The Kanheri Caves in Mumbai are the Buddhist caves or monasteries located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The caves were built in the 1st century BC and were used by the Buddhist monks where they practiced their austerities. The Kanheri Caves in Mumbai constitutes over a hundred tiny cells cut into the flank of a hill, each fitted with a stone plinth which possibly had served as a bed. The other features of the Kanheri Caves are its congregation hall supported by massive stone pillars containing the dagoba, which is a kind of Buddhist shrine. The Kanheri complex comprises of 112 caves which have been carved out of native rock and is also one of the oldest rock monasteries in the country. The Kanheri Caves in Mumbai is relatively bare and simple in comparison to the artistic extravagance of Elephanta.
Among the Kanheri Caves in Mumbai, the Caves No. 1, 2 and 3 are particularly noted for their massive pillars, sculptures and stupas. These caves are also popular tourist attractions in Mumbai. It is believed that Mumbai's Kanheri Caves were initially used as houses for travelers between the ancient port towns of Sopara and Kalya. With the passage of time, the isolated surrounding of the Kanheri Caves became a perfect place for meditation. According to the archeological findings show that Buddhist monks resided in these caves around the 1st Century AD.
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The Kanheri Caves in Mumbai attract many tourists coming to the city. Mumbai offers a whole host of attractions to tourist coming from different parts of the country. There is no end to how much you can see and experience in the city of Mumbai, from its bustling Chowpatty Beach, to the grand Elephanta Caves. The city has something to offer to all its visitors. The other popular places to visit besides the Kanheri Caves are Marine Drive in Mumbai, Gateway of India in Mumbai, Juhu Beach in Mumbai, Hanging Gardens in Mumbai, and Kamla Nehru Park in Mumbai among several others.
For more information on the various tourist attractions in Mumbai, check out the related links provided.
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