Mahakali Caves Maharashtra

The Mahakali Caves are a medley of rock-cut 19 monuments constructed between the 1st-6th century B.C. 15 caves are located in the southeast and 4 caves to the northwest. Most of the caves are viharas but cave 9 is a chaitya and displays Buddhist mythology figures. The caves are constructed out of basalt solid rock. There is a bar located near the caves, known as Shashikant which is a swanky bar with Beetle Bailey wall art.

These caves are also known as Kondivita caves and located in Andheri East, Mumbai. They were named so by James Campbell for being near the Kondivite village. These caves are located at the junction between SEEPZ and Jogeshwari - Vikhroli Link Road. The Mahakali Caves Road connects these monuments to the Andheri Kurla Road. These caves are perched on a hill that overlooks the SEEPZ area and the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road. The bus service operated by BEST connects the Andheri trai station at Mumbai to the caves.

History of the Attraction

The northwest group of 4 caves belong to the 4th-5th century and the southeast group of caves are older. In the ancient times Kanherti was considered to be a popular Buddhist centre. The proximity of Kanheri to Mahakali suggests that there could have been another Buddhist congregation associated with the larger one at Kanheri. This area is considered to be suitable for chaityas and Buddhist monasteries.

Getting There

The Mahakali caves can be reached by train, road or air.The Jogeshwari Railway Station and Andheri Railway Station are the two major railway stations of Mumbai. From Mumbai tourists can take a train to Jogeshwari or Andheri. From the stations travelers can hire local bus or taxi to reach the caves. The caves can be reached by buses running from various bus stops like Saibaba Mandir Marol Bus Station, Mahakali Caves Bus Station, Takshila Bus Station, Holy Spirit Hospital Bus Station, Model Town (Majas) Bus Station etc. to reach the caves in 20-30mins. Chhatrapati Shivaji Domestic Airport is the closest airport from which tourists can hire bus, train or taxi to reach the caves.

Opening/Closing Timings and Days

The caves are open on all days between 9a.m. to 4p.m.