Attraction
Gateway of India
The 1924 basalt arch on the Apollo Bunder waterfront, built to mark a royal visit and now the departure point for Elephanta ferries.
Kanheri Caves
More than a hundred Buddhist caves carved into the forested hills of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, with a great pillared prayer hall and giant Buddha reliefs.
At a glance
- Type
- Buddhist cave complex and national park
- Area
- Borivali, Mumbai, India
Good to know
- Forest setting
- Rock-cut steps
Why we recommend it
The Kanheri Caves are a complex of more than a hundred rock-cut Buddhist caves in the hills of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, on Mumbai's northern edge. Monks carved and used them over many centuries, and the site was an important Buddhist settlement on the Konkan coast, linked to the ancient trading ports of Sopara and Kalyan. Around 50 legible inscriptions survive, in Brahmi, Devanagari and Pahlavi scripts. Coming here is a complete change from the city: the caves sit among forest, and the walk between them takes you across the bare rock of the hillside.
Most of the caves are simple viharas, the cells where monks lived and studied, with stone benches and water cisterns. The highlight is Cave 3, the Great Chaitya, a long pillared prayer hall with a stupa at the far end, based on the plan of the famous chaitya at Karla. At either end of its veranda stand two colossal standing Buddhas, each about seven metres tall, which were added later than the cave itself. Look out too for carvings of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, which are a distinctive feature of Kanheri.
The caves lie in the middle of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a protected forest of over 100 square kilometres that contains the catchments of Vihar and Tulsi lakes. The park is known for its leopards and for more than 250 species of birds, and it draws over two million visitors a year. Its other attractions include a lion and tiger safari and the Van Rani toy train, which returned in 2026 as a battery-powered service. Most activities in the park do not run on Mondays, but the Kanheri Caves remain open.
Allow at least half a day, including the journey into the park. The caves are reached by rock-cut steps and uneven paths, so wear good shoes and bring water, sun protection and something to eat. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends. The site works well for older children and anyone who enjoys a mix of history and walking, though it is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
The park's headquarters and main gate are in Borivali, in the northern suburbs, which is a long journey from South Mumbai, so allow plenty of time for traffic. Combine the caves with a walk in the park itself, or with a view over Tulsi or Vihar lakes from one of the trails.
Kanheri Caves FAQs
Where are the Kanheri Caves?
Inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the northern suburbs, with the park headquarters in Borivali.
How many caves are there?
There are more than a hundred rock-cut caves, most of them monks' living cells.
What is the main highlight?
Cave 3, the Great Chaitya, with its pillared prayer hall, stupa and two colossal standing Buddhas.
Are the caves open on Mondays?
Most park activities do not run on Mondays, but the Kanheri Caves remain open.
How long should you allow?
At least half a day including the journey through the park.
Is it suitable for people with limited mobility?
Not really. The caves are reached by rock-cut steps and uneven paths.
Can you see wildlife?
The park is home to leopards and over 250 bird species, although sightings of large animals are a matter of luck.
What should you bring?
Water, sun protection, snacks and comfortable shoes.