The 19 rock-cut structures that make up the Mahakali Caves were built in the first through sixth centuries B.C. There are four caves in the northwest and fifteen caves in the southeast. The majority of the caves are viharas; however, cave 9 is a chaitya that features characters from Buddhist mythology. Solid basalt rock is used to build the caves. The Shashikant, a chic bar featuring wall art by Beetle Bailey, is situated next to the caves.
These caves, which are situated in Mumbai’s Andheri East, are often referred to as Kondivita caves. James Campbell gave them this name because of their proximity to Kondivite town. The intersection of SEEPZ and the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road is where these caves may be found.
These monuments are connected to the Andheri Kurla Road via the Mahakali Caves Road. These caves are situated atop a hill with a view of the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road and the SEEPZ region. The caves are accessible from Mumbai’s Andheri train station by the BEST bus service.
History of Mahakali Caves
The four caves in the northwest group are from the fourth or fifth century, whereas the southeast group is older. Kanherti was regarded as a well-liked Buddhist centre in the past. Given the distance between Kanheri and Mahakali, it is possible that there was a smaller Buddhist congregation in Kanheri that was affiliated with the bigger one. It is believed that Buddhist monasteries and chaityas would be appropriate in this location.
How to reach
You can travel by car, rail, or air to get to the Mahakali caves. The two principal railway stations in Mumbai are Jogeshwari and Andheri stations. Travellers may catch trains to Andheri or Jogeshwari from Mumbai. To go to the caves, tourists can take a local bus or a cab from the stations. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to go to the caves by bus from a number of locations, including the Saibaba Mandir Marol Bus Station, Mahakali caves Bus Station, Takshila Bus Station, Holy Spirit Hospital Bus Station, Model Town (Majas) Bus Station, etc. The closest airport from which visitors may rent a bus, rail, or cab to the caves is Chhatrapati Shivaji Domestic Airport.
Timings
The caves are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.
Entry Fee
There is a 20 rupee entry fee per individual.
Activities to do in and around
There are other sites of interest around and within the Mahakali caves, including the Albert Museum, which features images, maps, and artefacts from archaeology, in addition to the Buddhist statues and stupas kept there. Another well-liked attraction close to the caves is the Marine Drive. This comfortable section of coastline runs from Nariman Point to Babulnath and Malabar Hill.
Ideal time to visit
The optimum time to explore these caves is from October to February.
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