Mahakali Caves
महाकाली लेणी
Nineteen Buddhist rock-cut caves on a basalt hill in eastern Andheri, carved between the 1st century BCE and the 6th century CE, a lesser-known heritage site in the city.
The Mahakali Caves, also known as the Kondivite Caves, consist of 19 Buddhist caves carved into black basalt, dating from about the 1st century BCE to the 6th century CE. They are divided into eastern and western groups and are mostly monastic residences for monks. Cave 9 is the largest chaitya hall, containing a stupa and surviving Buddha relief carvings. The caves are managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The entry fee for foreign visitors is about 300 rupees, and they are closed on Mondays. They receive far fewer visitors than Elephanta and Kanheri, and the facilities are fairly basic. Located in eastern Andheri, they can be reached by taking Metro Line 1 to Western Express Highway station and then a taxi for about 10 minutes. They can be visited together with Powai Lake on the same route.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00 (closed Mon)
Nearby sights
- Powai Lake
- Film City Mumbai (Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari)
- Juhu Beach
- Kanheri Caves & Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- Dharavi
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount
- Bandra Fort & Bandstand Promenade
- Bandra–Worli Sea Link