Guided tour of Buddhist Kanheri Caves and Golden VIpassana Pagoda

5.0 (7 reviews) 8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

7 reviews

5.0

Kanheri caves tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Grand Chaitya, Kanheri caves tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Kanheri Caves is a day trip from Mumbai to a 2000 year old Buddhist university. Explore some of the Caves which served as a major centre for Buddhist learning between the 1st century BC and 10th century AD. Relive the life of the students who came from all over Asia to live in this ancient campus and learn from the Masters. Marvel at the unique architectural style, magnificent sculptures and novel engineering techniques that made Kanheri an incredible place to live and learn, 2000 years back.

The tour also includes a visit to Golden Vipassana Pagoda to experience serenity and ancient Buddhist relics.

This tour is organized by Five Senses Tours, a private limited company recognized by the Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). The tour has been designed to support local livelihoods by way of employment of local guides, and supporting local businesses in line with the mission of the company to ensure travel dollars stay where they are spent.

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At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: 5 Senses Walks

Ages: Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–75 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Pick and drop
Included: Private car
Included: Entrance charges
Included: Guide

Itinerary

Kanheri Caves

5 hours Admission included

After picking you up from your hotel or cruise terminal, we proceed to Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Kanheri Caves are located inside this 87 square KM national park.

Over the next few hours we will explore magnificent sculptures, relief carvings, paintings and inscriptions which will give us clues about the life and times in this ancient University which was a premier seat for Buddhist learning. We will visit the Grand Chaitya where the monks used to gather to meditate. The magnificent Stupa helped the monks to focus and concentrate during meditation. A relic of a great teacher from the past would usually be found inside the Stupa.

As we move between the caves we will be able to see the transformation from Thervada to Mahayana style of Buddhism over the years. It is a fantastic venue even today to discuss with our guide, the principles of different styles of Buddhism and the differences with other prominent religions of land like Hinduism and Jainism!

The 109 caves have an assortment of sculptures of Buddha as well as Boddhisattvas like Padmapani. Our guide will explain the crucial role of Boddhisatvas in the Buddhist society and how they were important for the survival of this great religion.