Arjuna's Penance The bus journey from Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram was 3 hours long including a lunch stop for 30 mins. We had Sambhar Sadam for lunch. That seemed like the best available option there.   We were dropped off at the bypass road. There is a stupa of sculpture at this junction that welcomes you to the town. The moment I got off, the town gave me a good feeling. The place appeared simple - less crowded and without much traffic and tourists.   On our way, we stopped at Mukund Nayanar temple. It is well maintained. The shiva carving behind the Shiva linga was impressive.