Jogeshwari Caves

About Jogeshwari Caves

The Jogeshwari Caves are some of the earliest Hindu cave temples sculptures located in the Mumbai suburb of Jogeshwari, India. The caves date back to 520 to 550 CE. The caves are located off the Western Express Highway, and are surrounded by encroachments. The caves are used as a temple by the encroachers. The caves are classified as endangered as sewage and waste enter the premises. They are also infested with bats.The caves are accessed through a long flight of stairs into the main hall of this cavernous space. It has many pillars and a Lingam at the end. Idols of Dattatreya, Hanuman and Ganesh line the walls. There are also relics of two doormen.

Jogeshwari, created around 1,500 years ago, is a rock-cut cave shrine to the Hindu god Shiva. In its scale, the cave complex rivals several UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby: the spectacular cave temples of Ajanta, Elephanta, and Ellora. In its design and ornamentation, Jogeshwari is transitional, with features reminiscent of older Buddhist caves and Hindu statues less refined than those that would appear later–a missing link in an evolutionary chain.

History

The Jogeshwari caves are located in the eastern part of this suburb. They are some of the earliest Hindu caves in the region and are dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva & Goddess Jogeshwari.Jogeshwari Cave is a 1,500-year old historical site in Jogeshwari of Mumbai. It is a Brahmanical type rock cave and is believed to have been erected during the reign of the Mauryas.

A long flight of steps leads to the central pillared hall of the cave temple, which enshrines a Shivling. It also has smaller chambers, of which one of them enshrines a vivid orange colored idol of Lord Ganesh.Also, found here are the idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Datta and Goddess Jogeshwari. Apart from these, one can find the relics of two huge dwarpals (door men) which marks the glorious architectural past of the temple.

Interesting things to Visit

Essel World:
Gorai Located near the beach, Essel World is the biggest amusement park in India. In addition to the usual roller coaster rides, Essel World Water World offers a section which is a great success in Mumbai ’s sultry weather. However, it is adjacent to the water kingdom east Asia ’s largest water park with slides, theme cruises and the world ’s largest wave pool. Ferries of Gorai Beach will lead you to the Essel World Kingdom and water easily.

Fantasyland:
The country cousin to Essel World, Fantasyland is located in Jogeshwari East. It is a small-scale amusement park, which offers karting, dodge cars and roller coasters.

Bassein:
The ruins of the Portuguese fort, 77 km from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway recall a thriving city that existed within these very walls between 1534-1739. Some walls and ruins of churches still attract fans archaeological.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park:
A 104 sq km park is known for its population of leopards. Located near the border north of Mumbai, it also includes a Lion Safari Park which lies about 500 miles in the north of the main entrance to the park. A short safari trip daily from 9.00 am to 5 pm except Monday. The park also contains two lakes which are said to a large piece of Mumbai ’s water supply.

Khandala:
Khandala is an impressive hill station, cuddled up in the Sahyadri Range of Maharashtra. Endowed with nature’s splendor, Khandala makes a quick excursion at a distance of 101 kms from the bustling city of Mumbai. This beautiful place immersed in pastoral beauty, had been known since years.

Lonavala:
Lonavala is a picturesque hill station, often called the ‘Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains’ in India. Located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, Lonavla is much preferred hill resort to the Mumbaikars, especially since it is only 96 kms from Mumbai.

Nearest Visiting places

Mumbai : Visit the commercial capital of India, 42 km away, the heart of Indian film Industry, Mumbai, is a splendid city for travellers. The Gateway of India, Chwpatty beach, the Haji Ali Mosque, Juhu Beach, Crawford Market, The Bomaby high court, and a vibrant nightlife are all part of this city. Most of the wells known financial institutions are housed in this city that is considered to be the richest in India. Actually one would feel comfortable by not making Mumbai an excursion, rather making the process vice versa.

Elephanta Caves : Located at a distance of 9 miles from Mumbai, the Elephanta caves are beautiful rock cut cave temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. In the Elephanta caves, Lord Shiva has been shown in three major forms, of being that of constructor, protector and destroyer.

Bhaja Caves : The Bhaja caves, which are 18 in number, are situated at a distance of 12 kilometers from Lonavla in Maharashtra. These caves, which belongs to the 2nd century BCE, are one of the most beautiful caves in India.

Pithalkora Caves : Dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE, the Pithalkora caves are located on the Satmala hills, 78 kilometers from Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These caves, including mainly temples, monasteries and viharas, are dedicated to the oldest Theravadin sect of Buddhism.

Junnar Caves : The Junnar caves, located on the Mumbai - Aurangabad way, 177 kilometers from Mumbai, belong to 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. These caves, Buddhist in nature are one of the best well sculptured caves of Maharashtra.

Ajanta Caves : Situated on the Sahyadri hills, around 108 kilometers from Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the Ajanta caves dates back to the ancient period and forms probably one of the earliest Buddhist caves in the world. Dedicated to the Buddha, these caves were basically used by the Buddhist monks as their residence and meditation centres.

Ellora Caves : The Ellora caves, the finest examples of cave-temple architecture, reflects the love and respect for all the religions in India, as it comprises the cave temples related to all three major religions in the ancient India - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. These caves are located 28 kilometers from Aurangabad and belongs to the period between 5th century CE to the 11th century CE.

Aurangabad Buddhist Caves : These caves dates back to the 4th-8th century CE, built by the Vakatakas and the Chalukyas.
The Aurangabad caves mainly deals with the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Matoshree Palace
301, Avanti, Jogeshwari (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400060

Sai Shakti Hotels
Chakala Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai, Mumbai suburban, Maharashtra

Help Line/Phone Number

Hajari Hospital
1st Floor, Bin Bin Apartment, Natwar Nagar, Mogra Village, Near Bhandari Bank, Jogeshwari (E)
Mumbai, Mumbai suburban, Maharashtra

Phadke Hospital
Mumbai, Mumbai suburban, Maharashtra

About 40km from Mumbai, this sleepy beach near the Portuguese- favored fishing village of Manori is a weekend retreat for the people of Mumbai and the venue of occasional beach parties. It offers a refreshing change from the bustle of India’s most busy metropolis.Manori Beache are among the most picturesque beaches that Mumbai boasts of…..more

Copyright 2016 HolidayLandmark All rights reserved

Location info

• Address: Mumbai suburb of Jogeshwari, India.

• District: Mumbai Suburban District.

• Nearest City: Mumbai.

• Best time to visit: All round the year.

Things to do at Jogeshwari Caves

Explore the beautiful carvings and sculptures.

How to reach Jogeshwari Caves

• Nearest Railway Station: Jogeshwari Cave Temple is 3 km east of Jogeshwari Railway Station

• Nearest Airport: Mumbai International Airport.

• **Road Transport:**Come to the east side of Andheri and catch a bus to Mahakali Caves. All kinds of private and public transport are available.

Best time to visit Jogeshwari Caves

October to March: comfortable temperatures for exploring. Caves provide natural shelter from heat.

Timings & opening hours

Typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Closed on Mondays at some sites.

Entry fee & tickets

INR 25–40 for Indian nationals, INR 300–600 for foreign nationals. Free for children under 15.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for a group of caves. Ajanta and Ellora each require half a day to a full day.

Safety tips

Carry a torch/flashlight — interior areas may be dimly lit. Watch your step on uneven stone floors. Do not touch the paintings or carvings — oils from fingers can damage them. Photography rules vary by cave.

Things to carry

Torch/flashlight, comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, camera (check photography policy), and a light jacket (caves are cooler inside).

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: Aurangabad Airport (IXU) or Mumbai International Airport. Nearest railway station: Aurangabad, Lonavala, or nearest station. Accessible by road.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide excellent coverage across Maharashtra’s cities (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur) and major tourist areas. 4G is reliable along highways and in most towns. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Tadoba, Melghat, and certain ghat sections. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Maharashtrian cuisine — missal pav, vada pav, puran poli, and local thalis — is widely available.

Climate & weather

Maharashtra has a diverse climate spanning coastal Konkan, the Western Ghats, and the interior Deccan plateau. Winter (November–February) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C depending on region. Summer (March–June) is hot, with interior areas reaching 40°C+ while hill stations (Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala) remain pleasant. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape into lush green. October–November is pleasant post-monsoon.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road to Jogeshwari Caves. It is advisable to fill fuel before heading to remote areas, especially hill forts and wildlife sanctuaries.

Frequently asked questions

What are the visiting hours? Caves are typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Some caves (like Ajanta) are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Are the caves well-lit inside? Major caves have lighting, but carrying a torch is recommended for exploring deeper chambers.

Can I take photographs? Photography is generally permitted without flash. Video cameras may incur an additional fee at some sites.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Location: Maharashtra
• Best time to visit: November to February for pleasant weather
• Ideal duration: 1-3 hours for a thorough exploration
• Entry: Entry fee applicable (varies for Indian and foreign tourists)
• Guided tour: Available on request at the ticket counter
• Photography: Permitted in most areas; flash may be restricted

Visitor information

• Timings: Generally open from sunrise to sunset. Verify local timings before planning your visit.
• Entry fee: Entry fee applies as per Archaeological Survey of India rates. Check at the ticket counter for current charges.
• Best time to visit: October to March for the most comfortable weather conditions.
• Duration needed: 1 to 2 hours recommended for a comfortable visit.

Map & location view

• Destination: Jogeshwari Caves
• State: Maharashtra, India
• Region: archeological region of Maharashtra
• How to reach: Accessible by road from nearby towns and cities. Local transport options include buses and taxis.
• Google Maps: Search for “Jogeshwari Caves, Maharashtra” on Google Maps for precise directions and navigation.

Photo gallery of Jogeshwari Caves

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Jogeshwari Caves on popular travel photography sites and social media.