Iconic Caves of India

From Art to Architecture -

Bhimbetka Caves, Madhya Pradesh

Bhimbetka Caves in Madhya Pradesh is where humanity’s earliest artworks are found. This UNESCO World Heritage site is believed to have sheltered the Pandavas during their exile.

Bagh Caves, Madhya Pradesh

Bagh Caves in Madhya Pradesh is where vivid ancient paintings cover rock-cut structures. Built between the 4th and 6th centuries AD, these caves are a key example of ancient Indian art.

Badami Caves, Karnataka

Badami Caves in Karnataka is where you find red sandstone structures dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, and Jain traditions. These 6th-century caves are carved into the cliffs of a hill.

Udayagiri Caves, Odisha

Udayagiri caves in Odisha is where 33 rock-cut chambers display Hindu and Jain sculptures from the Gupta Period, including a famous statue of Vishnu’s Boar Avatar.

Amarnath Cave, Jammu & Kashmir

Amarnath Cave in Jammu & Kashmir is where an ice stalagmite resembling the Shiva Linga forms and dissolves with the lunar cycle, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually.

Borra Caves, Andhra Pradesh

Borra Caves in Andhra Pradesh is where stalagmite and stalactite formations spread across 1 square km, with a naturally formed Shiva Lingam revered by local tribes.

Undavalli Caves, Andhra Pradesh

Undavalli Caves in Andhra Pradesh is where you find rock-cut structures carved out of sandstone, with a giant statue of Lord Vishnu in a reclining position.

Varaha Cave, Tamil Nadu

Varaha Cave in Tamil Nadu is where rock-cut architecture meets spiritual significance, dedicated to the Varaha incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Mawsmai Caves, Meghalaya

Mawsmai Caves in Meghalaya is where limestone formations create natural passages and chambers, near the picturesque Nohsngithiang Falls.

Jogimara Caves, Chhattisgarh

Jogimara Caves in Chhattisgarh is where ancient paintings and inscriptions are found, accessible through a natural tunnel known as Hathipol.

Dungeshwari Caves, Bihar

Dungeshwari Caves in Bihar is where Buddha is believed to have meditated, with statues of Buddha and Hindu goddess Dungeshwari inside.

Tabo Caves, Himachal Pradesh

Tabo Caves in Himachal Pradesh is where Buddhist monks meditate, carved out of hills and adorned with colorful prayer flags.

Krem Chympe, Meghalaya

Krem Chympe in Meghalaya is where you’ll find India’s fifth-longest cave, a hidden river cave also known as the ‘elephant cave’ due to the elephant bones found nearby.

Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra

Elephanta Caves near Mumbai is where seven rock-cut caves reveal intricate carvings of Lord Shiva, including the iconic Maheshmurti, dating back to the 6th century AD.

Ajanta Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra are where ancient religious paintings and sculptures come to life. Ajanta’s 29 caves focus on Buddhism, while Ellora’s 34 caves blend Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain artistry.

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