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Ancient caves in India play a big role in representing the country’s cultural heritage. These caves were considered sacred places for meditation and worshipping by Jains and Buddhists. Some of the caves in India have paintings and sculptures that provide insights into the artistic styles of the previous eras. Their architectural designs are unique, depicting the amazing engineering skills of the ancient Indian builders. The ancient caves in India are major tourist attractions, getting visitors worldwide to learn about their historical significance.
10 Timeless Ancient Caves In India
There are several caves in India that are popular tourist attractions. Here is a list of the top 10 ancient caves in India:
1. Ajanta Caves
Photo: Akshatha Inamdar / Wikimedia Commons
Ajanta Caves is one of the famous caves in India known for Buddhist art of sculptures and paintings. The Ajanta caves were discovered in 1819 by a British Army officer, and their name was derived from the nearby Ajanta village. Additionally, Ajanta caves are the go-to place for Buddhist activities, including intellectual discourses. Tourists can explore the caves, take photographs of the murals and frescoes, and learn about the cave’s history.
Location: Near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM; closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: ₹ 40 for Indians and visitors from SAARC countries; ₹ 600 for other foreigners; free for children under 15 years
2. Ellora Caves
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Ellora caves are a collection of monasteries, temples, and chapels carved into a cliff. These ancient caves in India are a product of the country’s Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism religions. Tourists can participate in activities like joining the guided tours, exploring the carvings of the three religions, and learning how the Ellora caves are of religious importance. The best time for tourists to visit and explore Ellora caves is from November to March.
Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM; closed on Tuesday
Entry Fee: ₹ 40 for Indians and visitors from SAARC countries, ₹ 600 for other foreigners, free for children under 15 years
3. Elephanta Caves
Photo: Eatcha / Wikimedia Commons
The Elephanta Caves are among the famous historical caves in India, dating back to the 6th century AD, and they depict the area’s cultural past. It has artistic rock designs of Hindu gods and goddesses, making it a religious site. Tourists can explore the main cave, which is 39 metres long and has a sculpture of Shiva that is 7 metres high. Additionally, tourists can view the carvings on the rocks and learn about ancient Indian culture, architecture, and art.
Location: Elephanta Island, Mumbai Harbour, Maharashtra
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹ 40 for Indian citizens; ₹ 600 for foreign visitors
4. Badami Cave Temples
Photo: amara / Wikimedia Commons
Badami Cave Temples are famous caves in India with sculptures of Hindu gods like Vishnu, Jain Tirthankaras, and Shiva. They have unique inscriptions on their walls, reflecting India’s ancient cultural, religious, and political history. Tourists visiting Badami Cave Temples can learn about the history of the Chalukya dynasty and enjoy views of the nearby Agastya Lake and the landscapes. The best time for visitors to explore Badami Cave Temples is from November to February.
Location: Badami, in the Bagalkot district, Karnataka
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
Photo: Raveesh Vyas / Wikimedia Commons
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are among the popular caves in India with over 700 rock shelters. It has ancient paintings that date back to the Mesolithic period, making it the perfect destination for history enthusiasts. Visitors can have guided tours to learn about the importance of the paintings and the stories they tell about history. Additionally, tourists can visit the Auditorium Cave and the Zoo Rock Shelter, which has paintings of various animal species, and take nature walks in the surrounding forest area.
Location: Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹ 50
6. Bagh Caves
Photo: Abhinandan Shukla / Wikimedia Commons
Bagh caves were developed during the Gupta period and are tourist attractions that depict the unique artistic paintings and designs of previous eras. They were initially used as Buddhist monasteries, as each cave had designated living quarters for monks and a prayer chamber. Tourists visiting these ancient caves in India can join the guided tours, explore the various caves, and take photographs of the paintings and the surrounding landscape of the Bagh Caves.
Location: Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: Open 24hrs
Entry Fee: ₹ 25 for adults; free for children below 15 years old
7. Udayagiri And Khandagiri Caves
Photo: Bikimedia Chajish Bharathan / Wommons
Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are a significant reminder of the Kalinga Empire, which King Kharavela ruled. They are among the best caves in India, and they offer tourists the perfect opportunity to admire carvings, take photographs, and visit the Chausath Yogini Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Additionally, tourists can explore the cave’s surroundings and enjoy views of the nearby Daya River. The best time for tourists to visit the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves is from October to February.
Location: Odisha
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹ 15 for Indians; ₹ 200 for foreigners; free for children up to 15 years
8. Barabar Caves
Photo: Abhisal2408 / Wikimedia Commons
Barabar Caves are one of the oldest caves worldwide. They have carvings and a unique echo effect, making them attractive to tourists. They date back to the 3rd century BCE, with some of its caves dedicated to Buddhist monks by Emperor Ashoka. While visiting these historical caves in India, tourists can explore the chambers, including the Sudama Cave and Lomas Rishi Cave. Additionally, visitors can join guided tours to learn the significance and history of the caves and take photographs of the interior and surrounding landscapes.
Location: Jehanabad district, Bihar
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
9. Borra Caves
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Borra Caves are one of the largest ancient caves in India, with limestone rock formations that were mostly formed by the flow of the Gosthani River. The Borra Caves are home to golden geckos, bats, and other wildlife, making them the ideal destination for tourists to explore. Tourists visiting the Borra Caves can participate in activities like exploring the limestone formations, nature walks around the cave’s surroundings, wildlife spotting, bird watching, and photographing the unique rock shapes.
Location: Ananthagiri Hills of the Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹ 60 for adults; ₹ 45 for children
10. Edakkal Caves
Photo: Asif K Karim / Wikimedia Commons
Edakkal Caves are famous caves in India that are known for being the oldest human settlements to be discovered. They have paintings and engravings resembling human figures, animals, vehicles, tools, and scripts, which are ideal for tourists to admire and document by photographing them. While visiting Edakkal Caves, tourists can trek up Ammukutty Hill to reach the cave and learn the significance of the various archaeological features of the caves. The best time for tourists to explore Edakkal Caves is October and March.
Location: Wayanad district, Kerala
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM; closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: ₹ 50
The ancient caves in India are the perfect destinations for tourists to learn about the history of the country’s architecture and the significance of the paintings, engravings, and sculptures that are found within the caves. They offer unique experiences, as each has an origin and importance of its own. Plan your trip today with TripXL to learn more about the historical heritage of the caves in India.
Cover Photo: B B Susheel Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
