Kanheri caves are situated in the suburbs of Mumbai. It is located within Sanjay Gandhi National Park (also known as Borivali National Park). 2 million visitors visit National Park and Kanheri caves every year.
This is probably the only green patch surviving within Mumbai, which the government maintains to ensure tourists come here and do not alter the environment or cause harm to animals.
The Kanheri Caves are a protected archaeological site. The caves were sculpted by Buddhist residents around the 1st century BC. The word Kanheri comes from the ‘Sanskrit’ word ‘Krishnagiri,’ which means ‘Black Mountain.’
The Kanheri Caves are a group of 100 caves which are 2000 years old and one of the oldest caves in India.
The rock-cut monuments are formed from a massive basalt outcrop in the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, on the western outskirts of Mumbai, India.
The place is very close to Borivali West Railway station. Auto’s are available out of the station who will take you to National park for around Rs.70.
It’s are a great place to come for a day for a Picnic, preferably with your own vehicle. Visitors are not allowed to stay near the caves after 6 pm as wild animals come down to drink water.
There are many caves
Cave 1
Cave No.1 is a Buddhist monastery. There are two large pillars at the entrance of the cave. There are two levels of the cave by the completion of the construction did not happen.
Cave 2
To the right of the Great Chaitya is Cave 2, pushing very near upon it. It is a lengthy cave that contained 3 dagobas. One of the dagobas is broken near the base.
Cave 3
The cave is the most important cave in the whole landscape. It is the Chaitya cave. On the entrance of this cave, there is an inscription of ‘Yajna Sri Satakarni’
Cave 4
To the left of the Great Chaitya, you will find a small circular enclosure having a solid Dagoba. To the right of the Great Chaitya is Cave No. 2. Towards the rock encircling the dagoba is the sculptures of Buddha.
Cave 5 and 6
It is not actually a cave but a water cistern. It has a crucial inscription informing that these were donated by a minister whose name was Sateraka. The inscription also finds mention of the queen of Vashishtiputra Satakarni (130 – 160 CE) who was descending the Karddamaka dynasty race and was the daughter to the Western ruler Rudradaman.
There are many other caves. You can find the details in Wikipedia
Address
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066, India Phone: +91 22 2202 4482
How to reach
The closest railway station is Borivali which is on the western railway station. From here you can easily get an auto which will cost around Rs.70.
Once you are within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, you can drive, walk, take a bus or even cycle up to Kenheri caves.
Kanheri Caves Entry Fee
- Rs. 15 per person for Indians
- Rs. 200 per person for foreign citizens
Hours:
| Monday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm |
