Trifter

Tiger’s Cave is a place where you can find rock cut temples and sculptures but not tigers or caves. J

Tiger’s Cave is located in a village named Saluvankuppam, which is around 5 km from Mamallapuram towards the direction to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. You can reach this place easily either from Chennai or Mamallapuram, as this is located on East Coast Road (ECR), the road that connects Chennai and Mamallapuram. The distance of Tiger’s Cave from Chennai is approximately 52 kms.

Tiger’s Cave is a perfect picnic spot for Chennai people. You can laze around, climb small rocks and enjoy a breath of fresh air over here. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and art lovers. If you visit Mamallapuram to see the popular Pallava sculptures belonging to 7th century AD, ensure that you visit Tiger’s Cave too.

Tiger’s Cave has got its name from a cave set apart among the rocks with a crown of carved tiger heads around the temple. In fact, it is a misnomer as you cannot find tiger’s figures but massive Yazhis (a mythological animal). You cannot find any deity in this temple which is believed to be dedicated to the goddess Durga. There are large and impressive figures located in front of the caves. The rock has carvings which tell some events related to the goddess Durga, and hence it is believed to be a temple of Durga. It is photographer’s delight to climb up this rock and pose for photographs.

This rock cut temple belongs to the period between 7th century AD and 9th century AD. This can be considered as one among the sculptures and temples in Mamallapuram build by Pallava kings Narasimhavarman and Rajasimhavarman. The complex also houses a rock cut Shiva temple and an ancient Muruga temple unearthed by Tsunami in 2004 AD. Another attraction of the place is calm, serene and neat beach. The complex, which is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India, is dotted by palm, casuarinas and other trees.

If you do not visit this place, you are certainly missing something.