subject: Places To Visit Near Mumbai - Kanheri Caves And Elephanta Caves [print this page] There are lots of attractions around Mumbai which are cult favorites. Two this sort of destinations to travel are the Kanheri Caves and also the Elephanta Caves. Do not get mistaken and also feel that they are something alike. They are both unique in their own ways and also present the tourists with individually unique ethnic experiences.
Kanheri Caves
The Kanheri Caves are located deep around the lush green forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park on the western borders of Mumbai, north of Borivli. Their serenity and also relaxing surroundings makes it feel like you have entered into a different era. Kanheri caves are cut from basaltic rock and also are amazing.
* How to Reach
- The Kanheri Caves are around 7 kilometers from Borivli Station after you get there, and about 6 kilometers from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park Main Entrance. As you pay an entry fee and enter the park gate, there will be another gate for the caves inside. Coming from that entrance, Kanheri Caves are around 5km. Shuttle services by buses are available inside on an hourly basis.
* Cave Timings
- People can go in after 7.30 a.m.
* Attractions
- Kanheri Caves are cut out from a big basalt rock. It basically means, black mountain. They are the evidence that there are Buddhist impact in our art and also culture. From the big rock, roughly 109 caves carved intricately and strategically.
- You will find several astonishing spots throughout the caves. Once you venture your path through the area, you'll find canals and also cisterns which are part of a water system that has been developed and also built to collect rainwater. This rainwater is collected in huge tanks.
- The Kanheri Caves moreover includes several stupas, and also shrines. Meticulously carved reliefs can be viewed on the caves walls.
- For your family, this is a great spot to weekend picnic. The Kanheri are specially tranquil during the monsoon. The monsoon creates several waterfalls all over, increasing the beauty of Kanheri Caves and also its surroundings.
Elephanta Caves
An hour away on the ferry from Mumbai, on the Elephanta Island is the magnificent Elephanta Caves. At first called Gharapuri, the island was a place of Hindu worship. When Portuguese started ruling in 1534, they called it Elephanta as a result of huge state of an elephant located on the island. They are a complex of historical temples in the caves and also were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Merely one hour away, Elephanta caves are known for their wonderful view of the Mumbai skyline, away from the hustle and bustle of the hectic city.
* How to Reach
- You can take a Boat from Mumbai's Gateway of India that may take approximately one hour to get you to Elephanta Caves. There is a main north entrance this is the entry to the caves.
* Cave Timings
- The first boat to Elephanta caves is at 9:00 am and the last one departing from the caves is at 5:00 pm.
* Elephanta Attractions
- From the caves, lush and light greenery is present, with monkeys roaming about fondly. It is a good idea not to harass them.
- There are lots of sculptures everywhere in the caves. You will find these at all doorways and also side panels. Shiva's accomplishments and also rendezvous are seen all over in the sculptures. There's a special and also surreal pleasantness about the sculptures due to grace, balance and also sense of peace pictured in the art and also sculptures of the caves.
- Over the month of Feb, there is a vivacious dance festival held on the island. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation keeps it every year.
- Local wild berries which are sold on Elephanta island is a must try. You must not leave the island without them.
Both these attractions are something to put on the list when in or around Mumbai. There's for everyone at these caves. The Kanheri caves are serene and also religious with Buddhist influence, whilst the Elephanta caves are a vibrant portrayal of the Indian culture and also the lord Shiva.
