Welcome to the new Incredible India Digital Portal! While we are continuously updating and improving the site, we would love to hear your suggestions for features or content you'd like to see. Please share your feedback at info.mot@gov.in.

Tiger Cave rock, ancient temple in Mahabalipuram, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Tamil Nadu

Tiger Cave

View of the Tiger Cave which is a rock-cut Hindu temple complex in Mahabalipuram, India
ET0CCM Tiger headed cave in Mahabalipuram Mamallapuram ; Tamil Nadu ; India
Tiger Cave rock, ancient temple in Mahabalipuram, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India
View of the Tiger Cave which is a rock-cut Hindu temple complex in Mahabalipuram, India
ET0CCM Tiger headed cave in Mahabalipuram Mamallapuram ; Tamil Nadu ; India
map

January

NA

February

NA

March

NA

April

NA

May

NA

June

NA

July

NA

August

NA

September

NA

October

NA

November

NA

December

NA


Major Airports :

Chennai International Airport (MAA), Chennai

Nearest Railway Station :

Chengalpattu Junction Railway Station (CGL)

Major Airports :

Chennai International Airport (MAA), Chennai

Behold a crown of tigers

Welcome to Tiger Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mamallapuram. It’s a set of temple caves with intricate carvings and sculptures carved from solid rock. A testament to the unrivalled craftsmanship of the Pallava dynasty, these caves are named after the crown of carved heads of what look like tigers. Some believe that the carved animal is the mythological Yali instead, which is why the spot is also called Yali Mandapam. Prepare to be mesmerised as you wander through this realm of ancient beauty and indulge your curiosity for an unforgettable experience.

The fierce seat of a king

As you stroll through the caves, you will discover a pavilion surrounded by a rock-cut sculpture of eleven tiger heads. It is said to symbolise a king’s seat, making it one of the main attractions of this site. Continue your exploration and witness the ingenuity of ancient craftsmen who created this exemplar of Dravidian architecture. Go further, and you will discover a spot strewn with huge rocks and sandy shores that attract a variety of birds. This place provides a picturesque backdrop, making it a popular destination for picnics.

A place reminiscent of an open theatre

There is a contemporary flair to the caves because of its unique architecture, which is reminiscent of an open theatre. You can picture the historical ambience and beauty of intricate carvings serving as a backdrop for the cultural events hosted here. 

Tiger Caves is also home to a few myths that add a touch of mysticism to your experience. It is believed that the caves were a centre of learning and scholarship during the time of the Pallava dynasty, making it a significant attraction for history buffs.


in.gov.incredibleindia.core.models.impl.ImageUtilModelImpl@62c71819
Timings

Opening time - 07:00 AM

Closing time - 07:00 PM

Explore beyond the caves

While visiting Tiger Caves, you can enrich your experience by visiting other amazing attractions nearby. Step into a world of myths at the Krishna Mandapam, where you will discover the enchanting tales of Lord Krishna carved in rock. Another wonder nearby is Arjuna's Penance, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see the majestic Descent of the Ganga carved on monolithic boulders and Arjun performing penance while praying to Lord Shiva.

Next, you can pay a visit to Krishna's Butter Ball, an immense granite boulder defying gravity with its precarious balance! This 16-feet-high boulder, one of the most popular tourist sites in Mamallapuram, is said to have been in the same position for over 1200 years. Afterwards, you must get a glimpse of the fascinating carvings at Pancha Pandava Mandapam. This ancient cave temple was crafted between the 7th and 8th centuries and is another example of the Pallava dynasty’s architectural ingenuity.

Tiger Caves are an ancient wonder brimming with fascinating history and amazing craftsmanship and should be a must-visit attraction on your itinerary.

Explore

Experiences