Explore 22 Fascinating Caves in India: A Journey Through History, Adventure, and Spirituality

India is home to an impressive array of caves that showcase natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. These caves, some of which are ancient, provide valuable insights into history, art, and spirituality, making them fascinating destinations for travelers. Here, we present a curated list of some of the most remarkable caves across the country.

Ajanta and Ellora, Maharashtra

The Ajanta Ellora caves in northern Maharashtra are undoubtedly India’s most spectacular rock-cut caves. There are 34 caves at Ellora, dating from the 6th to 11th centuries AD, and 29 caves at Ajanta dating from the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD. The caves at Ajanta are all Buddhist, while those at Ellora encompass a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain influences. These remarkable caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The effort involved in hand-crafting these edifices is truly awe-inspiring!

Elephanta Caves, Mumbai, Maharashtra

If you can’t make it to the Ajanta or Ellora caves, the seven ancient rock-cut caves on Elephanta Island, just off the coast of Mumbai, represent the next best thing. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, they are among the top tourist attractions in Mumbai. The caves were hand-crafted out of rock during the mid-5th to 6th centuries, with the main cave featuring magnificent panels depicting Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of creation and destruction. To visit, take a ferry from the Gateway of India, located in Colaba. Be aware that the caves are closed on Mondays and are inaccessible during the monsoon season.

Badami, Karnataka

The cave temples at Badami in northern Karnataka are a popular side trip from Hampi. These caves date back to the 6th century and were constructed during the reign of the Chalukya Empire. Open daily from dawn to dusk, one cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva, two to Lord Vishnu, and the remaining smaller one serves as a Jain temple. Situated above the Agastyatirtha Tank and the Bhutanatha Temples, the atmosphere is enchanting, creating a picturesque view! Notably, a cave with 27 Hindu carvings was discovered nearby in 2015.

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh

One of India’s lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters were serendipitously discovered in 1957. Nestled in dense forest at the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains, these rock shelters boast a history dating back to the Paleolithic age, adorned with ancient tribal rock paintings. It’s an extraordinary glimpse into the lives and culture of early humans in India.

The Many Caves of Meghalaya

Meghalaya, located in Northeast India, is renowned for its extensive cave systems, with over 1,000 caves explored to date! The most accessible cave is Mawsmai, positioned near Cherrapunji (about two hours from Shillong). Mawsmai is maintained as a show cave for tourists and is illuminated throughout. However, other caves, like Siju, Mawmluh, and Krem Puri—the longest cave in India—are better suited for caving expeditions and demand appropriate caving gear. Several tourism agencies, including the Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association, offer guided caving tours and packages.

Kailash and Kotumsar Caves, Chhattisgarh

The Kailash and Kotumsar caves, located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, rank among the largest in India and Asia. These extensive limestone caves lie deep underground within Kanger Valley National Park, approximately an hour from Jagdalpur. Kotumsar Cave is notably larger, but entry is regulated by the Forest Department due to narrow and dark passages. Therefore, it’s essential to have a local tribal guide with you. Visitors should be adventurous while ensuring they do not experience claustrophobia, as the caves are closed during the monsoon season.

Belum Caves, Andhra Pradesh

The magnificent Belum Caves stretch for an impressive 3,229 meters (10,594 feet) and are recognized as the largest and longest caves accessible to the public in India. This intricate cave system is part of a broader network formed over 1,000 years ago, showcasing stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is believed that Jain and Buddhist monks inhabited the caves centuries ago, featuring a spacious area for meditation. The caves are situated centrally between Bangalore and Hyderabad, each approximately a six-hour drive away. Consider pairing your visit with an excursion to the “Grand Canyon of India” at Gandikota.

Borra Caves, Andhra Pradesh

Though not as lengthy as the Belum Caves, the Borra Caves share similar geological features and are more accessible, contributing to their popularity. Located in the Ananthagiri Hills of the Araku Valley near Vizag, the early morning Kirandul Passenger Train runs directly to the caves, providing a scenic three-hour ride. Alternatively, renting a car for a day of local sightseeing is also a viable option.

Undavalli and Mogalarajapuram, Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh comprises well-preserved rock-cut cave temples that date back to the 4th and 5th centuries. Surrounded by palm trees and rice paddies, these caves provide a peaceful contrast to the bustling city of Vijayawada. Inside, visitors can find shrines dedicated to the formidable Hindu trinity—Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. A highlight is the massive reclining statue of Lord Vishnu on the third floor. Although the Mogalarajapuram caves on the east side of Vijayawada are somewhat damaged, they remain intriguing. Vijayawada is around an hour and a half from Amaravathi, the new planned capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri, Odisha

Located on the twin Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills, these rock caves are among the prime tourist destinations in Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Odisha. Carved during Emperor Kharavela’s reign in the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, Cave number 14 (Hathi Gumpha, the elephant cave) features a 17-line inscription authored by him. In addition to the caves, a Jain temple stands atop Khandagiri, providing excellent city views for those who climb the hill. Note that Ekamra Walks runs free guided tours of the Khandagiri hills every Saturday at 6:30 a.m.

Tabo, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

For those seeking remote meditation caves in India, Tabo—one of the top Buddhist monasteries—is a compelling destination. Situated within the Spiti Valley, the rugged and rocky ridge above the town is dotted with caves where local Buddhist lamas meditate. With dozens of hand-dug caves, visitors can explore the region for moments of peaceful contemplation.

Mahavatar Babaji Cave, Dunagiri, Uttarakhand

Paramahansa Yogananda’s influential Autobiography of a Yogi features the cave where Mahavatar Babaji revealed Kriya Yoga to his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya in 1861. The area continues to be spiritually significant, associated with Babaji, who is said to have maintained his physical form through many centuries. Visitors can access the cave, operated by the Yogoda Satsanga Society, daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, Dunagiri Retreat, overlooking the cave, provides a serene place to stay, with trekking opportunities available through the surrounding forest.

Cave Temples in Jammu and Kashmir

The caves in Jammu and Kashmir house significant temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, making them popular pilgrimage sites. The Amarnath temple, among the holiest sites in Hinduism, features a Shiv linga made of ice situated high on Mount Amarnath, accessible only via a multi-day trek during certain times of the year. During the annual Amarnath Yatra in July and August, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit this sacred site.

A more accessible option is Shiv Khori, located near Ransoo in the Shivalik Hills northwest of Jammu, though it requires a brief trek. Here, visitors can enter about 150 meters into the cave where a natural stalagmite Shiva linga exists. The cave hosts a three-day fair as part of the annual Maha Shivaratri festival in February or March, attracting many devotees.

Rock Fort Temple and Pallava Caves, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu

The Rock Fort temple complex is a key landmark in Trichy, recognized as one of the premier sites for witnessing south Indian temple architecture, including the illustrious Meenakshi Temples located in Madurai. Developed by the Nayaks of Madurai on an outcrop standing 83 meters (237 feet) above the city, the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple (dedicated to Lord Ganesh) sits at the pinnacle, offering breathtaking views of the town. The Pallavas initially carved small cave temples near its base in the 6th century, namely the Upper Cave Temple and Lower Cave Temple, the latter being particularly intriguing.

Naida Caves, Diu

The Diu Island, located near Gujarat, is home to the enchanting Naida Caves—a labyrinth of light-drenched caverns situated just outside the Portuguese-built Diu Fort, dating back to the 16th century. These caves are suggested to have been excavated by the Portuguese to source stone for the fortification. For the most dramatic light effects, it is best to visit when the sun is positioned overhead.

Barabar Hill Caves, Bihar

The Barabar Hill Caves are notable for being the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, primarily dating back to the Mauryan Dynasty and Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Comprising four caves featuring rare Hindu and Buddhist texts within their polished granite walls, these caves also possess a unique acoustic quality. E.M. Forster drew inspiration from these caves, using them as a pivotal setting in his novel, A Passage To India. A day trip from Bodhgaya offers an opportunity to visit these caves.

Dungeshwari Cave Temples, Bihar

Those following the Buddhist trail should consider visiting the Dungeshwari cave temples (also known as the Mahakala caves), located about 45 minutes from Bodhgaya, Bihar. It is said that the Buddha spent several years here before attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Visitors are often welcomed to meditate in this tranquil and spiritually significant location, where a large golden Buddha statute adds to the experience.

Karla Caves, Lonavala, Maharashtra

The Karla Caves are famous for possessing the largest and best-preserved prayer hall in India, believed to date back to the 1st century BC. This rock-cut complex includes 15 additional caves that once served as living and prayer spaces for monks. The caves are carved into a hillside above the village of Karla, located about two hours from Mumbai. Additionally, a nearby set of caves located at Bhaja boasts impressive architecture as well, although Karla’s singular cave stands as the most splendid.

Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, Maharashtra

The Kanheri Buddhist caves, found within Sanjay Gandhi National Park on the outskirts of Mumbai, comprise a substantial cave complex carved out of volcanic rock from the 1st century BC to the 10th century AD. Serving as an important Buddhist settlement and learning center in western India, Kanheri boasts the largest concentration of caves on a single hill. The summit rewards visitors with an excellent view of the surrounding area.

Varaha Cave, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

The Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, features an incredible rock-cut Hindu cave temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built in the late 7th century during the Pallava Dynasty. Showcasing a stunning panel depicting Lord Vishnu’s Varaha incarnation, rescuing Earth Goddess Bhudevi from the ocean, along with various scenes from Hindu mythology, these caves are a must-see for visitors to Tamil Nadu.

Narlai Village, Rajasthan

Narlai, nestled between Jodhpur and Udaipur, presents a fantastic opportunity to escape the crowds while exploring hidden caves. The highlight is a cave temple constructed for Lord Shiva, revered as the site where the famed sage Narada meditated. Situated within a massive granite hill, reaching the temple involves a hike through a rock crevice, rewarding visitors with the sight of additional caves and a marble elephant statue atop the hill. For a complete luxury experience, consider staying at the heritage Rawla Narlai.

Mahakal Cave, Jayanti, West Bengal

A challenging yet scenic three-hour trek through the jungles near the Bhutan border, starting from the remote Jayanti village, leads to Mahakal Cave nestled within the hills. This natural cave, adorned with stalactite formations, is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. Given the steep and rocky terrain, the trek demands good fitness levels. A smaller Mahakal cave exists along the way, which is often overlooked, while Buxa Tiger Reserve showcases the stunning landscapes of The Dooars plains. Note that visiting during the rainy season (from mid-June to October) is not advisable due to accessibility issues.