Last updated on – Jul 27, 2025

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10 must-visit caves in India every history buff should explore

Caves are mysterious areas which depict the lifestyle of ancient times through paintings and carvings on the walls. These caves will definitely leave you awe‑struck with their beautiful sculptures. One can find a lot of caves in India, each depicting the stories of ancient times, religious art, and how civilization came into being. All history lovers must visit these silent and mysterious caves which have a lot to tell about the past!

Ajanta Caves

This cave is has rock‑cut sculptures and paintings that depict the finest examples of ancient Indian art and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. These caves were excavated out of a vertical cliff and there are around 30 in number, including the unfinished ones. Some of the caves belong to Buddhism, where Buddha was worshipped in his symbolic form. The caves have mural paintings on them and also have pillars, brackets, and door jambs which are decorated with beautiful sculptures. Ajanta cave is considered one of the greatest achievements of Buddhist rock‑cut architecture. Cave 16 and 17 of Ajanta caves are the best preserved and have well‑known paintags that depict elaborate narratives from the realm tales.

Ellora Caves

These caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are located in Maharashtra. Ellora caves comprise 34 caves—monasteries and temples. These caves are devoted to Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religions. Since one can see caves of different religions, they depict the spirit of co‑existence and religious tolerance that existed among people in earlier times. The caves are dated from AD 600 to 1000. Cave 16 is the largest single rock excavation in the world as it has a Kailasa temple with a chariot‑shaped monument dedicated to Shiva. Some depictions on rock here show the two great epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (Madhya Pradesh)

This cave is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in Bhopal. These caves are natural formations and depict the background of human civilisation. It is believed that the cave got this name because Bhima, during the Pandavas’ exile, sat here. These caves are the perfect combination of natural beauty and ancient history. The paintings in these caves are stunning examples of ancient artistry, more than 30,000 years old, and give us a glimpse of the daily lives of early humans here. The drawings and paintings are from different periods; some depict battle scenes while others depict religious symbols and ways of life.

Elephanta Caves (Maharashtra)

This cave is located in Mumbai and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is named after an elephant found on the island which is known as ‘Gharapuri’. There are seven cave excavations under this group dated around the 6th–7th centuries AD. This cave is famous for its beautiful and breathtaking sculptures. Some of the panels in these caves represent a form of Shiva with combined male and female energies, and on the other side, a depiction of Shiva and Parvati playing Chausar. The most famous sculpture here is known as Mahesha-murti, which depicts the three forms of Shiva.

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Siddhachal Caves (Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh)

This cave is located in Madhya Pradesh and depicts Jain architecture and spirituality. Most of the carvings in this temple depict Jain iconography and one can see statues of the 24 Tirthankaras here. It is believed that these were built during the 14th to 15th century CE. These statues were defaced or destroyed under the rule of Mughal Emperor Babur and then restored after the fall of the Mughal dynasty.

Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves (Odisha)

These caves are located in Bhubaneswar in Odisha. They consist of both man-made and natural caves. These caves were built around the 2nd century BCE during the period of King Kharavela. These caves were built for Jain monks and also offered them a place to stay and meditate. Out of 117 caves, only thirty‑three survive now. The beautiful sculptures in these caves are carved by hand using basic tools. One depiction in these caves is that of the Kalinga War where women are also seen fighting.

Borra Caves (Andhra Pradesh)

These caves are located in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh and are considered to be some of the largest caves in India. These are limestone caves formed over 150 million years; they are still transforming as small streams flow into the cave, causing a reaction between calcium carbonate and limestone and creating stalagmites on the ground and spear‑like stalactites hanging from the ceiling. These formations are considered to resemble sculptures of mother-child, Shiva-Parvati, monkeys, and more. These rock formations will definitely captivate its visitors. Anthropologists have found stone tools which are 30,000 to 50,000 years old.

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Karla Caves (Maharashtra)

These caves are the oldest and also the smallest rock‑cut Buddhist sites in Maharashtra. This is a paradise for history lovers as in the Karla caves one can find the Chaitya Hall, which is the largest and best‑preserved hall. In these caves, one can find beautiful Buddhist sculptures. What makes this a unique cave is that it is a multi‑storey cave, not generally found in this type of architecture. The inscriptions inside these caves depict the economic activities of earlier times, as donations by monks, kings, and others are inscribed here.

Bhaja Caves (Maharashtra)

These caves are a group of 22 rock‑cut caves that date to around the 2nd century. These are considered the perfect example of Buddhist cave architecture. This cave gets its name from the Bhaja village located below the cave. There are two kinds of caves here: Chaityas or prayer halls and Viharas or monastic caves. This cave is a testament to the legacy of the Mauryan Empire in South India. Inside these caves, one will find names of three renowned monks inscribed on the walls: Sanghadina, Ampinika, and Dhammagiri. These names depict the tranquility the monks found here.

Updated On Jul 21, 2025, 2:50 PM

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India is a treasure trove of ancient heritage, and nowhere is that more evident than in its remarkable cave complexes. These caves, hewn by hand from rock and mountain, are not just hollowed chambers—they are sacred spaces filled with centuries of spiritual devotion, intricate artistry, and architectural brilliance. From prehistoric shelters to elaborate temples, each cave tells a story of the people, religions, and cultures that shaped India’s vibrant history.

Here are ten of the most breathtaking caves in the country that every history and culture lover must explore:

1. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra

Carved between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE, the Ajanta Caves are a magnificent showcase of Buddhist art and devotion. Nestled in a horseshoe-shaped cliff near Aurangabad, these rock-cut monuments feature intricately painted frescoes and detailed sculptures that narrate the life and teachings of Buddha. Each cave acts like a page from an ancient storybook, with murals that have stood the test of time. The serene atmosphere and fine artistry make Ajanta an unforgettable experience for any lover of history and heritage.

2. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Located just a short distance from Ajanta, the Ellora Caves offer a completely different, yet equally mesmerizing experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 34 caves carved into the Charanandri hills and represents a unique confluence of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. The architectural highlight is the Kailasa Temple—an awe-inspiring, monolithic structure carved entirely out of a single rock. With its elaborate pillars, sculptures, and courtyards, the temple is a testament to ancient India’s engineering brilliance and religious inclusivity.

5. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Odisha

These twin cave complexes near Bhubaneswar are steeped in ancient Jain heritage and royal patronage. Carved in the 2nd century BCE during the reign of King Kharavela, the caves served as residential and meditation quarters for Jain monks. Udayagiri is particularly noted for its inscriptions, reliefs, and sculptures, while Khandagiri’s natural beauty adds to the spiritual ambiance. Together, they offer a powerful glimpse into early Jain monastic life and Odisha’s rich archaeological legacy.

6. Jogimara and Sitabenga Caves, Chhattisgarh

Among the lesser-known but historically rich sites, the Jogimara and Sitabenga Caves in the Ramgarh Hills of Chhattisgarh are believed to date back to the 3rd century BCE. Jogimara is famed for its ancient fresco paintings—some of the earliest surviving in India—while Sitabenga is thought to be India’s first theatre-style cave. According to legend, these caves were also visited by Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana during their exile. The tranquil, forested surroundings amplify their mystique and timeless charm.

7. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh

Located around 45 km from Bhopal, the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds one of the oldest signs of human life in India. Spanning over 700 shelters across 10 km, more than 400 feature prehistoric paintings dating back thousands of years. These artworks—depicting hunting scenes, animals, dances, and rituals—provide a vivid glimpse into early human life and creativity. The natural rock formations, combined with the ancient art, make Bhimbetka a remarkable fusion of nature and history.

8. Tabo Caves, Himachal Pradesh

Perched in the Spiti Valley near the famed Tabo Monastery, these small caves may seem humble at first glance but are deeply spiritual in essence. Carved into the rugged mountains, the caves were used by Buddhist monks for deep meditation and ascetic practices. Though lacking ornate carvings, their raw, minimalist environment reflects the monastic discipline and tranquility of the Himalayas. Surrounded by high peaks and open skies, the Tabo Caves offer a silent sanctuary that complements the serenity of Buddhist philosophy.

9. Undavalli Caves, Andhra Pradesh

Situated near Vijayawada, the Undavalli Caves are an architectural gem carved from solid sandstone during the 4th–5th centuries CE. The highlight is a colossal reclining statue of Lord Vishnu inside the main cave, surrounded by beautifully detailed facades and pillars. What makes these caves even more intriguing is the coexistence of Hindu and Jain influences within their structures, representing a harmonious blend of spiritual ideologies. Overlooking the Krishna River, the caves also offer a peaceful, scenic retreat from the modern world.

10. Varaha Cave Temple, Tamil Nadu

Found in the rock-cut marvels of Mahabalipuram, the Varaha Cave Temple dates back to the 7th century CE under the Pallava dynasty. Though compact in size, the cave is packed with expressive carvings that capture mythological moments with grace and power. The central panel features Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) form, lifting Earth goddess Bhudevi from the cosmic ocean—a scene of divine heroism carved in stone. The temple is part of a larger UNESCO site and is an essential stop for art, mythology, and heritage enthusiasts alike.