Kanheri Caves

Explore the rich Buddhist archaeological heritage in Kanheri caves Mumbai 

Embracing a group of rock-cut monuments and caves cut into massive Basalt outcrops, Kanheri caves Mumbai flourished with greenery and ancient culture. The name Kanheri is derived from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri which translates to Black Mountain. The caves contain Buddhist inscriptions, sculptures, and paintings carved between the 1st and 10th century AD.

The cave complex consists of a total of 109 caves with the latest caves boasting beautiful ancient paintings & engravings and older ones being relatively simple. A majority of caves functioned as Buddha Viharas, a place for the Bhikshus to meditate study, and learn. The caves indicate how the Kanheri was a large settlement established during the 1st century A.D. They also map  the rise and evolution of Buddhism depicting their culture of meditation and achieving spiritual enlightenment,

What makes Kanheri caves unique is they consist of the largest number of cave excavations from a single hill. The caves are accessed through beautifully maintained rock-cut steps as ancient as the caves themself. Each cave in the complex has a stone pedestal used as a bed, Stone pillars that contain a Buddhist Pagoda, and stone-cut channels above the cave that provided the caves with water by feeding rainwater into cisterns. The Kanheri caves near Mumbai have their walls carved with reliefs of Buddha and his disciples after being converted to permanent monasteries.

Itinerary highlights:

• View the detailed and beautiful rock carvings and sculptures in hills around the Outskirts of Mumbai.
• Learn the teachings of Buddha and the rich history of Buddhism through stone engravings
• Enjoy a fun ride through the lush green Sanjay Gandhi National Park in a Private air-conditioned vehicle.
• Embrace the divine Vihara, Darbar, and Great Chaitya caves with marvelous stupas with beautiful carvings
• Get detailed insights about various mudras, Buddhist statues & components of the sculptures at Kanheri caves Mumbai.

What’s Included?

• Experienced local Guides to make your Mumbai tours hassle-free and fun!
• Air Condition Car & Driver for your trip
• Bottled mineral water
• English-speaking guides that teach you about the rich heritage of Kanheri Caves Mumbai
• Tolls, Parking Fees, and Entrance tickets

Your Tour at a Glance

Kanheri Caves is the perfect place to visit if you enjoy embracing the rich culture and ancient history hidden in beautifully engraved walls. Through our Kanheri caves tour, you can explore rich archaeological history hidden in the hills of Mumbai

Kanheri is a complex of serene caves near Mumbai distant from the Hustle and Bustle of the City. On your tour, you’ll get a glimpse of the marvelous engravings and majestic stupas decorated with hand-engraved teachings from Buddha. You’ll have access to over 100 caves all designed to support a specific purpose and a heart-throbbing view of Mumbai from the top of the hill.

The tour will take you on a joyride about the way of living and traditions of Buddhist monks in the Past. Your local English-speaking guide will guide you through the importance and significance of every cave making sure no questions remain unanswered. Your Guide will meet you in your hotel lobby and you’ll be escorted to a private air-conditioned vehicle. Our specially curated Mumbai tours provide you multiple options to explore the rich history of Kanheri caves along with some of the most iconic spots of Mumbai.

Trip itinerary

1. Kanheri Caves & Dharavi Slum Tour

Tour Duration: 8 – 9 Hours

Availability: Tuesday to Sunday

Pick Up: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM

The Kanheri caves near Mumbai are filled with an archeological heritage dating back to the 1st Century AD. Our Kanheri Caves & Dharavi Slum Tour will provide you with a combined experience of the serenity of Kanheri caves and the vibrant life of Dharavi. Entrance Tickets, bottled mineral water, and other fees are included in your tour!

Beginning your day with the calm and alluring view of the Kanheri caves, away from the cacophonic city of Mumbai is a feeling like no other. The calm breeze, beautiful sculptures, captivating art, and inscriptions around the Kaheri cave complex provide a feeling of connection with the practices of Buddhism.

After a calm and refreshing trip to the historical Kanheri caves, your vehicle will then be headed to the Largest Slum in Asia, Dharavi! You’ll then begin your Dharavi slum tour accompanied by our local and trusted guide. The Dharavi walking tour is a complete reverse experience of the Kanheri caves. Connected by narrow lanes with shacks soaring to heights of 3 floors. Multiple industries at Dharavi function in synergy with each other like plastic recycling, pottery, embroidery, leather washing, etc making Dharavi a city of its own.

Our guide will take you around the industries in Dharavi and give you a glimpse of what life feels like in the largest slum in Asia. As the tour ends, our guide will safely drop you off at your hotel or any other location of your choice.

2. Mumbai City Sightseeing & Kanheri Caves Tour

Tour Duration: 7 – 8 Hours

Availability: Tuesday and Sunday

Pick Up:  8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM

Your tour guide will meet you in your hotel lobby at the concierge desk. You will then be escorted to a private air-conditioned vehicle marking the start of your Mumbai City Sightseeing & Kanheri Caves Tour.

This marks the beginning of your journey where your tour guide will give you a detailed insight into the tour itinerary. Your first stop is the Kanheri caves which include a joyride through the lush green Sanjay Gandhi National Park in your private vehicle. After reaching the caves, our guide will lead you through the Kanheri caves complex. The enchanting heritage of the Kanheri community and the practices followed by Buddha and his disciples intricately engraved on stone walls are sure to leave you in awe.

After the Kanheri caves tour, you can request your guide for a food break. This is an add-on and not compulsory. However, if you’re hungry then our guide will find the best restaurants as per your requirement.

The next part of the tour is filled with a Half Day Mumbai City Sightseeing experience. You’ll be given a first-hand experience of Mumbai’s beautiful & attractions like the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Local Big Ben of India-the Rajabai Clock Tower, unique items sold at Colaba Causeway Street, and many more famous sites.

As it’s not possible to get down at some places, you can see other iconic attractions like the Gothic architecture of the Churchgate Railway Station, the alluring Nariman Point, and the historic Jain Temple through the car.

Your One Day Mumbai Tour ends at dawn with our guide dropping you back at your hotel. You don’t just take home unforgettable memories but also the practices and teachings of the divine Buddha.

Why choose us? 

• The #1 ranked agency on Tripadvisor with 900+ reviews
• All-inclusive Hassle-free tours at the best price!
• Trusted by 100k+ travelers across the Globe for Mumbai Tours

Take Home Memories and Knowledge with our Mumbai Tours

Magical Mumbai Tours was started with the mission to help every tourist get the authentic Mumbai experience. Our specially curated Mumbai City Tour consists of safe and hassle-free tours at the best price. So make your next trip to India memorable and see the best of Mumbai with us! Book your exciting and all-inclusive Mumbai tour with us today!

FAQs

– The best time to visit Kanheri caves Mumbai?

The best time to visit Kanheri caves is during the winter months in Mumbai which fall between November to February. The weather during this season is pleasant & calm making it perfect for hikes and group activities. Monsoon (June to August) is also a good season to visit as you can witness the elegant waterfalls in the surrounding with mist flowing around making it perfect for lovers. Coming to the time, the caves are open from 7:30 AM to 5 PM every Tuesday to Sunday.

– How to reach Kanheri Caves?

Kanheri caves are located at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the northern part of Mumbai. Multiple public transport options like auto-rickshaws and shuttles are available to help you reach there. You can also reach the caves via a 2-hour long trek through the verdant forest. By booking your Kanheri caves tour with Magical Mumbai Tours, you’re provided hassle-free and air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop services to the caves.

– What is inside Kanheri Caves?

Kanheri caves are a complex of 109 caves consisting of multiple sculptures, inscriptions, paintings, and carvings of Buddha, his teachings, and his disciples. These caves date back to the 1st Century AD with some designed large prayer halls and stupas, and Buddhist shrines featuring Buddhist paintings and carvings on them.