Top 11 Cave Temples in India to Visit
India, a land of rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels, is home to numerous ancient cave temples. These temples, carved into rock faces and mountains, are remarkable testaments to the country's spiritual and artistic traditions.
Whether in serene hills or along bustling routes, India's cave temples provide a mesmerising journey through time, highlighting the country's profound devotion and artistic achievements.
List of Cave Temples in India
11 Famous Cave Temples to Visit in India
Embark on a spiritual journey through India's diverse landscapes, exploring 11 remarkable cave temples that blend ancient artistry with religious devotion.
1. Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra
Explore the magnificent Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, known for their exquisite Buddhist paintings and sculptures. These rock-cut caves showcase the artistic brilliance of ancient India with stunning murals and intricate carvings.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March.
- Temple Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM - Closed on Mondays.
- How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from Aurangabad and Jalgaon.
- Nearest Railway Station: Jalgaon Railway Station.
- Nearby Bus Station: Ajanta Bus Station.
- Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport.
- Nearby Places: Fardapur village, Galwada, Lorun, Shri Siddeshwar Provision.
2. Ellora Caves | Maharashtra
Discover the architectural splendour of Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. The impressive array of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples is complemented by intricate rock-cut structures that highlight the cultural and religious diversity of ancient India.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Closed on Tuesdays.
- How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from Aurangabad.
- Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad Railway Station.
- Nearby Bus Station: Ellora Bus Station.
- Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport.
- Nearby Places: Waghora Waterfall, Buddhis Temple View, Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, TalyachiWadi
3. Badami Cave Temples | Karnataka
Visit the Badami Cave Temples in Karnataka, renowned for their exceptional rock-cut architecture. These temples exhibit detailed carvings and sculptures dedicated to Hindu deities, reflecting the artistry of the Chalukyan era.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM -Everyday.
- How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from Hubli and Bijapur.
- Nearest Railway Station: Badami Railway Station.
- Nearby Bus Station: Badami Bus Station.
- Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport.
- Nearby Places: Shiva Gudi Temple, Adagal, Kerur, Hoolageri, Kelawadi.
4. Elephanta Caves | Maharashtra
Explore the Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, which are famous for their grand sculptures of Hindu gods. The main attraction is the impressive Trimurti statue, symbolising Lord Shiva's three aspects.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March.
- Temple Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM - Closed on Mondays.
- How to Reach: Accessible by ferry from Gateway of India, Mumbai.
- Nearest Railway Station: Mumbai CST Railway Station.
- Nearby Bus Station: Mumbai CST Bus Station.
- Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai.
- Nearby Places: Nhava Talav, Nhavakhadi, Juna Sheva, JNPT Rd.
5. Bhaja Caves | Maharashtra
Discover the Bhaja Caves in Maharashtra, an ancient Buddhist site known for its rock-cut stupas and viharas. The caves feature beautiful carvings and are set amidst scenic surroundings.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Everyday.
- How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from Lonavala and Pune.
- Nearest Railway Station: Malavli Railway Station.
- Nearby Bus Station: Lonavala Bus Station.
- Nearest Airport: Pune Airport.
- Nearby Places: Malavali Waterfall, Bhaje Waterfall, Fort Hill View, Visapur Fort.
6. Karla Caves | Maharashtra
Marvel at the Karla Caves in Maharashtra, home to an ancient Buddhist temple. The large chaitya hall, adorned with grand pillars and detailed sculptures, is a testament to the advanced craftsmanship of the time.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Everyday.
- How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from Lonavala and Pune.
- Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station.
- Nearby Bus Station: Lonavala Bus Station.
- Nearest Airport: Pune Airport.
- Nearby places: Vehergoan, Aai Ekvira Devi Paytha Temple, Alkesh Modi Jain Temple, MTDC Karla.
7. Udayagiri and Khandagiri | Odisha
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves in Odisha, known for their historical significance and Jain heritage. These caves feature intricate carvings and inscriptions, showcasing ancient Jain culture.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Everyday.
- How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from Bhubaneswar.
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station.
- Nearby Bus Station: Bhubaneswar Bus Station.
- Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar.
- Nearby Places: Rani Gumpha, Sitaram Basti Rd, Jeevan Jyoti Ashram, Kolathia Square.
8. Barabar Caves | Bihar
The Barabar Caves in Bihar are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. These Buddhist caves, dating back to the Mauryan period, are known for their polished interiors and historical importance.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Everyday.
- How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from Gaya and Patna.
- Nearest Railway Station: Gaya Railway Station.
- Nearby Bus Station: Gaya Bus Station.
- Nearest Airport: Gaya Airport.
- Nearby Places: Sultanpur, Belaganj , Dharnai ,Tikuli.
9. Kanheri Caves | Maharashtra
Discover the Kanheri Caves in Maharashtra, an extensive complex of rock-cut Buddhist monuments. The caves feature intricate carvings, stupas, and viharas, highlighting the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March.
- Temple Timings: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM - Closed on Mondays.
- How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from Mumbai.
- Nearest Railway Station: Borivali Railway Station.
- Nearby Bus Station: Borivali Bus Station.
- Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai.
- Nearby Places: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Yeoor Waterfall, Kokanipada Waterfall.
10. Undavalli Caves | Andhra Pradesh
The Undavalli Caves in Andhra Pradesh are renowned for their monolithic rock-cut architecture. These caves primarily house a grand statue of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture, showcasing intricate carvings and elaborate interiors.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March.
- Temple Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM - Everyday.
- How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from Vijayawada.
- Nearest Railway Station: Vijayawada Railway Station.
- Nearby Bus Station: Vijayawada Bus Station.
- Nearest Airport: Vijayawada Airport.
- Nearby Places: AE Lutheran Church, AP Police Shooting Range, Nulakapeta Rd, Prakash Nagar.
11. Edakkal Caves | Kerala
The Edakkal Caves in Kerala are renowned for their prehistoric rock art, dating back thousands of years. The cave engravings depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and rituals, providing invaluable insights into the lives of early inhabitants of the region.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM - Everyday.
- How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from Kalpetta and Kozhikode.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station.
- Nearby Bus Station: Kalpetta Bus Station.
- Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport.
- Nearby Places: Ambukuti Mala, Ponmudi Kotta hills,Sai Gardens,Kuppakkolly.
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Cave temples in India are remarkable for their intricate architecture and historical significance. These temples, carved out of rock, showcase ancient times' advanced craftsmanship and religious devotion. They continue to be important sites for worship and attract numerous visitors interested in their cultural and artistic heritage.
FAQs about Cave Temples in India
Which is the most beautiful cave temple in India?
Ajanta caves are renowned for their exquisite rock-cut architecture and intricate Buddhist cave paintings, making them among India's most beautiful.
What is the importance of cave temples?
Cave temples serve as spiritual sanctuaries, preserving religious art, history, and culture, offering serene environments for worship and contemplation.
Which is the oldest cave in India?
Bhimbetka caves in Madhya Pradesh, dating back to the Paleolithic era, are among India's oldest cave dwellings.
Which is the number one cave in India?
The Ellora caves, with their combination of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments, are considered India's top cave site.
How many types of caves are there in India?
India boasts various cave types, including limestone caves, volcanic caves, sandstone caves, and glacier caves, each with distinct features.
How old is the cave temple?
The Badami cave temples, carved in the 6th century, are around 1400 years old, showcasing early Chalukya architecture.
Which cave is known as Vishnu cave?
The Badami cave temples, primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, are known as the Vishnu cave due to its impressive Lord Vishnu sculptures.
How many cave temples are there in India?
India has numerous cave temples, ranging from ancient Buddhist caves to elaborate Hindu and Jain rock-cut shrines.
How much time do you need in Ellora Caves?
A visit to Ellora caves typically requires around 3 to 4 hours to explore its remarkable rock-cut architecture and intricate sculptures thoroughly.