Explore Best Heritage and Cultural Places around Mumbai

There are several tourist destinations around Mumbai that are cult favourites. Two such places to visit are the Kanheri Caves and the Elephanta Caves. Don't get mistaken and think that they are anything alike. Both are unique in their own ways and present the tourists with individually unique cultural experiences. Kanheri Caves The Kanheri Caves are located deep within the lush green forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park on the western outskirts of Mumbai, north of Borivli. Their serenity and peaceful environment makes it feel like you've entered into a different era. Kanheri caves are cut from basaltic rock and are breathtaking. * How to Reach - The Kanheri Caves are about 7 km from Borivli Station once you get there, and about 6 km from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park Main Gate. Once you pay an entry fee and enter the park gate, there will be another gate for the caves inside. From that gate, Kanheri Caves are about 5km. Shuttle services by busses are available inside on an hourly basis. * Cave Timings - Tourists can go in after 7.30 a.m. * Attractions - Kanheri Caves are cut out from a huge basalt rock. It literally means, black mountain. They are the proof that there is Buddhist influence in our art and culture. From the big rock, there are about 109 caves carved intricately and strategically. - You can find several astonishing spots throughout the caves. As you venture your way through the area, you will discover canals and cisterns which are part of a water system that was designed and built to collect rainwater. This rainwater is collected in massive tanks. - The Kanheri Caves also consists of several stupas, and shrines. Meticulously carved reliefs can be seen on the caves walls. - For the entire family, this is a good destination for a weekend picnic. The Kanheri are especially serene during the monsoon. The monsoon creates several waterfalls all over, adding to the beauty of Kanheri Caves and its surroundings. Elephanta Caves An hour away on the ferry from Mumbai, on the Elephanta Island is the magnificent Elephanta Caves. Originally called Gharapuri, the island was a place of Hindu worship. When the Portuguese started ruling in 1534, they called it Elephanta because of the massive state of an elephant located on the island. They are a complex of ancient temples within the caves and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Just an hour away, Elephanta caves are known for its breath taking view of the Mumbai skyline, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. * How to Reach - You can take a Ferry from Mumbai's Gateway of India that will take about an hour to get you to Elephanta Caves. There is a main north entrance that is the entry to the caves. * Cave Timings - The first boat to Elephanta caves is at 9:00 am and the last one leaving from the caves is at 5:00 pm. * Elephanta Attractions - Through the caves, lush and light greenery is present, with monkeys roaming about fondly. It is advisable not to harass them. - There are several sculptures all around the caves. You can find these at all doorways and side panels. Shiva's accomplishments and rendezvous are visible all over in the sculptures. There is a unique and surreal pleasantness about the sculptures because of the grace, balance and sense of peace portrayed in the art and sculptures of the caves. - During the month of February, there is a vivacious dance festival held on the island. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation holds it every year. - Local wild berries that are sold on Elephanta island is a must try. You should not leave the island without them. Both these tourist destinations are something to put on the list when in or around Mumbai. There is something for everyone at these caves. The Kanheri caves are serene and spiritual with Buddhist influence, whereas the Elephanta caves are a vivid portrayal of the Indian culture and the lord Shiva.