5/5 Farhan P. 3 years ago on Google
Kanheri
Caves
are
an
extensive
network
of
prehistoric
cave
formations
located
in
the
suburban
region
of
Borivali
in
Mumbai.
This
network
of
over
a
hundred
caves
dates
back
to
the
1st
century
and
it
is
believed
that
the
construction
of
these
rock-cut
monuments
continued
well
into
the
10th
century.
This
passage
of
time
can
be
traced
in
the
intricacy
of
different
caves
as
you
can
distinguish
between
the
earlier
ones
from
the
new
ones
as
being
much
simpler.
The
paintings,
sculptures
and
carvings
in
the
later
caves
are
much
more
sophisticated.
The
caves
home
Buddhist
sculptures
and
the
architecture
is
heavily
inspired
by
ancient
Buddhist
motifs.
Today,
one
of
the
caves
has
been
converted
into
a
monastery
and
holds
an
important
place
in
the
religion.
The
setting
of
the
caves
is
as
picturesque
and
beautiful
as
the
caves
themselves.
These
basalt
formations
sit
against
the
backdrop
of
lush
greenery
which
extends
miles
upon
miles,
at
what
is
considered
the
world’s
largest
reserve
within
a
major
city’s
limits.
The
caves
lie
at
a
distance
of
around
5
kilometres
from
the
national
park’s
entrance.
You
can
choose
to
rent
bicycles,
walk
or
hop
on
buses
that
operate
every
20
minutes
from
the
entrance.
Once
you
reach
the
caves,
you
can
enjoy
the
surrounding
scenery
from
the
vantage
point,
eat
delicious
local
food
at
the
restaurant
or
start
exploring
the
caves
straight
away.
The
place
also
offers
excellent
opportunities
for
photography
and
videography.
Also,
if
you
want
to
explore
the
natural
beauty
surrounding
the
caves,
you
can
go
for
picnics
near
waterfalls
and
hikes
on
the
hills.
History
of
Kanheri
Caves:
The
history
of
Kanheri
Caves
can
be
traced
back
to
the
spread
of
Buddhism
in
the
region.
These
were
an
important
Buddhist
learning
centre
and
a
site
for
pilgrimage
for
the
Buddhist
monks
between
the
9th
century
and
1st
century
BCE.
The
ancient
congregation
halls
have
large
stupas
which
are
proof
of
the
position
of
the
caves
as
important
Buddhist
shrines
at
the
time.
The
place
also
became
the
focal
point
of
Buddhist
settlement
in
the
region
during
the
3rd
century.
The
caves
were
used
for
congregational
worship,
for
studying
the
scriptures
and
for
meditation.
Since
then
these
caves
were
being
used
for
living,
studying
and
meditation,
they
came
to
be
known
by
the
name
of
Buddhist
Viharas.
Kanheri
Caves
also
served
as
a
university
during
the
rule
of
Kushanas
and
Mauryas.
The
name
of
the
caves
has
been
derived
from
the
Sanskrit
word
‘Krishnagiri’
which
translates
to
the
black
mountain.
It
gets
its
name
from
the
black
basaltic
stone
out
of
which
the
caves
have
been
carved.
What
makes
these
caves
an
ancient
architectural
wonder,
is
the
fact
that
they
have
been
carved
out
of
a
single
bedrock
which
makes
them
unique
in
the
entire
country.
These
masterfully
designed
caves
also
had
water
cisterns
dug
skillfully
to
enable
rainwater
harvesting
during
the
summer
months.
How
to
Reach
Kanheri
Caves
From
Mumbai
Airport:
There
are
several
ways
of
getting
to
the
Kanheri
Caves
from
the
Mumbai
Airport:
-You
can
take
the
express
bus
C-72EXP
and
C-71EXP
and
get
off
at
Dattani
Park
from
where
you
can
take
a
taxi.
-You
can
also
take
a
direct
taxi
from
the
airport
to
Sanjay
Gandhi
National
Park
in
order
to
reach
the
caves.
-If
you
have
a
car,
you
can
drive
for
20
kilometres
to
get
to
the
caves
from
the
airport.
Best
Time
to
Visit
Kanheri
Caves
The
best
time
to
visit
Kanheri
Caves
is
during
the
winter
months
that
extend
from
November
till
March.
At
this
time
of
the
year,
the
weather
is
cool
and
dry
and
you
can
easily
hike
the
whole
distance.
Another
great
time
when
the
mercury
drops
are
during
the
monsoon
months
of
July
to
September.
If
you
do
not
mind
getting
drenched,
you
can
also
hike
at
this
time
of
the
year
when
the
natural
beauty
of
the
place
is
at
its
best.
Other
Essential
Information
About
Kanheri
Caves
Location
- The
caves
are
located
inside
the
Sanjay
Gandhi
National
Park
in
Mumbai,
in
the
suburbs
of
Borivali.
After
entering
the
national
park,
you
must
cover
a
distance
of
approximately
5
kilometres
to
reach
the
caves.
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