The Caves of India
If there is any place on land that matches the beauty and mystique of the depths of oceans, it has to be the magical world of caves. Exploring the often dark and unknown interiors of these fascinating natural formations is certainly as unforgettable an experience as diving into uncharted waters that reveal a myriad other-worldly treasures.
Amarnath Cave
The Amarnath caves, located in the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, are one of the most famous shrines in Hinduism. Dedicated to the god Shiva, the shrine is claimed to be over 5,000 years old and forms an important part of ancient Hindu mythology. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft), about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and reached through Pahalgam town.
Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves
The twin hills Udayagiri and Khandagiri are located in the vicinity of Bhubaneswar town. The National Highway №5 passes through the close proximity of the hills. These two hills represent one of the earliest groups of Jaina rock-cut architecture in eastern India in the field of architecture, art and religion. These caves were first brought to the notice by A. Stirling in 1825 A.D.
Rising abruptly amidst a wide expanse of arid lateritic soil both the hills separated from each other by a narrow row through which passes modern road between Bhubaneswar and Chandaka. The ancient names of the twin hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri are Kumari and Kumara parvatas respectively. There are total 33 rock cut caves on both the hills out of which 18 caves are excavated on Udayagiri hill while 15 are on the Khandagiri hill. Generally, caves are single storied but a few of them are double storied also.
Elephanta caves
The Elephanta Caves, taluka Uran, district Raigad is located on island hills about 11 km north-east of the Apollo Bandar, Mumbai and 7 km from the shore of the mainland, approximately covering an area of 7 km in circumference. The island is named after a colossal elephant found in the island, which is popularly known as ‘Gharapuri’. At present, the statue of elephant is housed at Jijamata Garden in Mumbai. In ancient period, the place is variously identified as Puri which is mentioned in the Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II. It seems, different dynasties held their sway over this island, namely, the Konkan-Mauryas, Trikutakas, Chalukyas of Badami, Silaharas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Yadavas of Deogiri, Muslim rulers of Ahmedabad and then by the Portuguese. The Marathas also had this island under their control and from them it passed into the control of the British. There are seven cave excavations in the Elephanta group and these are datable from circa 6th — 7th centuries A.D.
Borra Caves
Borra Caves are located about 90 kms. North of Vishakapatnam in the Hill Range of Eastern Ghats of India. It falls in the State of Andhra Pradesh. It is a naturally formed cave believed to be 150 million years old. The Humic acid in the water reacts with the Calcium Carbonate in the limestone and dissolves the minerals breaking the rock gradually.
Ellora Caves
The mysterious and unimaginative of all caves. Ellora caves, locally known as ‘Verul Leni’ is located on the Aurangabad-Chalisgaon road at a distance of 30 km north-northwest of Aurangabad, the district headquarters. The name Ellora itself inspires everyone as it represents one of the largest rock-hewn monastic-temple complexes in the entire world. Ellora is also world famous for the largest single monolithic excavation in the world, the great Kailasa (Cave 16). The visit to these caves is enjoyed maximum during monsoon, when every stream is filled with rainwater, and the entire environ is lush green. The monsoon is not only a season of rains in this part, the local visitors are attracted to visit these ideal locations to have a glimpse of the mother nature in full bloom.
Belum Caves
Approximately 275 kms from Bangalore, in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, sit the second longest caves on the subcontinent — the Belum caves. These caves, which get their name from the Sanskrit word bilum (hole), were formed by the action of water flowing on limestone deposits over millions of years, forming stalactites, stalagmites, siphons, sink holes, and water galleries. The relics found in the caves dated back to around 4500 BC and showed that the caves had been inhabited by ancient Buddhist and Jain monks.
The Four Great Caves of Sikkim
Guru Padmasambhava (the Lotus born) also revered as Guru Rinpoche is believed to have passed through Sikkim on his way to Tibet. Apart from numerous other holy sites associated with the two revered beings the four great caves or the abodes of Guru Rinpoche and Lama Lhatsun Chenpo still hold special place in the religious sphere of the Buddhists. Interestingly, the four caves are distinguished according to the four cardinal directions of their location.
The North Lha-ri-nying phu or the old cave of God’s hill — is situated north of Tashiding (in West Sikkim where is located the famous Tashiding monastery). It is considered to be the holiest of the caves and commands a three-day walk from Tashiding.
The South Kah-do-sang phu or the cave of the occult fairies — lie close to the Reshi hot springs enroute the Jorethang-Legshep road. The cave and the hot spring can be accessed on foot across the river Rangit which can be crossed over upon a pedestrian bridge. Here, on a rock can still be seen many footprints believed to belong to fairies.
The East Pe phu or secret cave — is located between the Tendong and Maenam hills. The cave can be reached on foot from Sangmoo which lie at about a distance of 5 km from Ravangla. It is a huge cavern which is said to extend from the Tendong to the Maenam hill with height varying from five feet to one hundred or two hundred feet.
The West De-chhen phu or cave of great happiness — is difficult to access and is located near Dzongri. It is best reached in autumn when there is no snow.
Mawsmai Caves
Situated around 6 Kms from Cherrapunjee, the Mawsmai Caves are a major crowd puller that leaves tourists spellbound. These limestone caves have the distinction of being the only caves in Meghalaya that are lit enough to enable tourists to enjoy the natural formations in awe.
Though the caves are long, only a distance of 150 meters is open for tourists, while the other section is closed. The stalactites and stalagmites caves have innumerable forms, shapes and sizes inside leaving one to imagine as many life forms as possible. This magnificent natural wonder is the handiwork of years of natural abrasion and underground water.
Bhimbhetka Rock Shelters
The sprawling caves of Bhimbetka are located about 45 km northeast of Bhopal, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh. Situated along the Bhopal-Hoshangabad highway, these caves bear proximity to the Bhiyapura village in Raisen district. The northern fringes of the ancient Vindhyachal ranges are home to the extraordinary rock shelters and paintings, its awesome rocks fortifying the ancient treasure within. Ensconced amidst lush greenery in dense forests, and rocky terrain and craggy cliffs, with the lofty rocks guarding the ancient premises, the caves of Bhimbetka present a breathtaking view even from as far as Obaidullaganj, a small town in the vicinity of Bhimbetka.
Bhaja Caves
Bhaja Caves or Bhaje caves are group of 22 caves that have been cut from a rock. It is located at Lonavala, Pune. The inscriptions and the temple at the cave are protected as a National Monument. They have a good display of wooden architecture. The caves have a number of stupas which is a notable feature.
Dhak Caves
It is located in Raigad, Maharashtra. It is an apt place for a campfire or just a night stay if you are an adventure enthusiast. In order to reach the top one has to make a climb through the steep rocks with the help of bamboos and ropes. There are cooking vessels kept as well which can be used by visitors. The view from the top will raise your brows as you capture the amazing panoramic view of nature.
AJANTA CAVES
The Ajanta Caves are situated at a distance of 107 km north of Aurangabad, the district headquarters. The caves attained the name from a nearby village named Ajanta located about 12 km. These caves were discovered by an Army Officer in the Madras Regiment of the British Army in 1819 during one of his hunting expeditions. Instantly the discovery became very famous and Ajanta attained a very important tourist destination in the world. The caves, famous for its murals, are the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting.
PitalKhora Caves
It consists of 14 Buddhist caves and rests in Aurangabad district. There is a stream which adds to the scenic beauty during monsoon. The caves are situated below the valley and one has to ascend the steep steps to reach down.
Patal bhuvaneshwar Caves
The cave is 160 m long and 90 feet deep from the point of entrance. Limestone rock formations have created various spectacular stalactite and stalagmite figures of various hues and forms. This cave has a narrow tunnel-like opening which leads to a number of caves. The cave is fully electrically illuminated. There is a folklore that the Pandava brothers passed their time here during banishment. It is built due to the flow of water. It cut the rocks in such a fascinating way that it looks like that any artist had made those entire statues within the cave & on its wall.
Son Bhandar Caves
Two rock-cut caves located close together at the southern foot of Vaibhar Hill, near the ancient capital city of Rajgir .Both caves seem to be hollowed in the cliff in the 3rd — 4th century AD — at least inscription inside the western cave, between the door and window tells that it was done by the Great Saint of Jains — Muni Vairadevi for Jain ascetics in this time. Both caves were made approximately at the same time.
Son Bhandar Cave chambers are polished — it is among some of the few cave temples in India with this unusual feature. Also, the planning of the caves resembles earlier Mauryan rock-cut sanctuaries and this lets to put in doubt that age of caves — there is a possibility that they are significantly older.
Siju Caves
132 kms from Tura, Siju is famous for Dobakkol or the bat cave with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. It is the third longest cave in the Indian Sub-continent and contains some of the finest river passages to be found anywhere in the world. There are magnificent limestone rock formations inside, especially named princes, Di’s chamber by the excavators will fill any visitor with awe.
Eddakal Caves
It is a dwelling that showcases nature’s skill and philosophy on architecture and you have to trek to about 4000 ft up a mountain to reach the place. We are talking about Edakkal Caves, which still remain a wonder and a mystery for archaeologists and historians alike. Technically these formations are regarded as clefts but over the time due to it’s historic importance, these have been regarded as the caves that you must visit. Coming to the reason for its significance, carvings dating back to 6000 B.C. from the neolithic man have been found here. This shows the oldest settlements in this area. Maybe it’s the proof for Kerala being God’s Own Country!
Edakkal Caves are situated about 16 km from Sulthan Bathery and tourists have to trek up the Ambukuthi Hill to reach the caves. The trek up the hill, peppered with coffee plantations, is worth an experience and it takes almost 45 minutes to climb the hill. The lush greenery and scenic landscape around and the cool breeze that carries the aroma of coffee will surely make your journey an unforgettable one.
BADAMI TEMPLES
The Badami caves are more like temple complexes, which represent Badami Chalukya architecture.The Badami cave temples are a set of four temples carved out of soft sandstone. Of the four caves, three are dedicated to Hindu Gods, and the fourth is a Jain Temple.They all share the same plan — a veranda with columns and brackets leading to a main hall, the pillared maha mandapa which in turn leads to the small sanctum which houses the sculpture.
Undavalli Caves
From the inscriptions, it is known that these caves were built during 6th and 7th Century AD. Caves were completely built during 13th Century AD. Ancient temples at these caves received huge contributions from the rulers till 16th Century AD. Shrines for the Lord Vishnu, Siva and Brahma are available. Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple is located on the 2nd floor, which is 25 ft long and 8 ft high. Half built Trikoota Temple is located on the third floor. These caves were built during the reign of Chalukya dynasty. These caves were carved on a single rock mountain.
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