10 Caves in India For Your Next Holiday

Are you fascinated by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism? If yes, then you must visit these Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. Ajanta is the biggest cave in India designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. You'll be captivated by the rock-cut architecture dating back to the 2nd to 6th century AD in Ajanta and to the 6th to 11th century AD in Ellora. Here you'll also find sculptures and paintings to be mainly Buddhist. While in the 34 caves of Ellora groups, you can witness the architectural excellence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religions in the sculptures and paintings.

Get ready to be stunned by the group of Badami Caves in Karnataka and the religious significance it holds! Here you can find a fine example of the architectural style of the Chalukyas dynasty. For religious people, these caves have a very spiritual aura with four caves dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and the Jains. In each cave, you'll find tasteful sculptures of Mahavira, Hindu gods, and Jain Tirthankaras. The rock-cut architecture of these caves dates back to the 6th and 7th century AD.

You must have heard about this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site on the coast of Mumbai, the Elephanta island, as it holds a historical legacy. This group of caves is among the most famous caves in India. Travelling to Elephanta Caves will be an interesting experience for you because you'll have to get on a ferry to reach here. You'll find fascinating sculptures of Lord Shiva in the main cave spread on Gun Hill. You'll find the panels depicting the five stages in the life of an ascetic very exciting. This believed residence of the ascetics dates back to the 6th and 7th century AD.

Do you want to visit a group of caves for their calm and quietness? It does sound relaxing, doesn't it? For this purpose, Tabo Caves, located on the opposite side of Tabo village on Spiti Valley, is the perfect destination for you. These caves were once used as meditation spots by monks during winters to escape the cold. Some of the caves were used as assembly halls and some were used as dwellings. What's more exciting is that you'll come across some prayer flags while exploring. They indicate that meditation is still done by Buddhist monks inside the Tabo Caves.

If you're someone who enjoys visiting heritage sites, you'll certainly enjoy Undavalli Caves located on the banks of River Krishna in Andhra Pradesh. It's widely believed that these ancient caves were carved out of solid sandstone. The outstanding rock-cut architecture of this group of caves is dedicated to Vishnu Kundin Kings and some shrines are dedicated to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. You'll particularly enjoy the four-story cave with a Lord Vishnu sculpture in a reclining position. The high skilled craftsmanship in the caves here will surely entice you.

The idea of mysterious caves holding secrets from the past sounds interesting, doesn't it? Discovered in the 19th century AD, this group of caves dates back to the 2nd century BC built by King Kharavela of the Meghavana dynasty. Out of one hundred and seventeen caves, only thirty-three are surviving today. You can find tranquillity in these caves as they are believed to have served as residences of Jain monks. The upper chambers of many caves were used to practice meditation. You'll find many historical and mythical references, especially from the Kalinga War, in the exquisite architecture and carvings.

Borra Caves, situated 90km North of Visakhapatnam, are a natural wonder that will captivate your mind with its marvel. There are several legends attached to these caves, but they are believed to be naturally formed by limestone accumulation. Here you'll find a naturally formed Shiva Linga, which is highly respected by the visitors and the tribal people in that area. Spread over 1 square kilometre area, these caves contain many stalagmites and stalactite formations named Shiv Parvathi, Mother-child, crocodile, human brain, and Rushi’s Beard.

Do the glorious cave temples in India fascinate you? If yes, you must consider visiting Dungeshwari Cave Temples. This destination has a Buddhist religious significance since it's believed that Gautam Buddha practised meditation here. Two shrines are commemorating a significant event of Buddha's path towards enlightenment. The golden statue of Buddha, a statue of Hindu Goddess Dungeshwari, and another massive Buddha statue create a very spiritual and calm aura here.

If you find wooden architecture fascinating, you must visit Karla Caves as its rock-cut architecture resembles wooden architecture. You'll particularly find arched entrances, Ashokan Pillar at the front and arched entrances, fascinating here. The main attraction of this place is the chaitya griha, which is the largest one in India. It dates back to 200 BC and is among the most ancient caves in India.

Take time off of your busy schedule and visit Pataleshwar Caves in its calm atmosphere to find relief. The structure of these caves is carved out of a single stone and resembles the rock-cut architecture of Ellora Caves. Its construction dates back to the 8th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Nandi. There are several statues of Hindu God and Goddesses here. Even though there’s no particular grand entrance here, you’ll still find a striking brilliance in its architecture.

Whether you’re a solo traveller or you travel with your friends and family, something is exciting and mysterious about caves. Isn’t it? Visit these caves and travel centuries back in time to explore India’s great history, religions, cultures, and heritage. What else can one ask for!