourist Office are in this stretch.

• Vehicle entry fee: Car Rs 25, bus Rs 50