#CaveTourism

[theghumakkads]

Religious Cave Architecture and Tourism in India

India is the country where the oldest religion of the world originated. It is also home to Buddhism and Jainism. The Vedic religion based on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is bigger and beyond the concept of religion. The great Max Mueller described it as essentially a way of life and the fountainhead of all knowledge. The religious sphere and its widespread knowledge had its impact on almost every sector of human activity including the mural and miniature painting, temple architecture, sculpture making and cave architecture. The architecture based on religious orientations had a long-lasting impact on the forthcoming generations and still continues to inspire the imagination of the masses. Here we will have a look at the prominent caves and their architecture in India. Every section of tourists finds them as a perfect treat to the eyes. 1. Ajanta Caves Location- Aurangabad (Maharashtra) Religion- Buddhism

Ajanta, Aurangabad Buddhism is not just limited to 'Astangika Marga' or 'Dharmachakrapravartana'. The religion of Buddhism had its long term impact on the cave architecture of India. Buddhism has inspired the majority of cave architecture in India. Ajanta is among the UNESCO designated world heritage sites of the world. Both the Hinayana and Mahayana form of Buddhism had its contribution in the Ajanta Caves which is built on a steep slope. It is basically a collection of 30 Buddhist cave monuments. The fine paintings illustrating Lord Buddha’s previous births mesmerize most of the tourists. This site is the majority of interest to the tourists coming from Sri-Lanka, Myanmar and China where Buddhism is the most prominent religion. If you have connections with the spiritual sphere of life then Ajanta caves are a must visit for you. They are marked as a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India. 2. Ellora Caves Location- Marathwada (Maharashtra) Dominant Religion- Hinduism

Cave Architecture at Ellora Ellora caves are known for their diversity. It is basically a collection of 34 cave architectures. 17 of them are Brahmanical in origin. It also has a collection of 12 Buddhist and five Jain caves. So it attracts a share of tourists from all the three major religions of ancient India. Various guilds of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu built and developed them between 5th and 11th century AD. Ellora caves reflect a natural diversity of themes. The famous 'Kailash Temple' is also a part of it. Ellora is also among the list of the UNESCO world heritage sites of the world. 3. Elephanta Caves Location- Elephanta Island (Maharashtra) Dominant Religion- Hinduism

Murals at Elephanta Caves This site comprises of five Hindu and two Buddhist caves that trace back to the period between the 5th century and 8th century. The Hindu caves of the site are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The rock-cut sculptures of these caves represent the Shaiva Hindu sect. Cave 1 is also referred to as the Great Cave of Elephanta is the most imposing of this site. It is famous for its remarkable sculptures that illustrate the gradually developed Brahmanical rock-cut architecture. The site is presently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and is also marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 4. Nasik Caves Location- Nashik (Maharashtra) Religion- Buddhism

Pandav Leni Nasik Caves are also known as Pandav Leni. It is a group of 23 Buddhist Caves. It belongs to the Hinayana period of Buddhism which is against idol worship hence no images of the Buddha is present. Though the motifs and symbols in the caves indicate the presence of Lord Buddha. It was carved between the 1st century AD to 3rd century AD. It is one of those areas which is yet to fulfil its tourism potential. A perfect go to place for Mumbai weekend getaway. 5. Bagh Caves Location- Dhar District (Madhya Pradesh) Religion- Buddhism

Bagh Caves Bagh Caves are architecturally similar to Ellora. The group of nine rock-cut Buddhist monuments forms the Bagh Caves. They are famous for their mural paintings which were done on hard surfaces by the master painters of ancient India. It is located on the banks of Bagh River in Madhya Pradesh. Bagh caves have been losing its significance because of the neglect by the administration. Currently, only five of them are surviving for visit. But the scenic beauty is hard to ignore as it is the combination of the banks of the Bagh River and cave architecture resulting in perfect delight. 6. Mandapeshwar Caves Location- Borivali (Maharashtra) Religion- Christian Caves

Mandapeshwar Also known as Montperir Caves. It was developed in the 8th Century AD as a Brahmanical cave. Later they were converted into Christian religion importance. It is one of the latest addition in the cave architecture of India which has mighty potential in the tourism sector. The name Mandapeshwar means 'hall of the lord'. This cave had been the resting places for soldiers during the world war which adds to the significance of this site. It is a blend of ancient history walking hand in hand with modern history. Cave Tourism is a delight to both architecture and adventure tourists. And it does not end here. India holds a lot for every kind of travel enthusiast. Happy Traveling..!! Read the full article

[parkswingss]

Anyone seeing cavetown in DC on December 13(I think it is) ????

[tridenteboattrips]

🇵🇹 A Praia da Marinha é uma das mais bonitas e emblemáticas praias de Portugal, considerada, ainda, como uma das 10 mais belas praias da Europa e uma das 100 mais belas praias do Mundo pelo Guia Michelin. É também aqui que se pode ver a partir das falésias as rochas em forma de 💙. Curios@? 🇬🇧 Marinha Beach is one of the most beautiful and emblematic beaches in Portugal, considered as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe and one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world by the Michelin Guide. It is also here that the 💙-shaped rocks can be seen from the cliffs. Curios? 🔱 www.tridenteboattrips.com PHOTO CREDITS: @andreontrip @charlottejaynewalton #TRIDENTEBOATTRIPS #armacaodepera #boattripsalgarve #algarveportugal #algarve #visitportugal #visitalgarve #cuevas #benagil #benagilcave #boatride #algarveholidays #algarve #algarveportugal #algarvelovers #algarvecoast #algarvetourism #visitportugal #clublifedesign #clublifedesignfamily #visitalgarve #algarvebeach #cavetour #cavetours (em Praia da Marinha) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQwjXkqMPR1/?utm_medium=tumblr

[littlebitsworkshop]

We had a fun time on the tour at Crystal Cave. #crystalcave #cavetour #springvalley #summer #funtimes (at Crystal Cave)

[edreamworld]

#rushmorecave #mountrushmore #blackhills #southdakota #dreamamericausa #cavetour (at Rushmore Caves) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFYLvDBBYxc/?igshid=wsc8ebxe6mqm

[confusedgirlinthecity]

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A post shared by Giovanna Silvestre (@confusedgirlla)

I 💗 Austin, Texas! Come with me as I take you to some of my favorite places in Austin with the cutest people ever...aka my parents. Check out the next vid: Austin Part Two ➡️. If you do Longhorn Cavern tour, ask for Cosmo, best tour guide. The cave is composed of limestone and beautiful crystals. This is a must see for all my fellow spirit travelers. visitlonghorncavern.com Sporting our Clarity Capris and our Unstoppable hoodie. Confusedgirlinthecity.com #confusedgirl #findyourtruenature #yogafit #yogagirl #yogalife #yogaeverydamnday #yogapose #yogawear #yogagear #activewear #fashion #travelshow #wanderlust #leggings #yogacapris #namaste #yogainspiration #austintx #fashion #yogaeverywhere #crystals #clothes #chakra #cavetour #yogi #austintxlife #travelblogger #yogajourney #yogalove #longhorncaverns (at Longhorn Cavern State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife)

[dreamwavealgarve]

Today, the day started at full speed!! 🔥 . #dreamwavealgarve #dreamwave #albufeira #visitalgarve #visitalbufeira #visitportugal #dolphinwatching #albufeira #albufeiramarina #sun #fun #instafollow #picoftheday #instalike #travelgram #dolphins #benagil #benagilcave #algarvecoastline #algarvecoast #cavetour #insonia #boattour #boatday (at Praia de São Rafael) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9lvvmIBRQh/?igshid=7m24zolm8zxu

[javabalitrips]

Yes, we are ready for the adrenaline adventure days #jomblang #jomblangcavetour #cavetours #pitcavetour #verticalcaving #verticalcave Gondola at Timang beach after https://www.instagram.com/p/B2lLGBQBZGe/?igshid=v3xzho8bpa7x

[paula-michelle]

Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Missouri. #cave #cavetour #awesome (at Fantastic Caverns) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2aUwGMg72x/?igshid=1uam9nqbq8kb8

[k-phyte]

Woke up early to start our cave tour! #latergram #roadtrippin #daythirteen #mammothcavenationalpark #cavetour #domesanddripstones (at Mammoth Cave National Park Campground)

[youmeandthesky2015]

The highlight of the Fairy Cave tour was these beautiful Stalactite and Stalagmite meeting in the middle of the air. . . Follow Our Adventures & Discover Travel Destinations in Australia @youmeandthesky0301 . . #stalagmites #stalactite #fairycave #beautifulnature #caveexploring #cavetour #cave #limestone #naturewonder #wonderfulnature #australia #australianature #travelaustralia #オースト��リアトリップ #旅行記 #洞窟 (at Fairy Cave) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0lDRc2ha1A/?igshid=m14ifwqiv5n6

[napavale]

Hey Bella, ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Happy #tbt!! It’s almost #friyay . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It’s there a place (restaurant, winery, vacation spot) you love so much that you would go a gazillion times if you could?!? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Well this is how I feel about visiting @Schramsberg . It is one of my favorite places to go #winetasting and to do their #cavetour. I’ve been to their tour about 18 times (no lie). I know it’s cray cray. I just love @schramsberg tasting experience, their sparkling wine selection and tour so much that every time I have someone visiting Napa for the first time #Schramsberg is on the must do list! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ More to come on my learnings about Méthode Traditionnelle and their amazing #winetour. Any bubble lovers out there? 🍾🥂🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏼‍♂️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Feliz almost viernes! 💃🏻⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Muahhh... Wends aka your #NapaVale girl⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #GetTipsyConNapaVale #Napa #NapaValley #NapaTours #WineTasting #WineLover #WineTime #WineNot #MéthodeTraditionnelle #SparklingWine #Bubbles #Wine #Winery #Champagne #ChampagneLover #CheersToLife #Vino #NapaBlogger #NapaValleyBlogger #BilingualBlogger #WineCountry (at Schramsberg) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0OxduBDo4/?igshid=99buh5zoekqq

[kingy1993]

Royal arch cave #royalarchcave #chillagoe #chillagoecaves #chillagoenationalpark #cave #cavetour #caves #farnorthqueensland #tropicalqueensland #cairns #mothernature #beautiful #thisismagic (at Chillagoe, Queensland) https://www.instagram.com/p/BskAKTEBq_j/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=mqwyir0sddkr

[indiareisen]

#india #visitindia #history #indianart #cavepaintings #ajantacaves #elloracaves #jaincaves #budhacandor #hindu #budha #cavetourism #ancientculture #indianepal #indiabhutan #nepalbhutan https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn6BAHollBl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=3e0k90ufmh2g

[littlebitsworkshop]

We had a fun time on the tour at Crystal Cave. #crystalcave #cavetour #springvalley #summer #funtimes (at Crystal Cave)

[ambujstyagi]

#india #visitindia #history #indianart #cavepaintings #ajantacaves #elloracaves #jaincaves #budhacandor #hindu #budha #cavetourism #ancientculture #indianepal #indiabhutan #nepalbhutan https://www.instagram.com/p/BngHXrRFYAvhTt-DwOTm5iiEO4sb4C9F9zMx880/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ddsivkutitsg