The Mumbai Kanheri Caves tour will take you to the Kanheri Caves in Mumbai, which are more than 2000 years old, and it provides an exceptional opportunity to understand ascetic life in ancient India.
Kanheri Caves in Mumbai date from the 1st Century BC to the 10th century BC. Located deep inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park these caves provide an unusual and a rather captivating insight into Buddhism which was founded by Lord Buddha.
During the flourishing times of the Mauryan and the Kushan empires, Kanheri caves were a Buddhist University center of learning. Most of the caves are Buddhist Viharas wherein monks would live, study, and also meditate.
Various reasons make Kanheri Caves a must-see attraction on plenty of tourist maps and guides. Its dining halls, dormitories, water cisterns, and also a traditional and ancient approach toward architecture give Kanheri Caves its distinct appeal.
The Kanheri caves are largely undisturbed, tucked away in the green environs of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
The park is spread over 9000 hectares and is home to several species of bird and animal life, including deer, four-horned antelope, leopards, macaques, civets, mongoose, and langurs.
In the monsoons, and immediately after, the park is lush green heaven.
What is included in the tour
- English Speaking Local Guide
- Ferry Charges and Entrance Fees
What is NOT included in the tour
- Meals and beverages
- Tips and gratuities (optional)
- Ancient Marvel: Explore the over 2,000-year-old Kanheri Caves, offering a deep dive into ancient Indian ascetic life.
- Historical Significance: The caves date from the 1st Century BC to the 10th Century AD, located within the serene Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
- Buddhist Heritage: Gain captivating insights into Buddhism, with the caves historically serving as a Buddhist university and center of learning during the Mauryan and Kushan empires.
- Architectural Wonder: Admire the unique architectural features including dining halls, dormitories, and water cisterns that underline an ancient approach to communal living and sustainability.
- 9 am meet up with guide outside Pizza Express restaurant and proceed to Gateway of India
- 9 am ferry ride on the Arabian Sea from Gateway Of India to the Elephanta Caves (duration: 1 hour)
- 10:00 am On arrival to the island, walk or take a short toy train from the jetty to where you need to climb 120 steps to the plateau where the caves are located
- 10:30 am see the large three-headed Shiva sculpture. Explore the 3 caves - the large Hindu cave, the Buddhist cave, and the main Shiva cave
- 12:30 pm After exploring, the guide will drop you back to the ferry point and see you off from there on the return hour-long ferry ride back to Gateway of India
(Note: In case of transfers, the operator will arrange a pick-up and drop-off by car/van accordingly)
