Visit the magnificent Kanheri caves in Mumbai

Very few would know that Mumbai is home to one of the oldest rock-cut Buddhist monuments named Kanheri Caves, situated amidst the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivli, a suburb on the Western line.

Believed to have a history older than 10th century, these caves reflect the impact of Buddhism in India. Some believe that the term Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit term Krishnagiri meaning black or dark mountain. There are as many as 109 caves of which many were known as Viharas.

One will also find inscriptions in the caves in Brahmi, Devanagari and Pahlavi scripts.

The park is open from 07.30 to 18.30 hours and can be visited between this timing on any day except Monday, when it remains closed.

How to reach this historic and beautiful destination:

By Train:

If you are lodging in any of the Western suburb, then take a train to Borivili. (Trains on the western line ply between Churchgate and Virar). If you put up in the Central Line, then take a train from Dadar (a common station that falls on both the Central and Western route) to Borivli. Trains ply between Karjat/ Kasara to Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus or CST. And if you are on the harbour line, take a train to Andheri and then take a connecting train to Borivli. Trains ply between Panvel and Andheri on the harbour line.

By Bus:

There are a number of BEST buses to Borivli East. If you buy a daily ticket (available for both regular and AC buses), then you will be able to use it throughout the day. A number of buses halt near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park or near Borivli station on the eastern side. From the station, you can walk down to SGN park. Buses also ply on the Thane-Ghodbunder-Kashimira-Dahisar route that gets connected with the Western Express Highway in Borivli East.

By road:

Hiring a cab or pre-booking a taxi may prove expensive if you are more than 5 kilometers away from SGN park. And if you can afford it, then you may ask the chauffeur to take you to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivli.

You can also go on a Lion or Tiger Safari after your date with the caves end.