Kanheri caves were built over 1,000 years

Place: Kanheri Caves, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai

Location: 19.2059° N, 72.9069° E

When to visit: The best time to visit the Kanheri Caves is early in the morning, before the crowds arrive. The caves are open from 9 am to 5:30 pm. Indians, SAARC and BIMSTEC tourists is Rs 15 per head whereas foreign tourists have to pay Rs 200 an entry fee.

Things to keep in mind: Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Bring water and snacks, as there are no food or drink vendors inside the caves. Be respectful. Do not touch the sculptures or paintings and enjoy the beauty of the caves.

The Kanheri Caves are a group of 109 caves located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, on the western outskirts of Mumbai, India. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Buddhist cave complexes in India.

The caves were built over 1,000 years, from the 1st century BCE to the 10th century CE. The earliest caves were simple living quarters for monks, while the later caves were more elaborate, with chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monastic cells). The caves contain a wealth of Buddhist art and architecture, including sculptures, reliefs, and paintings.

Significance of the caves

The Kanheri Caves are significant for their historical, religious, and artistic value. They are a major tourist attraction and a popular spot for picnics and hiking. The caves are carved out of a massive basalt outcrop, and are arranged in a series of terraces, rising the side of the hill. The caves are of different sizes and shapes, depending on their function. The chaityas are the largest caves and have a long hall with a semi-circular end, lined with pillars.

The viharas are smaller caves and have a square or rectangular plan, with a central courtyard. The caves are decorated with sculptures, reliefs, and paintings. The sculptures depict Buddhist deities, such as Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Hindu gods and goddesses. The reliefs depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and history. The paintings are in a variety of styles, including murals, frescoes, and tempera paintings.

Who built them?

The Kanheri Caves were built by Buddhist monks as a place of worship and meditation. They were also a major centre of learning, where monks studied Buddhist philosophy and literature. The caves were abandoned in the 11th century, but they were rediscovered in the 19th century.

There are many reasons to visit the Kanheri Caves. They are a fascinating example of Buddhist art and architecture, and they offer a glimpse into the history and culture of India. The caves are also a beautiful and serene place to visit, and they are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.

Lesser-known facts

·         The name Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri, which means Black Mountain.

·         The caves are spread over an area of about 1.5 square km.

·         The earliest caves were built in the 1st century BCE, while the latest caves were built in the 10th century CE.

·         The caves are home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and snakes.

·         The caves were built using a technique called “rock-cut architecture”. This technique involves carving the caves out of a solid rock face.

·         The caves are home to several inscriptions, which provide information about the history of the caves and the people who built them.

·         The caves were abandoned in the 11th century, but they were rediscovered in the 19th century.