Travel back in time to discover the influence of Buddhism in India when you visit the Kanheri Caves. Set in the heart of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Kanheri Caves feature 100-plus caves hewn from an enormous basalt outcrop. Get insight into the life of Buddhist monks by touring temples and shrines. Admire dozens of Buddha statues in addition to inscriptions and epigraphs.
Buddhist monks began carving the caves in the 1st century B.C. and continued until the 11th century. They span a period that witnessed the upsurge and eventual decline of Buddhism. The caves take their name from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri, which means black mountain and is a reference to the black basalt stone.
Walk between the scarcely decorated older caves, which served as vihara monasteries for the studying and meditating of Buddhist practices. The great number of viharas implies that a systematic school of Buddhism existed here. A community thrived here for over a millennia and forged trade routes with port cities throughout the state of Maharashtra.
The newer caves, which functioned as chaitya prayer halls, showcase impressive artwork and craftsmanship. Marvel at intricately carved Buddhas, stone reliefs, capitals, stupas and pillar-framed walkways. Highlights include a huge Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion, in Cave 41 and two 23-feet (7-meter) tall Buddhas in Cave 3. Ceiling paintings depicting the life of Buddha adorn Cave 34.
Look for inscriptions and epigraphs written in Brahmi, Devanagari and Pahlavi. One references the marriage of a Satavahana king to the daughter of Saka ruler Rudradaman I. Another mentions the influence of the Traikutaka dynasty at the caves.
The caves are 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the entrance to Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The pathway to the caves is accessible by car, bike and public bus, or on foot. Sanjay Gandhi National Park itself is an hour’s drive from the Fort distirct.
Kanheri Caves is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Pay the admission fee for the caves at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park ticket office.
