Introduction

These mysterious caves are about 5-kilometer (3.12 miles) north of Mahabalipuram in the pretty coastal hamlet of Salurankuppam. Set by the sea amid dense casuarinas in a landscape of small hillocks and big boulders, the Tiger Caves are actually rock-cut temples built in an open-air theatre style to host cultural events during the Pallava period. The main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga, while the entrance to the cave has carved heads of an animal that resembles a tiger. Legend has it that the animal depicted is the mythological ‘Yali’, thus the name ‘Yali Mandapam’. The site receives avid birders in the early hours of the day and around sundown. Locals too like a picnic in its serene atmosphere with their families. Kids in particular enjoy the place because they can scramble up the hillocks and play around.

You can scale up the rock top which forms the roof of a rock-cut temple; otherwise the main shrine is below ground level and houses a Shivalingam, and a Nandi idol in one corner. From the top, take in a vista of the grey hillocks strewn on a bed of lush lawns, the tall swaying palms and the glistering waters of the Bay of Bengal in the background. The cave site is now under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), who has brought up in the enclosing space a lush lawn interspersed with palm trees and casuarinas among other variety of flora. There is a very diligent guard on the site who constantly keeps prompting visitors to not litter around and dump all garbage in the bin. Little wonder, this ASI site is immaculately clean and retains its natural beauty.

A trip to the Mahabalipuram beach can be conveniently clubbed with the Tiger Caves. You could spend the second half of the day on the beach and behold a breathtaking sunset over the sea. There is no entrance fee to the caves, but a car park fee of Rs 10, in addition to Rs 45 as toll fee for a round trip on the East Coast Road.

Special Attributes

The caves are set in a beautiful landscape.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Take a private taxi from Mahabalipuram.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Senior Citizens, History Lovers, Kids

Exposure

You will be under the open sky. It can get sultry in the afternoon, so carry along your sunshades, sunscreen lotion, and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Facilities

The famous Mahabalipuram Beach is close to the Tiger Caves.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

You are recommended to make a trip in the first half of the day.

Type of site

Rock-cut Cave Temples