Junnar Caves
The Junnar hill, situated at a small place known as Junnar(birthplace of great Indian warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji) in Maharashtra homes a cluster of ancient Buddhist caves. Belonging to the period between 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, the Junnar caves due to their construction and architecture, attract the tourists, Buddhists and archaeologists.
The Junnar caves have been divided into three major categories:
- Tulija Lena group
- Manmodi Hill group
- Ganesh Lena group
The Tulija Lena group, 5 kilometers to the west, comprising Chaityas or the prayer halls, has a circular dome ceiling in the Chaiya hall in the cave number 3. The second group of caves, which lies 1.5 kilometers south of Junnar towards the Manmodi hills, constitute a well preserved facade. The third group, the Ganesh Lena group, which is located 4 kilometers south of Junnar, comprises a large number of small cells and viharas. The main vihara of this group has been named ‘Ganesh Lena’, after the group with same name.
Junnar caves are also an important destination for the Buddhist pilgrims, not very far from Mumbai and Pune, these caves are situated in Aurangabad district, and are well known to the tourists, especially the Buddhist pilgrims around the world. There are many caves in the hill ranges, all-important in the archaeological point of view.
There are three groups of caves in the hills, the Tulija Lena, and the Ganesh lena being prominent. The place is surrounded by lush greens, which makes the place more attractive and a dear one among all Buddhist destinations.All of the Junnar caves were founded somewhere between 2nd Century BC and 3rd Century AD.
By Air:
The nearest airport from Junnar is at Mumbai, 177 kilometers away. The Mumbai airports entertains all the major international and domestic flights.
By Rail:
The nearest major railhead is at Mumbai, which is connected with all the major Indian cities.
By Road:
The Junnar caves, which lie on the Mumbai-Aurangabad route, can be reached by coaches, buses or even private taxis.