Kanheri Caves

One of the best archaeological wonders is the Kanheri Caves situated inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park. There are ancient cave structures and carvings that reflect ancient civilization, culture and heritage. The caves are kept clean and marked in chronological order. You can take a quick tour or detailed trail depending on your time of visit. The Buddha statue in one of the caves is magnificent and gives you an idea of the amazing construction and historical knowledge of old era. There are sign boards at various places to help you with the trek. Overall a great experience 👍
🚰✅ Drinking Water Facility
🚻✅ Clean Washrooms
🍽✅ Food eatery
♿✅ The place is accessible
🧒✅ Kids-friendly
💯✅ Overall a great place

Embarking on the trail of nature with a friend was an absolute delight! The serene surroundings provided the perfect escape from life's hustle, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the tranquility of rustling leaves and shared laughter. The well-maintained trail and breathtaking scenery made every step a joyful adventure. Leaving stress behind, we cherished each moment like a timeless treasure. Highly recommend for those seeking a rejuvenating experience in the heart of nature!

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is good. Better go during monsoon. Safari is just ok only through bus. Caves are good, almost 100 caves. View from top is just awesome.filled with history and serenity. Exploring the intricate carvings and Buddhist relics was a unique experience. If you're a history enthusiast or seeking tranquility amidst the bustling city, this place is a must-visit

One of the famous Buddha caves in Borivali, Thane Maharashtra.
It was a great experience there.
We went by taxi to reach there. We have to purchase the tickets to enter the place. We will have to rent a cycle to reach the Buddha caves because it's too far from the entrance.
It's a great effort for a person to reach the caves, because of the roads with slops, bed roads etc. you will definitely get tired.

Reaching there is a great experience, how they have built caves in the earlier days in these stones, and the places they spent for meditation, the water sources etc

Carved into black stones, the historic caves reside within the National Park, accessible via a bus from the park entrance.

The optimal time to explore is late August through September, as summers can be quite demanding for a visit.

This historical site is a must-visit destination.

Kanheri Caves are a must visit for anyone in Mumbai. There are over a 100 caves and some of them are beautiful and well maintained. The security is very helpful and well informed. Do Not eat food in/ around the caves as it attracts hordes of monkeys. There are stalls outside that sell fresh lime water and fruits.

Must visit place if you go to Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Take a cycle to go to this place and park 1KM before because there is one steep slope. Don’t give food to monkeys there and also don’t throw water bottles there.

A group of caves built by Buddhists in between 1CE to 10CE. There are as many as 129 Caves (as per Wikipedia) but I saw numbering till 101 Caves.
Really beautiful and makes you ponder upon the lifestyle, needs and the ancient society that used to live here. There are many inscriptions here, mainly besides the City Hall which has a Stupa and along few other caves. Few caves may seem very small but there are metal grills which restrict access to water harvesting holes that are very deep.
The local guards / guides here say the City Hall (as per Wikipedia) is actually a Buddhist classroom where they learnt important aspects of life and gained skills.
The group of caves are spread wide apart and take at least 2 hrs in a hurry if you want to see all of them. Make sure you're good at cardio as there is a lot of climbing necessary. A few spots are littered with plates and plastic bottles and I request all to keep this ancient place as clean as possible.
Above all the caves, is a plateau which has a view point and the only place here where the phone has reception.
Make sure to carry water, you will get thirsty.

As stepped into this archaeological wonder, the air buzzed with the whispers of centuries-old stories waiting to be unveiled.

From simple monastic cells to intricately adorned prayer halls, the caves offered a glimpse into the lives of ancient Buddhist monks who once called this place home.

As we delved deeper into the heart of the caves, we discovered hidden treasures in the form of inscriptions, stupas, and ancient relics, each offering clues to unraveling the mysteries of Kanheri's past

Leaving behind the echoes of history, we emerged from the caves with a profound sense of awe and reverence, enriched by the timeless wisdom and artistry

Kanheri wasn't just a spiritual center; it was also a hub for trade and commerce. The proximity to ancient trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between India and other regions.

With the decline of Buddhism in India, Kanheri Caves fell into obscurity and were eventually abandoned. It wasn't until the 19th century that they were rediscovered by British explorers, sparking renewed interest in their preservation and study.
After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, the Kanheri Caves, along with the rest of the country, came under the jurisdiction of the newly-formed Indian government. The caves, being an integral part of India's cultural and historical heritage, fell under the view of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is responsible for the preservation, protection, and maintenance of archaeological sites across the country.

Whether you are a history buff, religious person, adventurer, nature lover, or just a hiker, these ancient caves are bound to leave a mark on you.
As you climb up the stairs, your soul would be stirred with the tranquility of this locale. Nestled amidst lush greenery of the Borivali National Park and atop mountains, it's a place that takes you back in the Buddhism emergence period of history. As a history buff, my heart was hurt as I saw some morons had autographed some idols and other structures. Unfortunately for me, the adjoining stream was not flowing as I visited in January. However, one could only marvel at the indigenousness of our ancestors, who were not only ace architects but A1 engineers too. Everywhere you go, you would witness wonderful water storage facilities.
This place also shows how the entire country was connected. The ASI signboards showcase that not only rich patrons from entire Maharashtra sponsored room constructions but also from various corners of the country. One of them was funded by someone from Gaud in Bengal.
The only thing that you have to be wary of is the host of greedy and hungry monkeys. Not only they would grab at any type of food but would not even spare water bottles.

Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park!

Sharing the detials of our recent visit to the Kanheri Caves within Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

🚗 **Parking Facility:**

The journey commenced seamlessly with a hassle-free parking experience. The well-organized paid parking facility ensured a convenient start to our family outing, setting the tone for an enjoyable day.

💸 **Entry Tickets:**

Upon reaching the entrance gate, we purchased entry tickets at a reasonable cost of Rs. 94 for adults and Rs. 50 for kids (5 to 12 years). The family-friendly pricing added to the appeal, making it accessible for all.

🚍 **Transport Options:**

Located 100 meters from the main gate, the BEST bus pick-up point offered a convenient option for those opting for public transport. Additionally, we discovered the option to rent a bicycle or take an Omni van for Rs. 50 per head.

🏞 **Journey to the Caves:**

The journey to the caves was picturesque, surrounded by the greenery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The option of riding bicycle added an adventurous touch to the overall experience. The distance is around 5-6 KMs.

🏰 **Exploring Kanheri Caves:**

Upon reaching the caves, a series of steps awaited us, with a thoughtful ramp facility for wheelchair accessibility.

📜 **Historical Significance:**

The Kanheri Caves, dating back about 2000 years, unfolded the rich history of a Buddhist Monastery where people studied, worshipped, and meditated. The caves house an impressive collection of Buddha statues, sculptures, and paintings, creating a serene atmosphere enhanced by the presence of streams and waterfalls, especially vibrant during the rainy season. The caves has it historical charm, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed the exploration.

🐒 **Wildlife Encounters:**

Adding a touch of wildlife, monkeys roamed around the area.

🌄 **Best Time to Visit:**

Our experience was heightened by an early morning visit, allowing us to appreciate the caves in the soft morning light and avoid the crowds. It's a recommendation for those seeking a peaceful and immersive experience.

The Caves got historical charm and natural beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or a family seeking a unique outing, this destination is a must-visit. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and enriching day out, especially considering the delightful moments our kids had amidst the ancient caves.

Thew caves of very old and important showing our history of ancestors. This is to be researched more and more.
The government must come forward to restore the damages idols and caves. Retain its glory .

Best week end gateway and joggers, cycling park. you can hire a cycle for a ride till the top of Kanheri caves.

Historic peaceful and amazing architecture of an era were tools were not available. Must visit place if yu in mumbai. Part Sanjay gandhi national park these caves are amazing to get in touch with pre era. Just see how 108 caves are built at such a place and how this location was found. Please keep these places clean and use less noise to enjoy the peace.

A beautiful historical monument, must visit place in Mumbai, you can reach there after entering the sanjay Gandhi National park and from there you can take bus rs 10 ticket or by omni car 50rs, and then you have to take a 25 rs ticket. But overall effort and money is worth spending, very old monument properly maintained

Y'all can walk, rent a bicycle ( rent at Rs80/- with 300 as security deposit) or take the bus(Rs10), vans(Rs50/seat) to reach Kanheri caves.
Has a lot to explore which is quite interesting and an amazing experience away from the noise and pollution and everything. They have maintained it well.
Must visit if you love exploring places and love history.

Hidden gem in Mumbai! Must visit anyone who visits Mumbai. It is located inside Sanjay Gandhi national park around 5km from the entrance. Bus and cycling options are available apart from local taxi’s.
Buddhist caves among the forest cover with over 100 caves.
Good time to visit post Mumbai monsoon season.

It was a beautiful experience to visit kanheri caves. We took a bus to it. Visited in the morning. Clicked a loooottttt of pictures and met a lot of new people 😃
I'm surely going there again.

Marvelous! An ancient cave within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, with such unseen Buddhist sculpture which is well maintained. Wonderful carvings, inscription, pillar, cut-out rock. All total of 103 caves and the view points are excellent, and the surrounding views of jungle and city is incredible. And the 5km road through the jungle is a kind of adventure, I'll be pleased to be there once again in winter as it would be the best time to visit.

Kanheri Caves, located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park near Mumbai, date back to the 1st century BCE. Carved by Buddhist monks, these ancient rock-cut caves served as viharas for meditation and study. The intricate sculptures and inscriptions depict the evolution of Buddhist art and culture in the region.Admire the intricate rock-cut architecture and Buddhist sculptures that narrate the rich cultural heritage of the region. A fascinating journey into ancient history awaits your visit. 🗺🕍 #LocalGuide #MumbaiHistory