Kanheri Caves - Private tour

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Tour start at 10:00 hrs
2 hours
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Tour Description

The Kanheri Caves, a set of hand-cut Buddhist rock sculptures, are one of Mumbai’s top attractions. But the remote location—on an island within Sanjay Gandhi National Park—can put many travelers off. Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri, which means a black mountain.

As per archaeologists and historians, during their initial phase, these caves must-have served as a temporary residence or ‘vasha vaasa’ (rain shelter) for the monks. The monks lived in these caves to live, study and meditate, and as a policy, no woman was allowed to live in Kanheri Caves in the earlier stages and even as more and more time lapsed.

Meeting Point

Hotel/ Airport

Over a period of time, the Kanheri Caves emerged as a center of learning


Get a first-hand peek at the 109 caves, some dating from the 1st century BC. Each cave has a stone plinth that functioned as a bed. A congregation hall with huge stone pillars contains a Buddhist shrine. Rock-cut channels above the caves fed water cisterns, which provided the complex with water.


Once the caves were converted to permanent monasteries, their walls were carved with intricate relief of Lord Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Kanheri Buddhist caves had become an important Buddhist settlement on the Konkan coast in western India by the 3rd century CE. A large number of prayer hall demonstrates there was a well-organized establishment of Buddhist monks. This convenient and hassle-free private tour with a local tour guide, which puts the world-famous heritage site at your fingertips.


Highlights

  • A private tour of Mumbai’s Kanheri Caves.Transportation to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where the site is located.
  • Get a first-hand look at the impressive set of hand-chiseled monuments.
  • Must explore the cave complex comprises one hundred and nine caves, carved from the basalt rock
  • Deciduous green forests,
  • Ancient architecture and
  • 22ft long colossal Lord Buddha statue.
  • Enjoy a complimentary hotel pick up with your own private guide


Itinerary

  • We will start the tour from your hotel or a predecided place.
  • we will reach Kanheri Caves passing through the green forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Located approx 3.5 miles (6 km) inside the park.
  • Explore Buddhist sculptures and relief carvings, paintings, and inscriptions, dating from the 1st century BCE to the 11th century CE.
  • The cave complex comprises one hundred and nine caves, carved from the basalt rock. Most of the caves are used as the Buddhist viharas, meant for living, studying, and meditating. Don't miss the Buddhist shrine, called a stupa, in one of the caves before returning to MumbaiReturn to the starting point.
  • An alternative sightseeing experience that’s ideal for first-time visitors.
  • Your tour will end here after that you can head to your hotel for rest.


Duration of tour

  • This tour will take approximately 2 hours.


What to expect on this tour?

  • Learn about one of the world-famous heritage.
  • You will get a chance to click great photographs.


What does this tour include?

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private chauffeur-driven AC car,
  • English speaking tour guide would be escorting this tour.
  • Bottle of Water Permission of photography on the tour.


What are the tour exclusions

  • Any personal nature expenses.
  • Lunch or snacks not included in the tour
  • Pick up and drop from the hotel.


Things to Note

  • This tour would be operating on the daily.
  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking a wheelchair accessible confirmation will be received at the time of booking not wheelchair accessible.
  • This is a private tour activity only your group will participate
  • you can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
  • The dress code for this tour would be smart casuals. Modest and respectful clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended.
  • Kindly take note that walking will be involved in Kanheri caves ,
  • Comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses/sunscreen are highly recommended, as well as a hat or scarf for ladies.
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.


Cancellation policy of Tour

  • If you cancel the tour before 3 days of the tour start date, a full refund will be given.
  • If you cancel within 1-3 days of the tour start date, there is a 30% cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel within 1 day of tour start, full cancellation charges would be applied


General FAQ's about Kanheri Caves

 

How to reach Kanheri Caves?

All distances given are from the Main Gate of Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivali (this entrance lies on the Western Express Highway – WEH).

  • Nearest Airport: Mumbai -15kms.
  • By Rail: Mumbai to Borivali is 30 km by train on the western railway route. 
  • By Road: Borivali is near Mumbai octroi post on Mumbai - Ahmedabad highway.
  • From South Mumbai and Western suburbs: From South & Central Mumbai, it can be easily accessed by road from the WEH. Given here are the distances from various locations in South and Central Mumbai, as also in the western suburbs.
  • Navy Nagar, near the southern tip of Mumbai : 45 km
  • Nariman Point : 41 km
  • Worli : 30 km
  • Sion : 27 km
  • Bandra: 23 km
  • Versova, Andheri : 15 km
  • International Airport : 18 km
  • Domestic Airport: 16 km
  • From Central Mumbai & South Central Mumbai: It is advisable to reach Sion and drive along the Sion – Dharavi Road to connect the WEH at Bandra. Continue north towards SGNP.
  • From Eastern suburbs and Thane: From the eastern suburbs of Ghatkopar – Mulund, and from Thane urban, there are two approach routes to SGNP.
  • Via Powai: Drive along LBS Marg to reach the Gandhi Nagar Jn. From here, take the A S Road (Adi Sankaracharya Road) that passes the IIT - Powai stretch.
  • For Kanheri Caves you'll need to go through the same gate as of the national park. Kanheri Caves are located inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, north of Mumbai.
  • The entry point to the Kanheri Caves distance is about 5km. You can take one of those vans that shuttles between the main gate and the cave entrance. It's a 15 minutes ride, operates every 20 minutes.

What are the timings of Kanheri Caves?

  • Note the park timing (7.30 am to 6 pm) and the cave timings (9 am to 5 pm). Don't miss to catch the last van back to the main gate, if you depend on one.

 

Which day of the week, Kanheri Caves are closed?

  • Both the park and the Kanheri Caves are closed on Mondays.


What is entry charges for Kanheri Caves?


  • The park day entrance fee is 64 rupees for people aged 12 years and above. Children aged five to 12 years pay 34 rupees. Children under five years old are free. An additional entrance fee is payable to visit the Kanheri Buddhist Caves. The ticket office is located near the caves.
  • It's possible to take private vehicles inside the park. The cost is 22 rupees for bicycle,55 rupees for a motorcycle, 215 rupees for a car, and 322 rupees for a bus.
  • If you are taking park bus facilities to reach Kaheri caves it will charge you 64 rupees for people aged 12 years and above. Children aged five to 12 years pay 34 rupees. Children under five years old are free.



What is the food option around Kanheri Caves?

  • No restaurant or food stalls available inside or near caves.

 

Where can I book an online ticket for Kanheri Caves?


How much time it is required to visit Kanheri Caves?

  • To reach Kanheri caves from Borivali by car will take approx 15 minutes 
  • Roaming in and around caves would take around 2-2.30 hours
  • Coming back from Kanheri caves to Borivali again would be approx 15 minutes.
  • The total time you should budget while visiting Kanheri caves would be 3 to 4 Hours this is excluding travel time from your hotel or home to reach Borivali.

 


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(Note: Child age will be from 3 yrs upto 12yrs. Beyond 12yrs age, it will be considered as adult)

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