Are you interested in Hinduism, Buddhism, or Jainism? If so, you should go to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. Ajanta is India’s largest cave, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The rock-cut architecture originating from the 2nd to 6th centuries AD in Ajanta and from the 6th to 11th centuries AD in Ellora will enchant you. Sculptures and paintings, primarily Buddhist, can also be seen here. The sculptures and paintings in the 34 caverns of Ellora groups demonstrate the architectural excellence of the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religions.
Karnataka’s Badami Caves
Prepare to be astounded by the Badami Caves in Karnataka and the holy significance they possess! A magnificent specimen of the Chalukyas dynasty’s architectural style may be found here. These caves provide a very spiritual aura for religious people, with four caves dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and the Jains. There are exquisite carvings of Mahavira, Hindu gods, and Jain Tirthankaras in each cave. These caverns’ rock-cut architecture dates from the 6th and 7th centuries AD.
Mumbai’s Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of Mumbai, is well-known for its historical significance. This cave complex is one of India’s most well-known. Elephanta Caves will be an intriguing experience for you because you will have to take a ferry to get there. The main cave on Gun Hill contains amazing sculptures of Lord Shiva. The panels showing the five stages of an ascetic’s life will pique your interest. This presumed ascetic house dates back to the 6th and 7th centuries AD.
Himachal Pradesh’s Tabo
Do you wish to go to a group of caverns known for their peace? It sounds soothing, doesn’t it? Tabo Caves, located on the other side of Tabo town in Spiti Valley, is the ideal venue for this purpose. Monks used to meditate in these caverns during the winter to escape the cold. Some of the caves served as assembly halls, while others served as residences. What’s more, while investigating, you’ll come across some prayer flags. They show that Buddhist monks continue to meditate inside the Tabo Caves.
Andhra Pradesh’s Undavalli Caves
If you appreciate exploring heritage sites, you’ll love Undavalli Caves, which are located on the banks of the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh. These ancient caves are usually thought to have been formed out of solid sandstone. This set of caves’ exceptional rock-cut architecture is devoted to Vishnu Kundin Kings, and certain shrines are dedicated to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. The four-story grotto with a reclining Lord Vishnu sculpture will especially appeal to you. The exceptional level of craftsmanship in these caves will undoubtedly entice you.
Odisha’s Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
Doesn’t the thought of unknown caves containing ancient secrets sound intriguing? This group of caves, discovered in the 19th century AD, dates back to the 2nd century BC and was created by King Kharavela of the Meghavana dynasty. Only thirty-three caverns remain now out of a total of one hundred and seventeen. These caves are peaceful because they are thought to have been used as Jain monks’ dwellings. Many caves’ upper chambers were used for meditation practice. The beautiful architecture and carvings contain numerous historical and legendary connections, particularly from the Kalinga War.
Andhra Pradesh’s Borra Caves
Borra Caves, located 90 kilometers north of Visakhapatnam, are a natural beauty that will fascinate your thoughts. There are various tales associated with these caverns, however, they are thought to have formed naturally as a result of limestone formation. There is a naturally formed Shiva Linga here, which is greatly regarded by visitors and indigenous people in the vicinity. These caverns, which cover an area of one square kilometer, have several stalagmites and stalactites with names like Shiv Parvathi, Mother-child, crocodile, human brain, and Rushi’s Beard.
Bihar’s Dungeshwari Cave Temples
Do you admire India’s magnificent cave temples? If so, you should go to Dungeshwari Cave Temples. This location has Buddhist religious importance since it is believed that Gautam Buddha meditated here. Two shrines commemorate an important episode in Buddha’s route to enlightenment. The golden Buddha statue, a statue of the Hindu Goddess Dungeshwari, and another enormous Buddha statue create a highly spiritual and peaceful atmosphere here.
Maharashtra’s Karla Caves
If you are fascinated by wooden buildings, you must visit Karla Caves since its rock-cut architecture is similar to wooden architecture. Arched doorways, Ashokan Pillar at the front, and arched entrances are particularly fascinating here. The main draw of this location is the chaitya griha, which is the largest in India. It is one of India’s oldest caves, dating back to 200 BC.
Maharashtra’s Pataleshwar Caves
Take time out of your busy schedule to visit Pataleshwar Caves and relax in its tranquil ambiance. These caverns’ structure is carved out of a single stone and is similar to the rock-cut architecture of Ellora Caves. It was built in the eighth century AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Nandi. There are various Hindu God and Goddess statues here. Even though there is no grand entryway, the building is stunning.
Odisha’s Khandagiri Caves
The Khandagiri caves are a set of 15 caves located a short distance from Bhubaneshwar. Khandagiri caves are ancient caverns in India that were used by Jain monks during the reign of King Kharavela and are said to be the first Jain rock-cut shelter. From its vantage point, the caves offer a panoramic view of Bhubaneswar. The Ananta cave (cave 3) is one of Khandagiri’s most popular caves, with sculpted sculptures of women, elephants, athletes, and geese carrying flowers.
Tamil Nadu’s Trichy Rock Fort Temple
The two cave temples, Lower Cave Temple and Upper Cave Temple, are located within the complex of Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort and are among the most magnificent cave temples in India. These caverns are supposed to have been created during the Pallavas, but the enormous contribution of Chola dynasty rulers, Nayaks of Madurai, and Vijaynagara cannot be overlooked. These incomplete cave shrines, which resemble rock-cut temples such as the Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple in Thiruvellarai and Pechipalai cave temples, have a Shiva temple in the east and a Vishnu temple in the west. The Lower Caves are distinguished by a distinct style of the pillar that is not found in any other temple in Tamil Nadu.
