Exploration of caves is exciting, it is venturing into the unknown with no knowledge of what is to come. During the course of history, many a civilization has delved into the dark depths of the earth for protection, safety, or selfishness. Discovering these caves has helped historians fill in the gaps in some cases or go on treasure hunts in others or be used for spirituality and meditation. The most popular and very well-known caves in India are the Ajanta and Ellora caves. They contain cave paintings, temples representing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Here are some of the other caves that are worth a look at.

Top 6 Amazing Caves in India

Dungeshwari Cave Temples

Dungeshwari Cave Temples

Built to represent Buddhist architecture, these caves in Bihar are believed to be the place where Buddha as Gautam spent a number of years meditating before heading to Bodhgaya. The cave temples have splendid aesthetic sense artistically. These are important pilgrimage centers for Buddhists.

Tabo

A spiritual haven for the local Buddhist monks. These caves in the Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh are set on outcrop ridges in the higher altitudes of the mountains. There are quite a few of them scattered across the mountains. An amazing setting for meditation.

Amarnath and other Caves of Jammu

The Kashmir valley has two caves that are important to worshipers of Lord Shiva. One in the interiors of the Siwalik Hills is a long cave that has a stalagmite in the shape of a lingam. It is a great place to meditate with breathtaking views in the backdrop. The other caves are the immensely popular Amarnath caves, every year thousands of devotees undertake the arduous task of trekking to the caves to pay obeisance to an ice lingam formed here every year.

Undavalli

These 7th-century caves-cut temples are well preserved and are great for exploring. These are situated in the temple ton of Vijayawada.

Badami, Karnataka

Badami in north Karnataka offers a blend of fabulous views and temple caves with ancient architecture. The caves are a pilgrimage hotspot and each cave is dedicated to a particular god – Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and one Jain temple. Great place for some spiritual enlightenment.

Elephanta Island Caves, Maharashtra

Set on a small island about 10 km from Mumbai, these caves are considered sacred by the worshippers of Lord Shiva. These series of cave were carved from a single monolithic rock. The artistic impressions found here are quite clear. A lingam representing Shiva is present in one of the caves. A ferry can get one to the island from the Gateway of India.