Kanheri Caves and Sanjay Gandhi National Park tour from Mumbai

Walk through 1st-century Buddhist caves, then hunt for big cats in the forest

A full-day tour from Mumbai combines the Kanheri Caves (109 rock-cut Buddhist monuments dating to the 1st century BCE) with a tiger and lion safari through Sanjay Gandhi National Park. A live English-speaking guide leads you through the caves and the park, pickup is included, and the day runs five to six hours with refreshments provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kanheri Caves4h
2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park1h

Visit Kanheri Caves and National Park

• Explore Kanheri Caves and rock-cut monuments
• View Buddhist sculptures and relief carvings
• Visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Enjoy Tiger/Lion Safari in the park

The experience

The Kanheri Caves sit on a hillside in the western outskirts of Mumbai, carved into a massive basaltic rock outcropping by Buddhist monks between the 9th and 1st centuries BCE. You walk through 109 caves and rock-cut monuments, many of them viharas: spaces where monks lived, studied and meditated. The caves hold Buddhist sculptures, relief carvings, pillars and rock-cut stupas, all chiseled directly from the stone. The site sits inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, so the forest surrounds the caves and the whole area has a written history reaching back to the 4th century BCE.

After the caves, the tour moves into the park itself for a tiger and lion safari. This is the second half of the day, when you stay alert for the big cats that roam the forest. The guide navigates the park and points out what moves in the trees and grassland. The whole outing (caves and safari) takes five to six hours and includes a live English-speaking guide throughout, hotel pickup, coffee or tea, and refreshments.

What’s included

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup.
• refreshments with coffee and tea.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to Sunday12 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 14:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (21 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (13 to 20 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by World of Bollywood Tours

Is this one for you?The tour involves walking through the caves on a hillside and moving through the forest on the safari, so wear shoes that grip and bring water. If you want to see both the Buddhist monuments and the park's wildlife in one morning or afternoon without arranging separate transport, this combines both in a single guided outing.

Traveler reviews

4.43★★★★★★★★★★

14 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 20 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 many caves are there at Kanheri, and what will I see inside them?

The Kanheri Caves number 109 rock-cut monuments carved into basaltic rock. Inside you'll find Buddhist sculptures, relief carvings, pillars and rock-cut stupas, along with the remains of viharas: the living and meditation spaces monks built directly into the stone between the 9th and 1st centuries BCE.

Will I actually see tigers or lions on the safari part of the tour?

The tour includes a tiger and lion safari through Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and the guide will look for them as you move through the forest. Wildlife sightings depend on the animals' location and activity on the day you visit, but the park is their habitat and the safari is built around the chance to spot them.

What's included in the tour price, and what should I bring?

The tour includes all fees and taxes, a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, and refreshments with coffee or tea. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the caves, bring water, and dress for the forest. The park is in the western outskirts of Mumbai and can be warm and humid.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs five to six hours total, covering both the Kanheri Caves and the safari through Sanjay Gandhi National Park in a single outing.

Do I need to be in good physical shape to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The caves involve some walking and climbing on hillside terrain, but the pace is set by the guide and the group, and there's no requirement to reach a certain fitness level to participate.