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>> Junnar Caves, Maharashtra
Junnar Caves, Maharashtra
The Junnar hill, situated at a small place known as Junnar(birthplace
of great Indian warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji) in Maharashtra homes a cluster
of ancient Buddhist caves. Belonging to the period between 2nd century
BCE to the 3rd century CE, the Junnar caves due to their construction
and architecture, attract the tourists, Buddhists and archaeologists.
The Junnar caves have been divided into three
major categories
- Tulija Lena Group
- Manmodi Hill Group
- Ganesh Lena Group.
The Tulija Lena group, 5 kilometers to the west, comprising Chaityas or
the prayer halls, has a circular dome ceiling in the Chaiya hall in the
cave number 3. The second group of caves, which lies 1.5 kilometers south
of Junnar towards the Manmodi hills, constitute a well preserved facade.
The third group, the Ganesh Lena group, which is located 4 kilometers
south of Junnar, comprises a large number of small cells and viharas.
The main vihara of this group has been named 'Ganesh Lena', after the
group with same name.
Accessibility
By Air : The nearest airport from Junnar is at Mumbai, 177 kilometers
away. The Mumbai airports entertains all the major international and domestic
flights.
By Rail : The nearest major railhead is at Mumbai, which is connected
with all the major Indian cities.
By Road : The Junnar caves, which lie on the Mumbai-Aurangabad
route, can be reached by coaches, buses or even private taxis.
