Kanheri Caves, Mumbai
Kanheri Caves, Mumbai are a group of caves that are built using the rock-cut method, the architecture is dedicated to Lord Buddha. The term Kanheri is derived from Sanskrit, which means black mountain. They are also known as Krishnagiri. These caves consist of huge halls and stupas that are related to Buddhism. These caves are located in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai. There are several paintings and inscriptions in these caves that date back from the 1st Century BCE to the 10th Century.The Kanheri Caves in Mumbai are located on a hillside. There are rock-cut steps to reach these caves. These caves are carved from Basalt rocks that date back to the 1st century BCE. There are a total of 109 caves present in this area. There is a large hall, consisting of a Stupa which is a Buddhist shrine. These caves became an important monument for Buddhists in India, by the 3rd Century. Most of the caves are viharas, the place meant to study, meditate, and simple living. These structures depict the simple lifestyle of Buddhist monks, who led a simple lifestyle. The Mumbai Kanheri Caves were well-connected with the trade ports in Ujjain, Nasik, Kalyan, etc.
Located in lush green forests of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Kanheri Caves are one of the most visited sites by tourists and play an important role in Mumbai tourism. People can reach caves through taxis, own vehicles, as there is a good facility for parking. There are many things to explore in these complex caves in Mumbai.
Here is a list of 10 things to do in and around Kanheri Caves:
1. Hire a local guide
Yes, hiring a local guide becomes a necessity to know the rich history and culture associated with these caves. The local guides provide details of every cave and their importance in Buddhist culture, which is worth knowing. The local guides also help tourists to explore some of the hidden places in these caves that are not popular among regular tourists. The local guides charge a reasonable fee for their service, which is worth spending, in order to understand the rich history of these caves.2. Click Pictures
Kanheri Caves, located on the hillside are one of the most picturesque places in Mumbai. In this case, having a good DSLR camera is always a plus point. There is also a certain amount of fee charged for carrying a camera inside the caves. The caves have some unique architectures and paintings that need to be captured. Clicking pictures in the evening time, during the sunset would boost up the beauty of these caves.3. Safari in Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a lush green forest area located in Mumbai. Also, it is the major forest area in India located in a metro city. The park consists of wide varieties of flora and fauna and is home to many tigers and other wild animals in the area. Many wild animals like tigers, elephants, spotted and black deer, etc. can be found in this park, roaming openly in the jungle. This is a plus point of the park as the animals are not caged. There are different facilities of safari available in the park, tourists can spot many wild animals in this forest area, along with some rare species of flora and birds.4. Film City
Nearly half an hour ride from the Mumbai Kanheri Caves, the Film City is one of the most famous tourist places near these caves. Major Indian movies, especially the Hindi language movies (Bollywood), are shot at this place, located on the outskirts of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The visit to film city would provide the tourists with an insight into the functioning of the film industry. Also, if lucky enough, the tourists might get a chance to meet some of the most popular personalities from the Indian film industry aka Bollywood.5. Visit Tulsi Lake
Located around 6-7 km from Kanheri Caves in Mumbai, Tulsi Lake is a freshwater lake in the forest area. Tulsi Lake is the second-largest supplier of drinking water in Mumbai. Drinking the freshwater of Tulsi Lake is an experience of joy. Since the lake is situated in the forest, it is a home for many wild animals. Hence permission from the forest department is required to visit the lake. Hiring a local guide will be helpful.6. Jambhulmal Peak
Jambhulmal Peak is considered to be the highest peak of the forest area in Mumbai. The peak point is located nearby Kanheri Caves due to which visitors can easily access the peak point. The peak is over 1847 feet above sea level and offers a beautiful view of the city from the top. The tourists get to hear the soothing sound of the birds singing, and also get to explore a wide variety of rare species of flowers.7. Chota Kashmir, Mumbai
Located nearby Film City, Chota Kashmir (Mini Kashmir) is a picnic spot that is far from the hustle-bustle noise of the Mumbai city. Named after Kashmir, India, it is a must-visit place for relaxation and peace of mind. Many tourists with family visit this place. The place offers facility of boating in the lake. Chota Kashmir is a very good place to spend time with family or friends.8. Tikuji-ni-Wadi
Tikuji-ni-Wadi is an amusement park, water park, and resort. Located in Thane, the place offers various fun activities and games like go-karting, roller coasters, water games, and various other games. The place is widely visited by children and adventure-loving people as the park offers various activities that are fun and adventurous. The park is also equipped with vegetarian cuisines and cottages for people who wish to stay nearby for a long time.9. Aarey Colony
Aarey Colony falls under the sensitive and protected areas of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It is also known as Aarey Milk Colony, which was established in 1949 to increase the processing of dairy products in Mumbai City. Aarey is famous for its leopard population. Tourists can have a cycling experience inside the permissible areas of the Aarey colony as bicycles are available for rent on an hourly basis.10. Trekking in the Jungle
Last but not the least, trekking in the forests of Aarey from the base point to the highest peak point of Jambhulmal is something which the adventure-loving tourists must experience. There are local guides available to help in the trekking procedure and guide in accessing certain permissions from the forest department. The trek in the jungle would start from the base point and end at the peak point, in the time between the start of the endpoint, trekkers can explore many places that fall on the way to the peak point. These places also include the infamous Kanheri Caves.