On my most recent trip to India, the team organized a visit to Kanheri Caves, located in Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the northern part of Mumbai. The caves are a large complex of rock cut shrines and living spaces that were made from the first through the eleventh century AD.

Kanheri Caves were created for Buddhist worship. There are 110 caves ranging from small, plain living spaces to large temples. The larger caves are chaityas, the place of worship of the Buddhist community. The small ones are viharas or monasteries, they consist of single and multiple celled where the Buddhist monks resided. Individual cells are 10 foot square living spaces with a bench cut into one side for sleeping.

It was quite hot, so I recommend starting your visit early in the day. I was also told that it was very nice to visit during the Monsoon.

Here are some photographs I took during the visit. This first set is of a Chaitya.

Chaitya Interior

Chaitya Columns

Column Top Carving

Chaitya Exterior Carvings

The entry to the chaitya and some carvings.

Kanheri Caves Exterior

Kanheri Carvings

A very nice carving of the Buddha.

Buddha at Kanheri Caves

This is one of many stupa in the complex which is used even today as a place of meditation and prayer.

Stupa at Kanheri Caves

Inside The Stupa

Kanheri Carvings

Steps lead over the top of some of the caves. There are channels cut into the rock to guide water to cisterns, both open and within the caves.

Rock Carved Steps

Water Gathering Channels

Cistern

Cistern Water Collection

We did not explore the upper cave area. It is quite extensive. Visiting in fall, after the monsoon, makes the area very green and pretty.

Upper Cave Complex

Upper Cave Complex

Upper Cave Complex

Upper Cave Complex

This is the view west toward the city.

Looking West

The area is well populated by monkeys. You need to be careful as they will grab food items right out of your hand.

Monkey Family