The other day we were having a cup of Coffee when Michalle started unfolding the various destinations that we have explored during our 15 day trip.

" Hey! I think we have missed out something. Ya! it is Kanheri caves" said Michalle and I was easily able to see the enthusiasm on her face. In fact she was quite enthused by the idea of exploring the splendorous caves. " See I am not interested now, I am too tired and I want to relax" I said to her.

" Hey! You will miss something if you will not explore this scenic tourists spot" Michalle pressurized. " Okay! , Michalle please don't shout on my ears" I urged.

Today I can say that going to Kanheri caves was just incidental as I never thought of exploring this part and indeed it was a pleasure as I examined every minutest details of the Kanheri caves. Lying 42 kms from city center, Kanheri was one place where people love to spend their time.

As we strolled through caves, Michalle acquainted me with the Kanheri caves history. Dating to the 2nd Century AD, Kanheri caves carved into the sides of the valleys. She also told me that there are some hundred odd caves, built by nomadic Buddhist monks, the largest of which feature two huge representations of the Buddha.

Personally, I was quite awestruck by the beauty of these caves as I never thought them to be as splendorous. Frankly, the caves are a must visit on any Maharastra itinerary and it would have been my foolishness if I would have not visited this place.

What interested me more was the architecture of the cave, it had an elaborated drainage system to channelize excess water during monsoon. The most impressive of all the caves were the Great Chaitya Cave, as a big Great Chaitya cave was supported by huge stone pillars and also encompasses Dagoba, a kind of Buddhist shrine. The water eventually finds its way into the neighboring Vihar, Tulsi and Powai lakes which in turn were responsible for much water supply.