Sunday, 14 September 2014
The first day of our two-week trip. Everyone arrived from the U.S. and Germany overnight. After a leisurely start, we headed north from Mumbai to Vapi. Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park are along the way. These caves are some of the earliest Buddhist caves in India -- mostly from the 1st and 2nd Century CE. They are no where near as elaborate as later caves, but there are over 100 in this area. Since this is the only opportunity we will have to see such structures, we made the short detour off NH8.
The first three photos just show an overview of cave entrances. As you can see, the caves are a popular destination for Mumbaikers.
The first day of our two-week trip. Everyone arrived from the U.S. and Germany overnight. After a leisurely start, we headed north from Mumbai to Vapi. Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park are along the way. These caves are some of the earliest Buddhist caves in India -- mostly from the 1st and 2nd Century CE. They are no where near as elaborate as later caves, but there are over 100 in this area. Since this is the only opportunity we will have to see such structures, we made the short detour off NH8.
The first three photos just show an overview of cave entrances. As you can see, the caves are a popular destination for Mumbaikers.
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| The caves are connected by paths that wind up the mountain. It seems that there are always more caves just beyond the bend. |
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| Here you can see the tall buildings of Mumbai's northern suburbs in the distance. |
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| Buddha in a variety of poses carved into the wall of a cave. |
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| Detail from the top of a column in the main stupa hall. |
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| The largest cave contains a large stupa. |
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| Everyone's here! |
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| The caves are popular with monkeys, too -- mostly attracted by the edible trash left behind by humans. This young monkey was sliding down a tree trunk. |
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| A baby monkey catching a ride with mom. |
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