Tiger Cave

Tiger Cave is a rock-cut temple complex located at Saluvankuppam, about 5 km north of Mahabalipuram in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. Situated near the Bay of Bengal, it features a large rock with carved shrines and a crown of sculpted yali heads resembling tigers. Attributed to the Pallava period in the 8th century CE, the unfinished complex is notable for its distinctive coastal setting, Pallava rock-cut architecture, and secluded beach surroundings.

Visitors can expect an open-air rock-cut complex centered on a large boulder with multiple small shrines and a row of carved yali (mythical lion-like) heads along its top. The site is set in a sandy, coastal landscape with palm trees and a quiet beach adjacent to the rocks. There is no enclosed cave to enter; exploration is around the rock formations, shrines, and open grounds with views of the Bay of Bengal.

Tiger Cave is a Pallava-era rock-cut complex dated to the 8th century CE. It consists of shrines cut into a large boulder and is believed to have been left unfinished. The yali frieze and shrine layout illustrate early Pallava rock-cut architectural style associated with the Mahabalipuram group of monuments.

The site represents Pallava rock-cut art and craftsmanship, noted for its yali motifs and coastal shrine design. It is part of the cultural landscape around Mahabalipuram and is visited for its architectural and sculptural heritage.