Playing truant is always fun. I am sure most of us have played this game of disappearing from classes or office or functions whenever it suited us. It is a sense of adventure and free will that you feel when you do this and boy! Do they leave some memories for you to cherish later. Well, I played truant during my Golden Chariot trip where I used my lunch break in Mahabalipuram to rush over and see this magnificent rock-cut caves – The Tiger Caves.
I had known of these caves earlier too and had missed out on them during my earlier trips. Having checked the google maps, I realized that they were just 5 kilometers from town’s center. Given that, I spoke to the tour manager about using my lunch break to rush over to the Tiger caves and exploring it. With a promise to be back on time (as you can see, I am responsible truant), I along with 2 of my fellow bloggers – Abhinav and Swati hopped into an autorickshaw to find this lesser-visited Tiger Caves in Mahabalipuram.
Contents
Discovering the Tiger Caves
The Tiger Caves are fairly well known to the local people and getting here was not tough at all. However, this is now used more as a picnic spot and that explains the lack of crowd here on a weekday. As we entered, we could see the back of the sandstone caves. As soon as we reached the front, the only word that escaped from all our mouths was “Wow”.
The entire mouth of the cave was carved with ornate tigers. Later as we queried our Golden Chariot guide, he explained that these were not just tigers but possibly mythological creatures called Yeli. It is as if the whole cave was showcasing the different profiles of the tiger – right to left to front of his face.Each detail of these tigers is just stunning – the eyes, the canines that jut out, the ferocious look.
Carved within this entrance were steps that lead to a small pavilion of sorts. This pavilion as you can see, had 2 guardian lions on either side. Within this chamber is a weathered sculpture, none of the details clear for me to identify.
The steps themselves, had tigers along its sides. Besides the central grove, you can even spot two empty chambers – one on either side. There were no carvings or inscriptions within.
Once I got attuned to the grandeur of this main section, my eyes traveled along to the left side of the cave. Quite unlike the main cave, here you had elephant faces carved. Just above each elephant head, note the small chamber and the deity carved within. I identified these as carvings of Shiva and Parvati but then, that is my interpretation of the same.
Significance of the Tiger Caves
The tiger caves are dated back to the 7th or 8th century AD. The Pallava dynasty is the ones associated with it. As per my Golden Chariot guide, these caves were a place where the Pallava kings addressed their audience. According to him, the central chamber was where the kings might have sat while the rest of the courtiers and audience surrounded the place. He also, said that this was also, possibly a place where various festivals were held and different artists performed for the king.
To me, this definitely sound like that could be the case. I did march up the stairs to sit and take a photograph and I admit, I did feel very Queen-like 😉
The Subramanya Temple within the campus
Within the sprawling land of the Tiger caves are the ruins of a small temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya (Lord Shiva). The temple was undiscovered till 2005 when some inscriptions on the Tiger Cave led to it. The temple is in a dilapidated state but is quite mysterious.
A small Nandi lies in front of the temple. Close to it is a small bas-relief with a carving of a deity on a tiger attacking demons. I think this is Goddess Durga (an avatar of Parvati) attacking the demon Mahishasura. Again without a guide, this is my best guess and I am keen to know if you agree with the same.
The main temple has a black Shiva Linga. Around the sanctum are carved the guardians or the Dwarapalikas. If you look carefully along the walls, there are small sculptures of Lord Shiva – quite similar to the ones that I observed over the elephant heads of the main Tiger caves. This definitely gives me confidence about my interpretation that this entire structure was dedicated to Lord Shiva.
There isn’t much left other than these structures but the mere presence of it is what makes this whole monument quite mysterious. And then, there is this huge rock that towers between the Tiger Caves and temple that does seem to be there by design. I sure would love to know what went here and what other secrets these caves hold.
Time was short as I had promised our tour guide to be back in time for our next adventure in Mahabalipuram. I would have loved to visit the sea that I could hear roaring behind the Tiger Caves but for now, this was where it had to end. We left with the beautiful images of the mighty Tiger Caves. The Golden Chariot team ensured that we had not missed our lunch but even if we had, I think, we would not have minded it for we had explored one of Mahabalipuram’s secret – the Tiger Caves. Let me know if you too, would have given up your lunch to visit this offbeat cave, which I believe is one of the key things to see in Mahabalipuram.
Getting here:
- On how to get to Mahabalipuram, you can refer my earlier post here
- The Tiger caves is just 5 kms from the city center on the Chennai- ECR road. You can visit this while you are coming into Mahabalipuram from Chennai.
- Alternatively, you can take an autorickshaw from the city center to reach this place. The auto driver will charge you around INR 200-300 for a journey to and from these caves. This includes the waiting time at the Caves.
Travel Tips:
- There are no entrance fees or photography fees for this monument
- Please be respectful and remove your shoes at the Subramanya temple
- There is no restriction at the Tiger caves but in order to protect the caves, I would request you all to not damage the sculptures by inscribing on it.
- There are no restaurants or restrooms available near the Tiger Caves.
- Please carry enough drinking water while you head here.
- While the Tiger Caves are not a part of the Golden Chariot itinerary, you can always go on your own. This is of course, subject to the free time you might have during your lunch. Please check with your tour manager on the same.
P.S: I was invited by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation to experience the Golden Chariot tour.
Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.
I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.
Wow. the tiger cave looks amazing… I have never seen such craftwork anywhere in India. Great Post Ami
Thank you Jatin. This one was an amazing find.
Wow! Never heard of this place before but glad that I got something unknown to look out for when I visit Chennai next time. The prehistoric architecture is quite intriguing indeed.
Thank you . This place is off the whole regular trail of Mahabalipuram and hence, you might have missed it. Definitely go there the next time you head to Mahabalipuram
Super awesome shots, loved reading this.
Thank you Jyotirmoy.
These caves are beautifully.
Thank you
These Caves are beautifully carved and same is so evident for pictures above.
The tiger cave is beautiful. Rightly said “:showcasing the different profiles of the tiger”…amazing photography.
Thank you Trayee. Glad you also felt the same way.
I knew Mahabalipuram as a city of temples . Very beautiful sites are there to visit and off course very ancient . Your post is tellin everything about it . Thank you very much for sharing .
Thank you Yogen
The caves are truly awe inspiring.
They sure are Indu. Thanks for dropping by
Truly Amazing. Awesome pics.
Thank you
Wow, those tigers surely look majestic,this is lesser visited place for sure, I missed it in my visit
It is off the regular circuit and thus, not often visited. You should try it the next time.
This seems the most artistic and ancient posh cave I’ve read online. Amazing hand carvings!
Thank you Blair. I too agree with you.
I too had missed the tiger caves when I had been to Mahabalipuram but your post has now given me a reason to go back to this old quaint town and witness something new! 🙂 Lovely clicks Ami.
Thank you Varsha. Hope you manage a visit soon.
I always knew Mahabalipuram has lots of temples but never knew there are Tiger caves too. The architecture of the place really looks cool and the tiger carvings are really awesome. I loved your clicks and the way you have described every bit of Tiger Caves in this post. Would Love to explore them someday.
Thank you Suruchi. Mahabalipuram has so much and each time I go there I discover more!
It looks amazing! I’m always stunned by carving but this one is really pretty. It is art! Beautiful pictures 🙂
Thank you Miriam.
You guys were naughty being truant, but the side trip was worth it. The Tiger Caves are both beautiful and intriguing. Their age is astounding. So much detail is still preserved in the carvings. It inspires the imagination to think of all the things that happened here over all that time.
We did take permission 😉 but it was fun nonetheless to stray off their schedule. And this one was so worth it. Thanks for stopping by guys.
Beautiful caves — they almost look like you could touch them and they’d disintegrate like sand castles. You really do look like a queen on the throne too, all you need are some tiger cubs 😀 I love that it’s free to enter. Adding to my list of someday-to-do 🙂
Thank you Chantae. The place did make me feel royal 😀
One hidden gem!
Looks gorgeous with its golden hue, I think you got the light right. My pictures aren’t so yellow.
Time to visit again.
The light was a little harsh and it took me a lot of pics before I got the angle right. Thankfully managed it well. :D.
I would probably give up lunch if I had to chose between eating or visiting a secret place. The story of the rocks is quite interesting and the fact that they are not really tigers but a mythological creature. They looks like dragons to me.
🙂 A cross maybe – of tigers and dragons? Thanks for stopping by Joanna.
It always amazing me to see things still standing from so long ago. The carvings are beautiful.
Yes, these ancient sites are just amazing – for their art and the fact that they are still standing. Thanks for stopping by Heather.
This is a fascinating place. The stone carvings are quite intricate which makes the whole structure quite beautiful. Nice find and a cool place to visit.
Thank you Tamshuk.
This looks awesome! I’m definitely adding this to the old bookmarks list!
Glad you have added to your travel list. thanks for stopping by Christopher.
The Tiger caves really look incredible. it is indeed a roaring secret, need to explore this as you have let out of the secret. Playing truant–brought make memories of college 🙂
Am sure it reminded you of college. For me, I think I never grew up. Thanks for stopping by.
Mahabalipuram is indeed full of wonderful historical monuments. No wonder most of them are UNESCO world heritage as well. Tiger caves are as intricate and marvellous as rest of the cave temples, carvings and monuments in Mahabalipuram. And the history behind them is equally interesting
The history is what makes these sites even more fascinating. Cheers
Mahabalipuram is a sheer marvel in itself. The place takes you back in time and it is simply amazing to see the stone sculptures perched across the town. Loved the architecture of the caves. My favourite in Mahabalipuram were the Pancha Rathas 🙂
True, the Pancha Rathas will always be my all time favorite. 🙂
Wow, I didn’t even know this existed! I love finding new places to add to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing This!
Leah
And this one was a guarded one that I just revealed. 🙂
Those caves are remarkable. There’s so much detail and story in each carving. I would also skip lunch just like you did just to explore places like these especially if I have limited time too.
Ha ha, glad to know that you too would have done what we did. It was so worth it. Thanks for dropping by
We call it playing hooky here in the US and it’s the best! Looks like you had a great time on your “sick day” haha. I think I might call in to my work tomorrow – and go for a hike instead :).
Not exactly a sick day but a fun experience anyway.
Glad you managed to visit Tiger Caves. There are so many hidden gems around Mahabalipuram where hardly anyone visits! I got my pre-wedding shoot done in one where there was none except us! Mahabs is so so awesome! The Pallava gift to us!
Indeed a gift for us. And a pre-wedding shoot here sounds just perfect.
There’s so much going on in India, every time I read about it I find something new to explore. It is hard to imagine how royalty would be sat in these Tiger Caves back in 7-8AD isn’t it!
Yep, they are quite ancient. And amazing too.
Ah, missed these caves. Learning about the significance and history of the caves in the Pallava dynasty was fascinating. Makes me want to read more about their reign!
Not in the usual circuit and hence a lot of people miss it. I loved finding these. Thanks for stopping by
This looks so stunning and mysterious. I love the relief and how intricate it was. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Micki
You do look like a queen around the tiger caves 🙂 And also thank you for sharing a new word with me: truant. I had to search it first thing! I’m so jealous that you’re in India, it seems to be filled with a lifetime of adventures!
Thank you. India does have a lot of wonders that are fun to discover. Hope you get here soon.
Great post 🙂 these tiger caves look amazing 🙂 we’re currently in India and these look like a new must see on our list. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Oh you should club this with some more of the South Indian places. You will love it all.
Good coverage of an often overlooked part of Stone art in Mahabalipuram.
Thank you Jayant