India is a land of ancient civilizations. Civilization after civilization has prospered here leaving indelible footprints for the ages to come. India, therefore, is home to many wonders that now houses the different parts of the country. The ancient and mesmerizing caves are among the treasure trove of many leftover wonders. Book at the earliest your flights to India from Canada for a trip to the ancient wonder that is India.
The caves are mystical and elusive and form a great part of the Indian cultural heritage. They are testimony to the many ages man has seen and bear the imprints of people who walked before us. They hide deep within the forests and river valleys of India. Many of them still are unexplored and mysterious.
The caves hold significant importance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists as they once flourished under the aegis of these religions. The patronizers of these religions developed the caves into temples and meditational halls and dedicated them to common use by monks and people alike. These caves hold not only religious significance but also boast extraordinary sculptures and beautiful carvings, carrying historical importance. Flyopedia now offers discounted flights to India from Canada, making your trip to India this year a more budget-friendly affair.
There are thousands of caves like these in nooks and corners of the country but here is a list of special and grand ones of them that are must-visit for a traveler.
Bhimbetka caves
These caves are in Ratapani wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. The caves have golden antiquity as they predate the entry of modern humans. The caves were home to early men and hunters and gatherers. The caves bear testimony to the development and vanishing of civilizations. The caves have carvings and paintings from the hands of the early settlers. The caves are beautiful, and mysterious, and have a vibe of their own. The caves are also believed to be the shelter of the famous Pandavas from the Mahabharata. These ancient caves are calling you out so book last minute flights to India now.
Badami caves
These are located in Karnataka and are a group of four caves. Two of the caves dedicate themselves to Lord Vishnu, one to Lord Shiva, and the remaining one follows the Jain way of life. Red sandstone constructs these caves on the escarpment of a hill. Exploring the caves provides a delightful experience, offering peace and tranquility. Sitting here for some time in the cool shade is sure to enrich the soul. Stairs lead to these caves since they sit at a height. The archaeological survey of India takes care of the well-preservation and maintenance of the caves.
Udaygiri caves in Odisha
The very ancient Udaygiri caves, located near Bhubaneswar in Odisha, house 33 rock-cut chambers featuring Hindu and Jain sculptures as well as wall paintings. People dug out and constructed these caves during the Gupta reign, which spanned from 350 to 500 CE. This era coincided with the revival of Hinduism in history. Therefore the caves rightly showcase the ancient art form dedicated to the sects of Hinduism. There is a famous structure at Udaygiri of 5 feet tall statue of lord Vishnu in a boar avatar with masses standing in homage by the side. The caves are truly rich in sculpture and wall paintings. For a great experience before you land in India for your caves trip check business class deals from Flyopedia.
Amarnath cave in Jammu and Kashmir
The cave is located in Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the most visited caves in India as it houses a Hindu shrine. The shrine is dedicated to lord shiva and is around 5000 years old in antiquity. It lies at an altitude of 3988 meters. The main hallmark of the cave is the formation of shiva lingam of ice that expands and contracts according to the cycle of the moon. It is basically an ice stalagmite that forms in the month of the monsoon. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where shiva told the secrets of life and eternity to his wife Parvati.
Undavalli caves in Andhra Pradesh
Located on the banks of the river Krishna and just a stone’s throw away from Vijayawada, these caves were built by the Vishnukundin kings in antiquity, dating back to the 7th century AD. Carved from solid sandstone, the Undavalli caves are dedicated to Ananta Padmanabha Swamy and Narasimha Swamy. This four-storied structure is truly delightful to watch. Within the deep and dark halls of the cave, visitors can find a serene place to contemplate life and engage in meditation for some time. Furthermore, there are beautiful gardens outside the cave. Flights to India from Canada are now on offer from Flyopedia at discounted prices so as to let you immerse completely in Indian delight this season.
Karla caves in Lonavala
These caves are located near the famous hill station of Lonavala in Maharashtra. These caves house a Buddhist temple dating back to 200 BC. They are renowned for their rock-cut architecture, which mimics a wooden structure. The caves also feature prominent elements like arched entrances, vaulted interiors, and the Ashokan pillar at the front. Lonavala is also an excellent picnic spot, and a visit to these caves should be on every traveler’s itinerary.
These are some of the iconic caves in India that every traveler should visit.
