Mandapeshwar Caves

Located near Mount Poinsur in Borivali, a Mumbai suburb in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Mandapeshawar Caves are rock-cut grottos dedicated to Lord Shiva. In size and dimension, these caves are much smaller as compared to the Kanheri Caves that are also located in Borivali.

Nevertheless, thousands of people visit the Mandapeshwar Caves, thanks to the many unusual features here. To begin with, you can still view the ruins of an old Portuguese church scattered all over the caves. Known as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, it used to serve as a Roman Catholic Parish from 1547 to 1739 and then again from 1912 till sometime later when it was demolished in an earthquake.

Mandapeshwar actually means “Mandap Pe Eshwar” or the “hall of painting of the Lord”. So it is evident from this name that there are paintings inside these caves. Actually, there are four similar types of caves close to Mumbai – all rock-cut shrines. They are Jogeshwari Caves, Elephanta Caves, Mahakali Caves, and Mandapeshwar Caves. So originally, if you saw one, you could have seen them all. But sadly, while Elephanta has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and properly maintained, Mandapeshawar Caves has remained in relative dark. These caves are not that well maintained as a result. Today, you will only be able to see remnants of a glorious past. But it is a good weekend visit nevertheless, particularly if you are from Mumbai or somewhere close. In fact, these caves are so close to Mumbai proper, that you could visit them on any day, and not just the weekend.

How to reach: Get down at the Borivali railway station in Mumbai and take an auto rickshaw from there. The distance is a mere 3 kilometers.

Being within the city of Mumbai, there are many hotels near Mandapeshwar caves, home stays near Mandapeshwar caves and resorts in Mandapeshwar caves.