Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Karnataka is a very unique land, and every corner has surprises for the traveller. Karnataka has numerous things to see, and caves in Karnataka are one of the most captivating places with history, mystery, and strange scenery. From ancient rock-cut temples to incredible geological formations, the caves offer the opportunity for culture and adventure. Each place has a story to tell with respect to culture through the carvings, spiritual significance, and unique landscapes. History lovers, explorers, and nature lovers will be amazed at what they see and experience.
Top 10 Historical Caves In Karnataka
Karnataka bewitches with breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and mystical antiquities, including fascinating caves in Karnataka known for their history, spirituality, and stunning natural beauty.
1. Badami Caves
Photo: ANANYA ANAND / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Badami caves are among the most well-known caves in Karnataka, whose beautiful rock-cut carvings demonstrate a strongly united Chalukya dynasty between the 6th and 8th centuries. The Indian heritage was richly learnt through the Badami caves, which were rock-cut caves and functioned as the cave sanctuaries. The architectures of the four caves are different in a variety of ways that honour various deities and contain magnificent sculptures. Cave 1 is dedicated to Lord Shiva with the spectacular 18-armed Nataraj dancing in 81 postures. Cave 2 and Cave 3 are devoted to Lord Vishnu, and they show interesting sculptures of Varaha and Narasimha. Cave 4 is a Jain cave and displays tranquil statues of Tirthankara in varying postures.
Location: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka, India
Top Highlights: Four rock‑cut cave temples; carvings of Shiva Nataraja, Vishnu forms & Jain Tirthankaras; blend of Nagara & Dravidian styles; Agastya lake views.
Activities: Heritage photography, exploring rock-cut carvings.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Badami
2. Yana Caves
Photo: Ashok Vootla / Wikimedia Commons
The Yana Caves in Karnataka are popular for their magnificent limestone formations and spiritual significance. They are located in the Sahyadri Hills of Uttara Kannada, surrounded by evergreen forests. The caves are located beneath two black karst rock structures called the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara. The Bhairaveshwara Shikhara has a sacred cave temple underneath it dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees visit regularly all year. The natural limestone formations inside the caves create an impressive atmosphere. Another significant aspect of the caves is the mixed honeycomb texture of the limestone walls that reflects the sunlight in different ways.
Location: Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka, India
Top Highlights: Towering black karst rock peaks; sacred cave temple for Shiva; forested setting; dramatic limestone formations and honeycomb‑texture walls.
Activities: Trekking, temple visits.
3. Hulimavu Cave
Photo: Srinivas JD / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Of the spiritual caves located in the state of Karnataka, the Hulimavu Cave situated along Bannerghatta Road in Bengaluru is of great significance. It is associated with Sri Ramanand Swamiji, who was a saint who spent decades meditating there, and it has become a mystical refuge for aspirants. The cave has three chambers: the first for Goddess Rajarajeshwari, the second for Lord Shiva in linga form, and the third for Lord Ganesha. An additional unique aspect is the ceiling of the Shiva chamber, formed in natural rock, that echoes when one is chanting, signifying they are praying. Overall, this cave is simple but gives way to spiritual calmness that differs from more elaborate rock-cut shrines.
Location: Hulimavu, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Top Highlights: Three chambers devoted to Rajarajeshwari, Shiva, Ganesha; spiritual meditation site; echo effect in the Shiva chamber; serene cave temple atmosphere.
Activities: Spiritual meditation, ritual participation.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Karnataka
4. Kavala Caves
Photo: Denniz Futalan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located far into the thick forest cover around Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kavala Caves are one of the most famous caves to visit in Karnataka, registering countless visits from both devotees and adventure lovers. You can reach the Kaval Caves by climbing about 375 pristine stone-covered steps that lead the way. The highlight of visiting the caves includes a Shiva linga; this naturally formed linga is thought to resemble a rudraksha bead. Devotees visit the caves throughout the year for religious blessings, especially during Mahashivratri. Another interesting aspect of the caves is a very narrow cave-like tunnel to enter the caves, where you have to hunch to squeeze through.
Location: Within Dandeli Wildlife Area, Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka, India
Top Highlights: Trek into the forest; naturally formed Shiva Linga; narrow cave tunnel entrance; lush wilderness and wildlife around.
Activities: Wildlife spotting, trekking to caves.
5. Antaragange Caves
Photo: Pramod Kumar Sharma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Antargange hills, located in the Kolar district, are one of the best caves in Karnataka because of their rugged landscape and mystic caves. The site is often referred to as “Dakshina Kashi” or “Kashi of the South”, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year. The main attraction is the Kashi Vishweshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which has a continuous flow of water from the mouth of a stone bull, which has perplexed devotees and geologists alike for centuries. In addition, there are many volcanic rock formations across the hills, creating several natural caves that could be explored.
Location: Kolar District, Karnataka, India
Top Highlights: Dark, deep caves among rugged hills;a temple dedicated to Shiva; perennial spring water; and geomystical volcanic rock formations.
Activities: Night trekking, cave exploration.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Nandi Hills For A Scenic Getaway In Karnataka
6. Siddara Betta Caves
Photo: Sergiy Kosenko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Siddara Betta is famous for its natural splendour and spiritual heritage, and some of the most revered historical caves in Karnataka can be found here. Located in the Tumakuru district, Siddara Betta is known as “Hill of Saints”, as many sages have undergone meditation in this area. The caves are located among the rocky terrain surrounding Siddara Betta and feature shrines to Lord Shiva. The most popular feature is a naturally formed linga, which is located inside one of the caves. People from far and wide come to seek out healing from the linga, as it is believed to have healing powers, especially for skin diseases.
Location: Tumakuru District, Karnataka, India
Top Highlights: Shrines to Shiva; natural linga formation; rocky terrain; spiritual retreat and herbal trail exploration.
Activities: Pilgrimage trek, herbal trail exploration.
7. Jogimatti Caves
Photo: Ahsen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Nestled inside the Jogimatti forest reserve in Chitradurga, these caves in Karnataka are a hidden treasure, as their charm is less known among tourists. With a name connected to the mythology where a saint meditated here ages ago, the hill features a temple deep in the jungle dedicated to Veerabhadra, one of Lord Shiva’s forms. The highlight of the caves is the temple, as well as the thick greenery in the hills and the cool mist in the caves, which is a beautiful contrast to the dry area that surrounds Chitradurga. The caves feature some beautiful views of both hilly forests and distant valleys.
Location: Chitradurga District, Karnataka, India
Top Highlights: Jungle temple ground, mythological significance, forest trekking, and views from vantage points in hills and valleys.
Activities: Forest trekking, wildlife watching.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Chitradurga
8. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Cave Temple
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons
The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Cave Temple, situated in Bengaluru, is one of the most famous caves in Karnataka. It was constructed during the rule of Kempe Gowda in the 16th century. Furthermore, the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Cave Temple is regarded as an architectural wonder, embodying Indian rock-cut architecture. The main attraction of the temple is its shrine of Lord Shiva, which houses a highly unusual linga supported by round stone discs. The sun shines directly through the entrance of the cave to illuminate the deity only once a year, during Makara Sankranti in the days leading up to the Winter Solstice.
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Top Highlights: Rock‑cut temple architecture; unusual linga supported by stone discs; seasonal sunlight penetrating the entrance; architectural detail and rituals.
Activities: Temple rituals, architectural photography.
9. Mulbagal Cave Temples
Photo: A.Kwiatek Schwarzkopf / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Nestled in the vicinity of Kolar, the Mulbagal Cave Temples are popular caves in Karnataka, intertwined with history and spirituality. The locals believe that Sage Agastya spent time here, and the caves radiate divinity, which is why pilgrims were drawn here in the past and continue to do so today. The first major attraction is the cave shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The idol of Hanuman in the cave is unique, as it is not sculpted, but rather, it is naturally formed. The second notable attraction is the Narasimha temple, which is partially engraved in the cave walls, with intricate carvings of various mythological stories rarely seen at larger temples.
Location: Mulbagal, Kolar District, Karnataka, India
Top Highlights: Cave shrine to Hanuman; naturally formed idol; narrative carvings on cave walls; pilgrimage atmosphere and heritage walk.
Activities: Temple visits, heritage walks.
Suggested Read: Temples In Srirangapatna
10. Sidlaphadi Caves
Photo: Helena Jankovičová Kováčová / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located deep within the rough hills of Badami is Sidlaphadi, one of the most fascinating Karnataka Caves that feels like a place where time is standing still. Archaeologists think this natural rock shelter may have housed prehistoric human beings and have even uncovered Stone Age tools close to Sidlaphadi. The first main feature of the cave is its natural skylights. There are large openings on the roof of the cave that allow beams of sunlight to disperse throughout, creating a captivating dance between light and shadow. The second feature to notice in the caves is the echo effect. Getting to these caves is equally rewarding as you navigate rocky paths, slabs of boulders, and thorny scrub forests.
Location: Near Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka, India
Top Highlights: Prehistoric rock shelter; natural skylights; echo effect; rugged paths through boulders; whisper of ancient human habitation.
Activities: Trekking, prehistoric exploration.
It feels like the perfect blend of history, adventure, and spirituality to visit the exquisite caves in Karnataka. From ancient rock-cut temples to hidden natural shelters, each cave holds a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a history lover, nature adventurer, or spiritual seeker, these caves leave you awestruck. Pack your bags and let TripXL craft your unforgettable journey into the heart of Karnataka’s timeless cave wonders.
Cover Photo: Chaitali Debashish / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
