25 January 2017 
Caves in India are not only finest examples of architectural expertise and rich heritage culture of that era but also carry some interesting facts and stories. Many caves in India have fascinating anecdotes about their existence. Owing to their historical significance and religious impact, these caves are must visit attractions of their regions. There are several caves in India that offer mystical experiences to its visitors due to their strong connection with religion. For booking hotels and holiday packages for these destinations, visit EaseMyTrip. Read about these 10 beautiful caves of India, which you would love to explore on seeing their pictures.
Situated in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, Badami Cave Temples are the multifarious of four Hindu, Jain and Buddhist cave temples. The caves are one of the finest examples of Indian rock-cut architectures. These temples present some of the initially recognized examples of Hindu temples.
Located at a distance of 100 km from each other, Ajanta and Ellora Caves are the famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ajanta Caves are about 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating back to the 2nd century BCE to 480 or 650 CE. The caves feature paintings and rock cut sculptures that are the finest existing examples of prehistoric Indian art. Ellora Caves presents monuments and artwork related to various spiritual believes, including Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism from the era of 600-1000 CE.
Partially natural and partially artificial, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves enjoy great historical, archaeological and religious significance. The caves are located on two neighboring hills - Udayagiri and Khandagiri, which have numerous finely and ornately carved caves. It is supposed that most of these caves were created as housing blocks for Jain monks during the supremacy of King Kharavela. Udayagiri has 18 caves whereas Khandagiri has 15 caves.
Situated at an elevation of 3,888 meters, Amarnath Cave is a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Most part of the year, this cave is covered with snow. For short period in summer, it opens for the pilgrims. The shrine automatically creates a natural Shiva Lingam with snow that plays an important part in Hinduism. It is supposed to be one of the most sacred shrines in Hinduism.
Situated on the East Coast of India, Borra Caves are also called as Borra Guhalu and positioned in the Ananthagiri Hills of the Araku valley. These are among the largest caves of the country, which are located at an altitude of about 705 meters. These caves noticeably demonstrate a variety of speleothems of unevenly shaped and sized stalactites and stalagmites. Somewhere deep in the cave, there is a Shiva Lingam representing Lord Shiva. A temple has been built here and lots of people come here for worshiping that Lingam.
Situated in Junagadh district of the Gujarat state of India, Junagadh Buddhist Caves are not essentially caves. In fact, these are three separate sites of rooms that were carved out of stones for using as the quarters of monks. Khapara Kodia caves are the oldest among three, which were carved during the earliest monastic settlement of Emperor Ashok. Other two caves are Baba Pyare Caves and Uperkot Caves. These caves have strong influence of Buddhist architecture and also hold great religious importance.
Located at the Elephanta Island, Elephanta Caves are the complex of beautifully sculpted caves. These caves are mostly comprised of rock cut temples and decorated with charming Lord Shiva sculptures. Temples of the caves are spread over an area of 60,000 sq feet and feature a huge chamber. The island features two groups of caves—one is the group of five Hindu caves while another one is a group of two Buddhist caves. These caves not only attract people with their amazing sculptures but religious significance as well.
Tiger Cave is not only a cave but a beautiful rock-cut Hindu temple complex that located in the small town of Saluvankuppam close to Mahabalipuram. The name of the cave comes from the carvings of tiger’s head on the mouth of this cave. These rock-cut temples were built by the Pallavas during the 8th century AD. The site is a popular picnic spot and its temple is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Situated just over the ancient Tabo Monastery, Tabo Cave serves as dwellings for monks of the monastery during the chilling winters of the Himalayas. Some of these caves are very developed and comprised of the walls and floor that are smooth but lack any adornment. Being very peaceful and isolated, these caves provide ideal space for meditation.
Situated to the South-East of Borivali on the western outskirts of Mumbai, Kanheri Caves are a group of rock-cut monuments. It is situated within the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and displays the influence of Buddhism on the art and culture of India. Most of these caves used to be the Buddhist Viharas, which were meant for mediation, residences and study. One can see intricately carved Buddhist sculptures and pillars while visiting these caves.
