Yali Mandapam – Tiger Cave

The mysterious Yali Mandapam, Tamil Nadu

A rock-cut monument from the 7th century AD, possibly a religious auditorium. Highly unusual architectonic design with 11 yali heads.

Bedse Caves

Ceiling in Bedse Caves is bare, without adornment. Five columns with ornaments are visible

Two legendary Buddhist rock-cut cave temples. One cave is chaitya – prayer hall, another – vihara – monastery, created sometime around 60 BC.

Bhaja Caves

Entrance in chaityagriha, Bhaja Caves

One of the oldest Buddhist rock-cut structures in the world. 22 caves, created approximately in the 2nd century BC. Beautiful stone-carved facades, other values of art and history.

Karla Caves

Karla Caves, the most magnificent rock-cut chaitya in India. Note the ancient wooden details

This beautiful rock-cut temple complex includes the most beautiful prayer hall – chaitya – of Indian cave temples. Developed in 120 BC – the 10th century AD.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara

Mysterious discs of Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Bangalore

An unusual rock-cut Hindu temple from the 9th century. The Sun shines on the shrine only for a short while in the middle of January, shining on the Shivalinga.

Lonad Caves

Lonad Caves in Maharashtra, view of entrance portal

A small group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves from the 5th century AD. Chapel – chaitya – contains valuable stone carvings.

Badami Cave Temples

Badami Cave 3 in India, entrance portal

A group of four beautiful rock-cut temples, made in the 6th – 7th centuries AD. Located in the ancient capital of Early Chalukyas. Art of temples witnesses the search for a distinct style.

Son Bhandar Caves

Two rock-cut chambers in India, near Rajgir. Contain undeciphered inscription, reportedly – a password to the cave with treasure.

Elephanta Caves

Inside the Great Cave, Elephanta Caves in India

Group of beautiful, five Hindu and two Buddhist rock-cut temples, built around the 5th – 8th century AD. Great Cave includes the famous sculpture of Trimurthi.