8 Oldest And Famous Caves To Visit In India

There is a multitude of caves in India in many different parts and regions. Some of them have been formed naturally while some have been hand carved into caves several years ago. These magnificent and alluring caves are hidden amidst forests and the valleys of India are like the buried treasure of heritage caves. Most of the natural caves are Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cave temples.

Apart from all the religious importance of these caves, extraordinary sculptures and carvings also make these caves popular and known. Some of the heritage caves in India are listed as under:

# Badami Caves, Karnataka

The cave temple located in Badami is a popular tourist spot from Hampi. The fourth cave dates back to the 6th century, the time of the reign of Chalukya’s Empire. One of the caves is dedicated to Lord Shiva temple, one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the remaining smaller cave is a Jain temple cave. The Badami cave is close to Agastyatirtha Tank and Bhutanatha temples which are located close. The view looks just out of a postcard. If you are in Hampi, you are sure to find many small caves dedicated to many Hindu lords.

# Ajanta and Ellora, Maharashtra

The Ajanta and Ellora caves are no doubt one of the most spectacularly cut caves located in Northern Maharashtra. There are a total of 34 caves in Ellora dating back from the 6th to 11th century and there are mainly 29 caves present in Ajanta dating back to the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD. The Ajanta caves are all Buddhist caves while the Ajanta caves are a combination of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain. The caves have been named under UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is simply mind-blowing how so much work can be done to carve out of hands.

# Amarnath Cave, Jammu, and Kashmir

The Amarnath Cave is one of the most famous Hindu caves located in Jammu and Kashmir. The shrine present is of Lord Shiva and is about 500 years old. The cave is situated 141km from Srinagar and the cave has an ice stalagmite that represents the shrine of Lord Shiva and it expands and contracts with the changes of the moon. According to mythology, this is the place where Lord Shiva explained to Parvati the secrets of life and eternity of the divine.

# Bagh Caves, Madhya Pradesh

The Bagh Caves are located on the banks of the Baghani river in Madhya Pradesh and is a set of nine rock-cut structures. The Bagh Caves are known for their beautiful carvings and paintings and also referred to as Rang Mahal. These rock-cut caves exemplify the excellent work of art of ancient India. It is believed that these caves were built by Buddhist Monk Dataka in the late 4th century to the 6th century.

# Belum Caves, Andhra Pradesh

Belum caves are the second largest natural caves in India with a length of 3229 meters and a depth of 120 meters below the entry-level. The caves were formed as a result of erosion of limestone deposited by the Chitravati River and have large chambers to walk through. It also has Siphons and freshwater resources. The caves have been said to be discovered by Buddhist Monks in the area which has now been made into a museum at Anantapur.

# Krem Liat Prah, Meghalaya

Kren Liat Prah is located in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya and is the longest natural cave in India. It is one of those caves which has not yet been explored properly and is part of 150 caves of the ridge. The cave is about 34 km in length and various surveys go on in the caves to learn about its importance and what is inside the caves.

# Jogimara Caves, Chhattisgarh

Jogimara Caves is located in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh. The caves are said to have a natural tunnel escape known as Hathipol from which seven elephants can come out easily. It is believed that Ram, Sita, and Laxman used to stay here during their years of exile. The cave is filled with ancient paintings and transcripts from the olden times.

# Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra

Elephanta Caves has located about 7km from Mumbai and it can be reached only through a ferry as it is located on an island. Seven rock-cut caves are finely carved and designed. It dates back to the 6th century AD and this cave is famous for the presence of Mahesh murti depicting the three forms of Lord Shiva.

These are some of the must-visit caves in India. Caves have always been allured by historians and scientists. Do not miss to visit these caves and travel back in time to ancient history.