Mahakali Caves – The suburbs of Mumbai hide several groups of unique monuments – ancient rock-cut temples. One such monument is the ancient Kondivite Caves, later known as Mahakali caves.
Mahakali caves are 19 rock-cut caves built between the 1st century BC and 6th century AD. They are cut in black basalt. Unfortunately, the caves are on the verge of collapse.
The caves has two rows:-
- 4 caves from the 4th to 5th century AD on the northwest face of the long hillside.
- 15 caves – towards the southeast
The largest cave (cave 9) has seven depictions of Buddha and figures from Buddhist Mythology. This Buddhist monastery is located in the eastern suburb of Andheri.
It’s located near the junction between the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli link road and Seepz. The road that connects the monument to Andheri Kurla Road is called Mahakali caves road.
A direct bus by the BEST links the caves with the Andheri railway station.
Overall the caves are very peaceful and pleasantly beautiful. You can visit all the caves within 2-3 hours.
Camera and videos are allowed inside, so you can click as many pictures are you want.
The best part is that you can enjoy the scenic beauty for free. There are food courts and shops for purchasing eatables and drinks.
Washroom facilities are also available, and they are clean and odor-free.
However, due to negligence, the caves have become a spot for the nearby residents to hang their clothes for drying, and people have started relieving themselves outside the caves due to the lack of public toilets around them.
Earlier, the caves were infamous for activities like drinking, smoking, and doping, but after the central government took cognizance of this issue, the scenario became better.
What cannot be unseen about the caves is the marvelous sculpture of the carved caves, which have existed since the time of the Ashokan Empire.
Since a Buddhist stupa is situated here, it indicates that monks who followed Buddhism lived here.
The writings on the wall are in the Pali script – A language even older than Sanskrit. Although most of these inscriptions have been damaged, the governments have made a lot of effort to preserve it.
You will be mesmerized by the proficiency of the sculptures in that era. They have had a great sense of aesthetics. They depicted figures associated with Buddhist mythology, each telling a different story.
Visit the caves once to pay tribute to that time’s marvelous sight and beauty…
Eat out places close to the caves.
- Garnish Peninsula
- Krishna Dining Restaurant and bar
- Shree Sagar fast food.
Phone: 022-24078266
Address – Mahakali Caves Road, Sunder Nagar, Andheri East, Mumbai (You can take an Auto from Andheri station, which will cost around Rs.100)
The caves are located near the junction between Jogeshwari – Vikhroli Link Road and SEEPZ.
A road that connects this monument to Andheri Kurla Road is called Mahakali Caves Road. These caves are on the hill that overlooks Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) and the SEEPZ complex.
BEST runs a direct bus from the caves to Andheri railway station. The caves were in danger of being encroached upon, and now it is steel fenced on the roadside and walled on the hillside.
Open Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
The entry fee to Mahakali Caves is Rs. 20
Also, See: Pictures of Mumbai
