When to go
- Time of day
- Open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Historical PlaceRock-cut cave temple
Tiger Cave
Rock-cut pavilion ringed by eleven carved tiger or yali heads near Mamallapuram
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01 — The story
The story
Tiger Cave is a group of rock-cut temple caves near Mamallapuram, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It takes its name from the crown of carved animal heads, which look like tigers, though some identify the creature as the mythical yali and call the spot Yali Mandapam.
The main feature is a pavilion framed by eleven tiger heads, said to represent a royal seat; its open layout resembles a theatre. Local belief holds that the caves served as a place of learning under the Pallavas. Beyond them lies a stretch of large rocks and sandy shore that draws birds and is used for picnics.
Unmapia
02 — About
About Tiger Cave
Coming soon
We’re still writing about Tiger Cave: its history, what’s there and why it’s worth the trip.
03 — Plan your visit
Plan your visit
On the ground
- Access
- Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA), Chennai.; Nearest railway station: Chengalpattu Junction Railway Station (CGL).
Where it is
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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01 — More in Chengalpattu
