Kanheri Caves

The Kanheri Caves are a group of rock-cut monuments, located in the north of Borivali on the western outskirts of Mumbai, deep within the green forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Kanheri Caves, which are located at a distance of 6 kms from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s main gate & 7 kms from the Borivali Railway Station, exemplify Buddhist influence on art and culture in India. Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri meaning black mountain.

The Kanheri Caves at one time was a center for Buddhist studies. In fact, it once housed a University in which many scholars of that time, most prominent being the Buddhist teacher Atisha (980-1054), came and studied Buddhist meditation under preachers like Rahulagupta. It flourished under the rule of the Maurayan and Kushan empires.

The caves were primarily Buddhist Viharas the living quarters of the Buddhist students were they lived, studied and meditated. The larger caves were Chaityas or halls for congregational worship which were lined with intricately carved Buddhist sculptures, reliefs and pillars. The Avalokiteshwara is the highlight of the caves.

Cave number 34 has unfinished paintings of Buddha on the ceiling of the cave. Once you get there, you need to pay a certain entry fee at the gate (Once at entry of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and another at the entrance of Kanheri Caves).

Opening timings are 7:30a.m.