Caves of India

India has a rich cultural heritage and different geographically and historically significant places. There are caves spread across the country which gives a sneak peak into the history and culture that existed in those olden ages. Here are the caves of India from different states.

1. Ellora Caves in Maharashtra – Located in the state of Maharashtra, there are a total of 34 caves dated between 6th to 10th century CE dedicated to Buddhism(Caves 1-12), Jainism(Caves 30-34) and Hinduism(Caves 13-29). It also has the famous Kailasa temple which was cut from a single rock starting from the top. It is one of the World Heritage Sites inscribed in the year 1983.

2. Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra – Located in the state of Maharashtra, there are a total of 30 rock cut cave monuments dated between 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE mainly dedicated to Buddhism. It is one of the World Heritage Sites inscribed in the year 1983.

3. Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra – Located in the state of Maharashtra on an island close to Mumbai, there are a total of 5 caves mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the World Heritage Sites inscribed in the year 1987.

4. Badami Caves in Karnataka – Located in northern part of Karnataka it has 4 caves temples dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. They were built around 6th century CE by the Badami Chalukyas.

5. Borra Caves in Andhra Pradesh – Located around 90 kms from Visakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh, they are believed to be naturally formed and around 150 million years old.

6. Belum Caves in Andhra Pradesh – Located in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, they are the second largest caves in India and are believed to be naturally formed millions of years ago.

7. Udaygiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh – Located around 60 kms from Bhopal in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the Udaygiri caves are 20 rock cut caves dated between the 4th and 5th century CE. They are near Betwa river and around 10 kms from the famous Sanchi Stupa. They were built during the reign of Chandragupta II from the Gupta Dynasty and have sculptures from both Hinduism and Jainism. Out of the twenty caves 18 belong Hinduism and 2 to Jainism.

8. Bhimbhetka Rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh – Located around 45 kms from Bhopal on the foothills of Vindhyan range in Madhya Pradesh state, Bhimbhetka Rock shelters are from Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. One can find art work/paintings from the olden days. They are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites inscribed in 2003.

9. Mawsmai Caves in Meghalaya – Located in the state of Meghalaya, Mawsmai caves are beautiful with specially prepared paths and lit interiors. One can find formations like stalactites, stalagmites and ancient fossils. Some passages are not so easily accessible and need to pass carefully.

10. Arwah Caves in Meghalaya – Located in the state of Meghalaya, Arwah cave is a natural cavity formed by a solution activity within the limestone rock. One can find formations like stalactites, stalagmites and ancient fossils along the walls and roof. This is very close to the Bangladesh border.

11. Edakkal Caves in Kerala – Located near Wayanad in the state of Kerala, Edakkal caves are situated around 1200 ft above sea level and one needs to trek their way to these caves through some steps. They are believed to be from 6000 BC and has engravings and burial sites.

12. Robbers Cave in Uttarakhand – Located near Dehradun in the state of Uttarakhand, Robbers cave also known as Gachhupani is a river cave which is unique and is 600 mts long. One has to walk through a stream of water and has two huge rock formations. This was used by Robbers as hiding spot during the British regime and hence the name.

13. Naida Caves in Diu – Located just next to the Diu Fort in the Union Territory of Diu, Naida caves feature unique rock formations and Sunlit canyons with a big network of tunnels.

14. Rock cut Caves temples at Mahabalipuram – Located near Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram near Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, there are a group of rock cut caves temples here.

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