15 must visit caves around Mumbai

1. Elephanta Caves: 

Located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbor, these ancient rock-cut caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva and date back to the 5th to 8th century.

2. Kanheri Caves: 

Situated within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, these Buddhist caves were carved out of the basalt rock and date back to the 1st century BC to 9th century AD.

3. Karla Caves: 

Located near Lonavala, about 100 km from Mumbai, these Buddhist caves are known for their grand entrance and beautiful carvings.

4. Bhaja Caves: 

Situated near Lonavala, these rock-cut caves are known for their intricate sculptures and beautiful Chaitya halls.

5. Ajanta Caves: 

Although a bit further from Mumbai (about 380 km), these UNESCO World Heritage Site caves are a must-visit. They showcase remarkable Buddhist cave paintings from the 2nd century BC to 6th century AD.

6. Ellora Caves: 

Also located near Aurangabad (about 335 km from Mumbai), these UNESCO World Heritage Site caves consist of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut temples dating from the 6th to 10th century.

7. Mahakali Caves: 

Situated in Andheri, Mumbai, these Buddhist caves date back to the 1st century BC and showcase impressive rock-cut architecture.

8. Jogeshwari Caves: 

Located in Jogeshwari, Mumbai, these Hindu and Buddhist caves are believed to have been built between the 6th and 8th century.

9. Mandapeshwar Caves:

Situated in Borivli, Mumbai, these caves date back to the 10th century and contain a Shiva temple and some ancient carvings.

10. Pitalkhora Caves: 

Located near Aurangabad (about 345 km from Mumbai), these Buddhist caves are known for their beautiful sculptures and date back to the 2nd century BC to 5th century AD.

11. Karla Caves, Near Lonavala: 

These Buddhist caves are located near Lonavala, about 100 km from Mumbai, and are famous for their rock-cut architecture and sculptures.

12. Kondane Caves, Karjat: 

Located near Karjat, about 80 km from Mumbai, these ancient Buddhist caves are known for their beautiful sculptures and serene surroundings.

13. Bedse Caves: 

Situated near Pune, these caves offer panoramic views and house ancient Buddhist shrines.

14. Pandavleni Caves: 

Located near Nashik, these Hinayana Buddhist caves provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

15. Tulja Caves: 

Located near Junnar, Pune, these Buddhist caves are situated within a picturesque valley and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.