A rock-cut Buddhist cave in Andheri has an unusual source of tourism: Students from the nearby colleges, who prefer to study in the peace and quiet the caves provide. Other than these students, however, the nearly 2,000-year-old structure doesn't get much tourist footfall.
There is hardly any signage near the gate, while the caves aren't maintained properly. "This is a beautiful ancient structure. It's the first time I'm seeing the caves after having heard so much about it. But the pillars and structures are already developing cracks and you can see it's not being maintained," said Amal Alex, a 22-year-old archaeology enthusiast from Kerala.
"It's very peaceful here, and it's the best place to read without being disturbed. Since Class X, I and my friends visit here to study," said 18-year-old Vishal Salvi, a student of ML Dahanukar College.
The main Buddhist shrine inside the caves has a prayer hall which has a large carved statue. "It's an ancient rock-cut cave visited by many archaeology students for their field study work. The Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Aarey Colony and Mahakali Caves were earlier connected as a part of a uniform forest zone. Mahakali Caves have 19 rock-cut caves, including a prayer hall. Of these, 15 are in the South-east, while four are in the North-west," said archaeologist Shamika Vilas Vrushali.
The caves are open for public till 5 pm every evening. According to security guards, the gate is shut in the evening and at night, in order to stop anti-social elements who visit the place to consume drugs and alcohol.
MAHAKALI MISERY
- Mahakali Caves in Andheri, which has 19 rock-cut caves, has the oldest prayer hall. Of these, 15 are located in the Southeast direction and four caves are to the Northwest direction.
- The caves are also known as the Kondivite Caves, deriving this name from the Kondivite village which is nearby
