Kanheri Caves Tourism

Kanheri Caves constitute a group of rock-cut monuments that are situated within the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park on the island of Salsette in the western outskirts of Mumbai, India. The caves date back to the 1st century BCE and continuance in use until the 10th century CE as Buddhist monastic institutions. These caves are an exemplar of the Buddhist influence on the art and culture of India. Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Krishnagiri’, meaning black mountain. The caves became a distinguished Buddhist settlement on the Konkan coast by the 3rd century CE. There are 109 caves in total, carved from basalt rock and are varying in size and architectural design. Many caves feature intricately carved sculptures, relief carvings, pillars, and rock-cut stupas. The walls are adorned with ancient inscriptions in various scripts. Cave 3, the Great Chaitya Cave, is the most impressive with its large, pillared verandah and a central Buddhist stupa. These caves served as a center for Buddhist education, where monks practiced their religion and art.