Inside some of the oldest and most famous caves in India

India, a melting pot of cultures, has a lot to explore. The country is home to a number of rock-cut cave temples, which truly represent the glorious past and golden history of India. These exquisite rock-cut cave temples exhibit the rich architecture of Indian artisans; once you step inside these exciting caves, you’ll surely be transported to another era!

Let’s find out some of the finest cave temples in India:

This UNESCO World Heritage Site needs no introduction! Sitting on the Elephanta Island, nearly 10 km from Mumbai city, Elephanta Caves are one of the finest specimens of rock-cut cave temples in the country. Locally known as Gharapurichi Leni, the complex has five Hindu caves and two Buddhist caves.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bhimbetka Caves are located in the Raisen district of MP. Once you step inside these caves, you’ll be transported to the beginning of mankind via rock paintings here. There are the earliest traces of the human race and that’s why the region holds a lot of importance.

Belum Caves, the second largest caves in India, are naturally created caves. These were by a British surveyor Robert Bruce Foote in 1884. These limestone caves are 3 km long and date back to the Buddhist era. There is proof that Buddhist monks used to live inside these caves during 4500 BC.

Situated in the Aurangabad district, Ajanta Caves is a collection of 30 rock-cut caves. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these rock-cut cave temples are more than 2000 years old. All the temples here are dedicated to Lord Buddha, so followers of Buddhism from across the globe visit here to pay their homage.