A Quick Travel Guide To The Mystical Beauty Of Kanheri Caves

In India, Kanheri Caves are among the earliest cave temples which are situated within the forest of Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivali in Mumbai.

The Kanheri Caves present the Buddhist influence on the culture and art of India which was constructed between the first century BCE and 10^th century CE, the ancient caves were carved out during the same period as Ajanta. During the monsoon, the caves were used by monks as residences and for congregational prayers.

Thus, the group of caves holds different rock-cut monuments made out of basalt rock in the forest from the ancient period. Due to the rock-cut edifices and the amusing flora and fauna of the national park, Kanheri Caves is one of the renowned lures across the city of dreams, Mumbai. 

In addition, the Kanheri Caves used to be a Buddhist Monastery where you can witness different paintings and statues of Buddha. It is also a point of worship. To arrive at the caves, one should need to trek through lush green forests. Kanheri Caves also have different waterfalls and streams. 

Location 

On the outskirts of Mumbai, Kanheri Caves is situated, in the capital of Maharashtra. Around the western direction is Borivli railway station and around the creek is the Arabian Sea.

The Kanheri caves are positioned in the lush green forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and at a distance of approximately 6 km from the entrance gate and close 7 km from Borivali Station. 

Climatic Conditions 

In the Konkan region, the popular weather is rainfall, the Konkan belt experiences High Rainfall and the climate remains Humid and warm. The temperature rises to 30 degrees Celsius throughout this season.

Summers are humid and hot, and the temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius. In addition, in Konkan, winter is a moderately milder climate, and the weather remains dry and cool. 

History Of Kanheri Caves

From Krishnagiri, the word ‘Kanheri’ has been resultant, a Sanskrit word that means “Black Mountain”. This antique monastery has been engraved out of black basalt rock and has been a learning center and sacred location for Buddhists.

Much of the inscriptions are still undeciphered, but individuals have faith that the first excavations began sometime in nearly the 1^st or 2^nd century BCE.

The great halls with stupas propose that caves were proficient as Buddhist monuments and that the location played an imperative role in the propagation of Buddhism around India. 

Tourists Attractions/ Things To Do 

Rock Carvings And Sculptures

In the city, one of the airiest locations, the Kanheri Caves premises propose an enjoyable break from the noisy atmosphere. The Kanheri Caves is a group of different caves on which different postures of Buddha are carved.

The popular figure of the cave is Avalokitesvara, a bodhisattva who symbolizes the empathy of all Buddhas. These masterfully structured caves also had water reservoirs dug skillfully to permit rainwater harvesting throughout the summer months.

Throughout the rule of Kushanas and Mauryas, these caves also served as a university. They came to be acknowledged by the name of Buddhist Viharas. In addition, the greater caves were utilized as Chaityas or halls for congregational reverence. 

Ancient Buddhist Caves

From the base location around Sanjay Gandhi National Park, an approximately 15-minute reasonable hike takes you to the instinctive Kanheri Caves. Among all the caves, Cave No. 3 is the most elaborate among them.

Whereas, of all the caves, cave no. 4 is among the oldest ones. Cave 34 is prominent for the paintings of Buddha on the ceilings, which remain incomplete though. In addition, there is cave no. 90 is acknowledged to have the oldest preserved mandala which was dated from the 6^th century CE. At the Kanheri Caves, one can witness different Buddhist sculptures and paintings.

One of the oldest cave formations in the country & one of the important centres of Buddhist education. #KanheriCaves #Mumbai @mtdc_official pic.twitter.com/G7375peRfA

— Incredible!ndia (@incredibleindia) May 20, 2017

Seasonal Waterfalls

During the rainy season, this place carries a picturesque view, completely surrounded by lush greenery.

During this season, the caves are transformed into a haven of small waterfalls and rivulets as from the hilltop, rainwater flows adjacent mountains, gathers in small ponds, and then falls down the bluff. During the rain, individuals of every age group flock to Kanheri Caves. 

Natural Trail and Hikes

It will take nearly 3 hours to see these Buddhist caves. But do have nearly 3 hours more in hand if you want to climb to the caves from the entrance of the national park.

On foot, it will take you nearly an hour to arrive at Kanheri Caves, and another one to return. Trekking lovers can also go for the trail upward from the caves. It takes you to the highest point across Mumbai, Jambulmal. 

Kanheri Caves Timings And Ticket Charges

Kanheri Caves is worth visiting place to spend some quality time. The view of Kanheri Caves is mesmerizing. The cave complex deceits within the boundaries of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It is open for visitors every day excluding Mondays.

For Indians and Foreigners, the entry fee is Rs. 15 and 200 respectively. Whereas, the entry timings of Kanheri Caves are between 7:30 AM and 5 PM.   

Best Time To Visit Kanheri Caves

To visit Kanheri Caves, the best time is throughout the winter months that fall between November to February. The weather throughout this time of the year is also enjoyable and charming for trekking.

You can also consider visiting this delightful tourist place across Mumbai during the monsoon season between July and September. Throughout this time, the surroundings are luxuriant and the waterfalls are in full glory making it a paradise for nature lovers.

The greenery across the area is at its best and the mini-waterfalls neighboring run full of water. But the rocks get greasy too. Hence, visiting Kanheri Caves during the rainy season might not be an unsurpassed choice.

How To Reach Kanheri Caves?

By Road – Mumbai is the entertainment capital of India and thus, is accessible through all the prime cities of India. A network of public and private bus services connects Mumbai to all the nearby cities and towns like Aurangabad (370 km), Pune (148 km), and Nashik (168 km).

Coaches from distant locations such as Panaji (571 km) and Ahmedabad (525 km) are also accessible. At Mumbai Central Bus Depot, most of them stop, which is nearly 40 km away from Kanheri Caves.

By Rail – From all the corners of India, Mumbai is connected to all through a network of the railway. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSMT) and Mumbai Central (MMCT) are the prime railway stations around the city, and both are at a distance of nearly 40 km. You can find trains on a daily basis from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and different other cities to Mumbai.

By Air – Mumbai, the city of dreams, is linked to different travel destinations across the world. After all, it’s recognized as the gateway to India. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is nearly 22 km away from the caves, and domestic as well as international visitors can find a flight to arrive here. 

Food And Accommodations 

There are different 3- or 5-star hotels nearby the destination which provides different facilities and good food.

Also, in nearby hotels, you can celebrate some prominent Mumbai dishes, such as the usual pav, and missal pav. Outside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, there is umpteen restaurant around Borivali East. 

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