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The visitors gaze at the exclusive carvings of Kanheri Caves, an excellent piece of architecture chiseled out of a single basaltic rock in the very ancient times. The beautiful sculptures and the bewildering strokes of painting leave the tourist wonder with immeasurable awe.
The caves, housed in the heart of the Borivali National park, are a brilliant symbolization of how Buddhism flourished in India during ancient period. The Buddhist monasteries and temple halls and stupas are the integral parts and a must visits here. The remains of the old age era reveal numerous facts that give us an inspiring idea of the life of ancestors of the Indian civilization.
The sight of the carvings of the caves and the bewitchingly colorful array of paintings are a few examples that leave the on-lookers rapt in fascination. Its location adds to its magnificence. Housed in the very picturesque ambience of the Borivali Park, a visit to the caves is a refreshing retreat.
History of Kanheri Caves
Kanheri derives its name from the word ‘Krishnagiri’ which means ‘black in color’. The history dates back to the period of Mauryans and Kushanasin between the 1st and 9th century. The 109 caves served as a resting place for the Buddhist monks, who used to sculpt the rocks with brilliance and also paint the rigid rock walls of the caves. There are different stories depicted in every painting. The caves are exclusive examples that portray rise and fall of Buddhism in India.
Special attractions in and around Kanheri Caves
Viharas- these were the resting place for Buddhist monks and traders. The vast pillared halls are imposing. The chaityas and Viharas served as a place for rest and as learning centers. The exquisite incarnation of the Aviloketeswara idol, with five structures attracts special attention of tourists. Numerous scripts have been discovered including Brahmi, Devanagari and Pallavi scripts. The exclusive wood carved roof of one of the chaityas is an example where the artistic skills of the Buddhist monks are seen at its best. The other attractions that need a special mention include the elegant stupas or gateways around the caves and the paintings containing natural shade of color.
Best Time to Visit Kanheri Caves
The Kanheri Caves are mostly visited by tourists between September and March.
Location
State: Maharashtra
District: Mumbai
How to reach Kanheri Caves
Nearest airport: Mumbai has its own airport.
Nearest railway stations: There is a railway station at Mumbai.
Directions by road from nearby cities: Mumbai is well connected by road to Pune, Nashik and other important cities of the state.
Tourism Department
Govt. of India Tourist office
Churchgate
Mumbai
Ph: 91-22-22093229
Climatic Conditions
The climate here is hot and humid throughout the year and the weather is fine and pleasant in winters.
Clothing
Light cotton clothes in summers and light woolens in winters are recommended.
Tourist attractions near Kanheri Caves
- Elephanta caves: These caves are famous for their extra ordinary architecture and have been recognized as the world Heritage Site by UNESCO. The dignity of the foot elephant statue at the entrance is unbeatable. People visit the place to have a glimpse of Maheshamurti, a three headed sculpture of Lord Shiva in all his forms, the creator, the preserver and the destroyer.
- Karla Cave: Situated at about 11 km from Lonavala Station, are a rapturous collection of Chaitya halls which are renowned for their intricately carved pillars. These largest and greatest example of rock-cur architecture, have figures of men and women studded on them, which add to their magnificence.
- Junnar Caves: This is yet another tourist attraction, which was a Buddhist pilgrimage earlier. It is about 177 km from Mumbai. The caves are located in a very picturesque and serene environ, with hilly background and lakes and ponds nearby. The caves are divided into three sections, Ganesh Lena and Tulija Lena and are important places to visit.
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon
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