On the outskirts of Mamallapuram, 4 kms to the north is the unfinished Tiger Cave originally meant to be the stage of an open-air ampitheatre. Set amidst a casurina grove, the stage is bordered by exquisitely sculpted tiger heads.

Tirukkalikundram, 14 kms from Mamallapuram is a popular pilgrim centre. On the Vedagiri Hill rests a spectacular temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the two eagles from Varanasi fly to the temple every noon to be fed by the priest and resume their flight to Rameswaram, At the base of the hill are the village and the spacious temple complex with massive gopurams.

The glorious city of Kancheepuram is one of the seven sacred pilgrim centres of the Hindus. Being as it was the capital city of the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagar dynasties it has seen the rise and fall of many a kingdom, and once boasted of a 1000 celebrated temples that enhanced the landscape. Today, unfortunately only 125 temples remain. The worship of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva is the unique feature of this temple town.

Legend has it that Goddess Parvathi; the wife of Lord Shiva tied a blindfold around his eyes in good spirit and was punished for it, After days of penance Lord Shiva pardoned her at the place where the Kamakshi Temple stands. A glorious golden gopuram crowns this splendid temple. The colourful Car Festival is held here in February or March.

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