India is an incredible travel destination, as every corner of this beautiful country promises an amazing experience. Among many natural wonders, the historical caves in India are a favorite among history lovers. This cave tells stories that date back thousands of years. These natural wonders are living museums that house incredible carvings, paintings, and sculptures. If you want to know about India’s rich culture and traditions, you should plan a journey to the historical caves across the country.
By planning a visit to the famous historical caves in India, you can enjoy something amazing at every destination. From the beautiful Ajanta and Ellora caves to the historic Tabo caves, every cave has something different to explore. Keep reading, as this blog will cover a list of India’s top 16 historical caves that are a must-visit for anyone who loves history, adventure, and nature.
List of Historical Caves in India: Top 16
This list of historical caves in India will cover the top destinations that reveal the country’s deep cultural and spiritual roots. Each cave tells a unique story through its carvings, sculptures, and ancient carvings. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a history lover, here are the top 16 sites that you must explore to get a glimpse into the glorious past of India:
1. Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
These caves are the most famous among the ancient caves in India. These beautiful rock-cut caves house Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples. These were built between the 2nd century BC and 480 AD. There are around 100 caves, but only 34 are open for visitors. If you’re planning to visit, you must not miss the exploration of Kailasa Temple at Cave 16 here. This temple truly showcases India’s rich past. These caves must be on your travel list if you wish to experience a great caving experience in India.
2. Badami, Karnataka
Next on your travel list of historical caves in India must be the Badami Cave Temples. These beautifully show the immense love of the Chalukyas for art and stone carving. These were made in the 6th and 7th centuries AD. These caves house detailed pillars, fine sculptures, and beautiful carvings. Among the four cars here, three are dedicated to Hindu gods, while one is a Jain temple. Every cave here beautifully showcases India’s amazing artwork and is a favorite among history lovers.
3. Elephanta Island Caves, Maharashtra
These are among the most famous historical caves in India and are also a Heritage Site. These were made around the 5th to 7th century. These caves in Maharashtra house 2 Buddhist and 5 Hindu caves. You need to take a short ferry trip from Mumbai to reach here. Here, the stunning sculptures tell many stories about India’s glorious past. The most iconic attraction here is the Maheshmurti statue, showing Mahadeva in three forms. Although some parts are damaged, these caves are made from a single huge basalt rock.
4. Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves, Orissa
These ancient rock-cut caves near Bhubaneswar were made in the 2nd century BC. Udayagiri means Sunrise Hill, and Khandagiri means Broken Hills. These houses are both natural and man-made caves. Udayagiri has 18 caves, and Khandagiri has 15. Each cave here beautifully showcases unique structures and stunning carvings. Compared to Udayagiri, Khandagiri is more crowded with visitors, as they come here to pray and explore. The most popular cave in Udayagiri is Ranigumpha, which is a double-storey monastery.
5. Tabo, Himachal Pradesh
These famous caves of India are located in the Spiti Valley. In ancient times, these rock-cut caves were used as homes and meditation rooms by Buddhist monks. Some caves here are small, while some are bigger, like they can be used as gathering halls. The prayer flags outside these caves show that monks still visit here for meditation. You need to complete a 15-minute short trek to reach this stunning destination. Here, you can enjoy amazing views of Tabo village and the Spiti River flowing below. Many murals here are damaged, but your visit here will still be worth it. These are perfect options for those looking for a peaceful caving experience.
6. Undavalli & Mogalarajapuram Caves, Andhra Pradesh
These were made in the 7th century and are famous for their beautiful carvings and rock-cut architecture. These caves in Andhra Pradesh have shrines of Hindu gods, like Lord Vishnu, Lord Mahadeva, and Lord Brahma. There is a large statue of Lord Vishnu in a lying position, which is carved from a single block of stone. These ancient caves in India also show traces of Buddhism, as it is believed that many monks have lived here in the past. Besides the unique mix of Hindu and Buddhist elements, the amazing views of the hills promise an unforgettable caving experience.
7. Trichy Rock Fort Temple & Pallava Caves, Tamil Nadu
This famous destination in Tamil Nadu is built on a rock. There are two main cave temples here, a lower cave and an upper cave. The upper cave, located at a greater height, is known as Lalitankura and offers amazing views. You can enjoy beautiful bas-relief carvings in the lower cave. These rock-cut structures were made in the 7th century by the Pallavas. These caves house many shrines that are empty now but have detailed carvings. Pillars here have unique shapes. They are round in the middle and square at both ends.
8. Borra Caves, Andhra Pradesh
These are among the deepest caves in India, as they have a depth of 80 meters. These were formed naturally inside limestone hills over thousands of years. The Gosthani River passes through the caves, making the scenery here even more stunning. According to local stories, this river has helped carve these formations. These caves were discovered in 1807 and today are a very famous attraction in the region. You can also interact with tribal people living here.
9. Dungeshwari Cave Temples, Bihar
These caves in Bihar are popularly called the Mahakala Caves, and must be on your travel list of caves in India. It is believed that Lord Buddha meditated here before reaching Bodh Gaya. Most visitors come here to pray and meditate. A beautiful statue of Lord Buddha in deep meditation is the main attraction here. The shrine also houses a sacred idol of Goddess Dungeshwari. Compared to other caves in this list, these are small but hold an important historical and religious value.
10. Pataleshwar Cave temple, Maharashtra
This sacred place is carved from a single large rock and is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva. This cave is among the historical caves in India that are seen as a perfect example of rock-cut architecture. The shrine here is below the ground level. The temple layout is similar to the famous Elephanta and Ellora caves. Inside the cave, you will also see idols of Nandi, Lord Rama, and Goddess Sita. Its entrance has neatly arranged stones and has a brass bell hung.
11. Karla Caves, Maharashtra
These famous caves in India were built in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. Their special wooden design and carving style make them a popular attraction in the region. The most famous part here is the Grand Chaitya, which is Cave 8. There is a tall pillar at the entrance that beautifully showcases India’s historical charm. Beautiful carvings show monks, elephants, and other detailed patterns from Buddhist art. Travelers love the calm and spiritual atmosphere here.
12. Bhimbetka Cave, Madhya Pradesh
This cave shows some of the earliest signs of human life in India. Some rock paintings here are nearly 30,000 years old. Artworks here show daily life scenes, like hunting and dancing, from the Old Stone Age. This Heritage Site houses more than 500 caves, and each tells stories of early humans. It is believed that Bhima from the Mahabharata once stayed here. Other than the amazing carvings and natural rock shapes, the greenery of this place makes it more fascinating for visitors.
13. Sittanavasal Cave Temple, Tamil Nadu
This cave is among the famous caves in India that are popular for their peaceful atmosphere and stunning ancient art. The name of this cave means home of great saints, and in the past, many revered Jain monks meditated here. These were built around the 2nd century AD. The walls and ceilings here are decorated with beautiful murals made using natural mineral dyes. The artworks showing ponds, lotus flowers, daily life, and animals offer a deeper look into ancient Jain culture in India.
14. Koteshwar Temple Cave, Uttarakhand
This sacred place is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva and is located along the holy Alaknanda River. Visitors traveling toward Kedarnath often stop at this ancient cave. Some legends tell that Lord Shiva meditated here and even hid inside this cave from the demon Bhasmasur before seeking help from Lord Vishnu. Most visitors visit here during August and September. Many pilgrims also take a holy dip in the river, believing it brings blessings.
15. Varaha Caves, Tamil Nadu
These famous historical caves in India are another beautiful example of strong ancient rock-cut art. These were built in the 7th century during the rule of the Pallavas. Visitors here are most attracted to the amazing carvings. These caves mainly honor Varaha, who is the boar form of Lord Vishnu. The most beautiful sculpture here is Varaha lifting Earth goddess Bhudevi from the deep sea. There is a Gajalakshmi panel, which is also very popular among visitors and shows the fine art skills of artisans of that time.
16. Mawsmai Caves, Meghalaya
These ancient caves in India are one of the most famous natural wonders in Cherrapunjee. When you enter here, you’ll feel like you’re entering a stunning mystery hidden underground. The caves have different shapes and pathways, so in some parts, you may need to bend or kneel to move ahead. Although these are not among the dangerous caves in India, like the Borra caves, you might get a spooky feeling due to the constantly dripping water that creates a cool atmosphere inside. The entrance of these caves is large, but the exit is narrow, making the journey more exciting.
Explore India’s Hidden Depths with Noble House Tours
Have you ever thought about how many caves in India must be on your travel list? Our wonderful country is home to more than 1,500 caves, and these 16 are a must-visit if you want to enjoy an unforgettable caving experience. These caves are not just rock formations but sacred places that showcase centuries of art and devotion.
From the stunning Ajanta and Ellora Caves to the deepest caves in India, Borra Caves, each site promises a unique experience. Exploring these will feel like traveling through time. The stunning carvings, natural formations, and sculptures tell about ancient cultures and old traditions.
Connect with Noble House Tours Pvt. Ltd. to experience unforgettable visits to these wonderful destinations. We can help you plan itineraries that combine comfort, personal guidance, and local guided tours. Whether you wish to explore famous historical caves or less-popular ones, we can help with anything. Make us your travel partner to ensure your journey to these cave destinations is truly memorable.
