TIGER CAVE

Situated far from the constraints of the city, the Tiger Cave is an excellent place for people to relax after completing a 5 km trek from Mahabalipuram. The cave consists of a crown made up of the heads of eleven tiger-like creatures called ‘yeli’ (a crossbreed of a lion and tiger).

There is also a Goddess Durga carved on the top of these heads. Like most of the other Mahabalipuram monuments, this too was built by the Pallavas in the eighth century on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Today, the site is a famous picnic spot and is managed under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104. 

Entry-Fee: No entry fee is required. Parking will cost INR 10. 

Timing: 7 am to 7 pm.

Best time to visit: November to February is recommended for the pleasant and comfortable weather. Months between June and September are not recommended due to high temperatures and heavy rainfall.