Destination No. 2 : Kanheri Caves, Borivali

Captured By Viraj Lokhande

Kanheri caves are fabled for their mystic caves, rich history and, of course, notorious monkeys. Located in  north of Borivali on the western outskirts of Mumbai, they nest deep within the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the caves are 6 km from the main gate and 7 km from Borivali Station.

Visitors are allowed to enter after 7:30 (not that a lot of us are going to be entering at an early hour of 7.30. We all love sleep too much).

Captured by Viraj Lokhande

Captured By Viraj Lokhande

The Kanheri Caves beautifully depict the Buddhist influence on the art and culture of India. These caves date from the first century BCE to the 10th century CE. One hundred and nine caves have been carved from basalt (!!!!). A congregation hall with huge stone pillars contains the stupa, a Buddhist shrine. Farther up the hill are canals and cisterns, the remains of an ancient system that channeled rainwater into huge tanks. Once the caves were converted to permanent monasteries, the rock was carved with intricate images of Buddha and the Bodhisattvas.

On the right track..
Captured By Viraj Lokhande

Sculptures Captured By Viraj Lokhande 

Virahas Captured By Viraj Lokhande

Most of the caves were used as the Buddhist Viharas, meant for living, studying, and meditating. And if you think you won’t be doing any praying there, mess with the monkeys and they'll prove you wrong! This establishment was also connected with many trade centers, such as the ports of Sopara, Kalyan, Nasik, Paithan and Ujjain. Kanheri was a University center by the time the area was under the rule of the Maurayan and Kushan empires. So monks lived there, trade was carried out and it served as an educational centre. Talk about multitasking!

Nearly 51 legible inscriptions and 26 epigraphs are found at Kanheri, which include the inscriptions in Brahmi, Devanagari, Pahlavi. Anybody here read ancient indian languages? Then decode that script in the picture and show the world how it’s done, fellas! B)

Captured By Viraj Lokhande

Carved Inscriptions Captured By Viraj Lokhande

Not only are the Kanheri caves resplendent with history and intriguing art but also tucked away in nooks and cranies are waterfalls!

This is why it’s the place to be. Whether you're out with your family or just craving for a get away with friends. Fill your intellect with the mind boggling sculptures and scriptures and then cool off your summer in those refreshing waterfalls.

Just keep a tight hold onto your bags and snacks, the monkeys are too nifty for our liking!

Captured By Viraj Lokhande

                                                                                             

Captured By Viraj Lokhande

            

So if you want those feels of hundreds of years or want to splash about and let your worries flow away, this is the place to be. Unless you're a helpless monkey teaser, then steer clear brother.

                                                               

Selfie xD

Captured By .......

21 Destinations 

 Bhavin Jain & Viraj Lokhande