Caves of India

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

India's most popular and widely recognized caves, the Ajanta Ellora caves are carved into hillside rock quite in the middle of nowhere, in northern Maharastra. These caves are simply awe inspiring. Words can't describe how magnificent they are. There are 34 caves at Ellora dating from between the 6th and 11th centuries AD, and 29 caves at Ajanta dating back to between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. The caves at Ajanta are all Buddhist, while the caves at Ellora are a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain.

Elephanta Island Caves

If you can't make it to the Ajanta or Ellora caves, the Elephanta Island caves just off the coast of Mumbai may be the next best thing. They're one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mumbai. There are seven ancient caves hand carved out of rock in a similar manner to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, but on a smaller scale. They're believed to date back to between 450 and 750 AD. The main cave has a number of stunning large sculptured panels depicting the Hindu god of creation and destruction, Lord Shiva. Get there by taking a ferry from the Gateway of India, in Colaba.

Badami

The attractive cave temples are the highlight at Badami, in northern Karnataka. There are four temples, open daily from dawn til dusk. One cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva, two to Lord Vishnu, and the remaining smaller one is a Jain cave temple. They overlook the 5th century Agastyatirtha Tank and the waterside Bhutanatha Temples, which add to their appeal.


Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

The outskirts of Bhubaneshwar, one of the top tourist destinations in Orissa, is an excellent place to explore caves dotted all over the landscape. Udayagiri (Sunrise Hill) has the most interesting caves, and if you don't mind getting up early it's worthwhile to arrive there at dawn for an almost spiritual experience. Wander around and you'll discover many ornately carved caves, thought to be occupied by Jain asthetics. They include the Tiger Cave and the large and revealing Queen's Palace Cave. Khandagiri is across the road and its worth a visit for its superb vistas over the city, as well as its few caves.

Jammu and Kashmir

There are two important India caves dedicated to Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir, both of which are popular with pilgrims. Shiv Khori is located near Ransoo, in the Swalik Hills around 110 kilometers northwest of Jammu (it's possible to take a public bus there). It's a kilometer-long cave with a natural Shiva lingam at the end, made out of a stalagmite. Pilgrims flock there during the Shivaratri festival in February/March. On Mount Amarnath, around 140 kilometers from Srinagar in Kashmir, there's the Amarnath caves and temple. A famous Hindu shrine, it also has a Shiva lingam made out of a stalagmite, but this one is an ice one. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit it during the Amarnath Yatra, in July/August.

Tabo

If you're keen on remote meditation caves in India, you might want to head to Tabo. Located in the Spiti Valley, in high altitude Himachal Pradesh, the rugged, rocky ridge above the town is filled with caves that the local Buddhist lamas meditate in. There are dozens of caves, both large and small, all dug into the mountain by hand. You can walk up to them and spend some time in quiet contemplation.

The Many Caves of Meghalaya

Meghalaya in India's north east has the largest number of known caves in the country -- currently 1,284. One cave is an incredible 22 kilometers long!




Undavalli and Mogalarajapuram Caves

In the Andhra Pradesh cultural heartland, not far southwest of the bustling city of Vijayawada, you'll find the well preserved 7th century Undavalli cave temples. Their backdrop of palmtrees and rice paddies provides a tranquil contrast. Inside you'll find shrines dedicted to the all powerful Hindu trinity -- Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. However, it's the huge reclining statue of Lord Vishnu on the third floor that really stands out.

Trichy Rock Fort Temple and Pallava Caves

The Rock Fort Temple is the focal point of Trichy, one of the top 5 places to see south Indian temples. It was built by the Nayaks of Madurai, in spectacular style on a rocky outcrop 83 meters (237 feet) above the city. The panoramic view over town is memorable, particularly at sunset. However, it was the Pallavas who firstly cut small cave temples into the southern face of the smooth rock. They're still there, and it's possible to visit them. One is on the way to the Uchi Pillayar Temple.

Dungeshwari Cave Temples

If you're on the Buddhist trail, you'll no doubt want to check out the Dungeshwari cave temples also known as the Mahakala caves. where the Buddha spent a number of years before making his way to Bodhygaya and finally attaining enlightenment. You'll most likely be invited in to meditate. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy the serenity and spirituality.