Mumbai: Kanheri Caves, Lion Safari & Jain Temple Day Tour

Kanheri caves echo with history while lion safari surprises

You’ll slip away from Mumbai’s rush into Sanjay Gandhi Park for a day trip that blends ancient Kanheri Caves, a real lion safari by bus, and quiet moments at Trimurti Jain Temple. Expect cool stone under your hands, jungle sounds outside, and stories from your local guide: all with hotel pickup and entry fees sorted for you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park2h · entry included
2. Kanheri Caves1h · entry included

Explore Sanjay Gandhi National Park

• Hotel pick-up by air-conditioned car
• Visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Tour Kanheri Caves
• See Trimurti Jain Temple
• Enjoy group tiger safari by bus
• Return to hotel

The experience

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the trees or even the early morning haze. It was the way the air changed as we drove into Sanjay Gandhi Park. Mumbai’s noise faded behind us, replaced by this odd mix of damp earth and incense from a roadside shrine. Our guide, Sameer, grinned at my wide-eyed look and said, “Wait till you see the caves.” I didn’t really know what to expect. Just that Kanheri Caves were somewhere deep inside this huge patch of green in the city.

We bumped along in an air-conditioned car (thank god for that), then switched to a bus for the lion safari. Not going to lie. I half expected something cheesy, but when a lioness actually padded out from behind some brush, everyone went quiet. Even Sameer stopped talking for a second. The bus windows fogged up with our breath as people pressed closer. There was this faint smell of wet grass and diesel from the engine. It all felt weirdly real.

Afterwards, we headed up to the caves themselves: 109 of them carved right into black rock. The steps were worn smooth and cool under my hands when I touched them (I slipped once, nobody saw). Inside one chamber it was so silent I could hear my own breathing bounce back at me. Sameer told us Buddhist monks used these as a learning center centuries ago. I tried picturing it: chanting echoing off stone walls while outside monkeys screeched in the trees. The contrast stuck with me.

Lunch was simple: bottled water and snacks under a tree before visiting the Trimurti Jain Temple. Three giant idols stared down at us. A woman nearby folded her hands in prayer while her son tugged at her sari. I tried saying “Namaste” properly but probably butchered it. She just smiled anyway. On the drive back through Borivali, Mumbai’s chaos crept in again and I caught myself wishing I’d lingered longer among those caves.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle anywhere in Mumbai, all entrance fees to Sanjay Gandhi Park attractions including Kanheri Caves and lion safari by bus, bottled water throughout your visit, plus guidance from an English-speaking local who keeps things relaxed but knows every shortcut through the park’s winding paths.

Options for this experience

5 options

Group tour, transport not includedGuide in English · 09:00 and 14:00Duration: 4 hours. A bottle of water is provided. No vehicle: this is a group tour without transportation. Guests must arrive at our meeting point by 9:00 AM. Meeting time 9 AM: please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts to avoid any delay. Pickup is included.

Private car for a tour of the National ParkGuide in English · 14 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:30Duration: 4 hours. A bottle of mineral water and an air-conditioned car are provided. Vehicles from outside are not allowed inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, so there is no air-conditioned car within the park. Pickup is included.

Slum tour combined with the National ParkGuide in English · 10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:30Duration: 6 hours. A bottle of mineral water and an air-conditioned car are provided. Vehicles from outside are not allowed inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, so there is no air-conditioned car within the park. Pickup is included.

See 2 more options

Vipassana Pagoda visit included with SGNPGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 10:30Duration: 6 hours. Mineral water and an air-conditioned car are provided. Vehicles from outside are not allowed inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, so there is no air-conditioned car within the park. Pickup is included.

Bollywood-themed tour of the National ParkGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:00Duration: 8 hours. Mineral water and an air-conditioned car are provided. Vehicles from outside are not allowed inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, so there is no air-conditioned car within the park. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to Sunday14 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:30

Book up to4h before

AgesUp to age 90

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Young Tours And Travel

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do you get to Kanheri Caves from Mumbai?

The tour includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned car from anywhere in Mumbai to Sanjay Gandhi Park where Kanheri Caves are located.

Is there a lion safari included in this day trip?

Yes, there is a group lion safari by bus within Sanjay Gandhi Park as part of the tour.

Are entry fees for Sanjay Gandhi Park and attractions included?

All entrance fees to Sanjay Gandhi Park, Kanheri Caves, lion safari, and Jain Temple are included in the tour price.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Bottled water is included but lunch is not specifically mentioned. Snacks may be available during breaks.

How many caves are at Kanheri?

There are 109 caves carved into basalt rock at Kanheri inside Sanjay Gandhi Park.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap. Specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is cycling possible inside Sanjay Gandhi Park?

You can rent bicycles inside the park if you want to explore trails on your own after the main tour activities.

What is special about Trimurti Jain Temple?

The temple has three large idols of Lord Adinath and his sons Bahubali and Bharata. It’s important for Digambar Jains.