A small trip of about four miles will take you to the famous Kanheri Caves a must visit excursion spot of Mumbai. The caves are believed to have been carved out by Buddhist monks between the 2nd and 9th centuries and have many interesting facts related to them. Situated in the centre of Mumbai's Borivili National Park, the Kanheri caves are also regarded as one of the biggest Buddhist monastic establishment on the Konkan coast. An unusual feature at Kanheri is the number of open benches cut out of rocks. Almost all the caves have benches in their verandahs or front courts. Sit down on one of these. And with the evening breeze that comes from the sea refreshing you, you realise their purpose at once.

Rock-cut structures are one of the most primitive forms of architecture found in several parts of India. The Karla Caves in Maharashtra are one of the finest examples of this architectural style. The Caves are located high in the surrounding hills. A narrow winding path, leads up to them. Built by Buddhist monks, the caves are in keeping with the Buddhist ideas of simplicity. The caves are characterised by many halls and a huge stone stupa along with the 2000-year-old teak wood ceiling which is still intact. Outside the cave is a pillar crowned with lions. This was an emblem of the Buddhist King Ashoka, now adopted by the Indian Government as the state emblem.

Daulatabad fort is located just 13 kilometres from Aurangabad en route Ellora. Easily accessible from the major towns nearby, the fort was built during the 12th century. Due to its uncommon location on a pyramid shaped hill, this impressive fortress attracts the attention of all. According to the locals here, the Daulatabad fortress was earlier known as 'Devgiri'. It was built by king Bhillama of Yadav dynasty. Later the name of the entire place was changed to Daulatabad by Mohammed Bin Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi. Apart from this, a 5 km massive wall surrounding the fort, spiked gates of the fortress and the 30 metre high Chand Minar built by the Bahmani rulers also attract a number of tourists to this place every year.

One of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Indian heritage are the Ajanta and Ellora group of caves. Maharashtra state treasures this mesmerizing caves which were accidentally discovered in the 19th century by the British. Ellora houses 34 caves while Ajanta houses 29 caves. Each cave depicting a tale from the Jatakas or depicting stories of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.

Just to the North of Mumbai lie these 3 calm and pleasant beaches. Away from the bustling city life, these places provide a great relief to the stressed out urbanite. Nearest of the three is Marve which is an attractive, intriguing fishing village. The village provides breathtaking sights of sunset and sunrise from the low-lying hills. Gorai and Manori, a little further away, though a trifle crowded with revellers, are popular for their wonderful all night beach parties. A 15 minute ferry ride from Marve or Borivali takes you to Gorai and Manori.

About 8kms south of Nasik, is a group of 24 Hinayana Buddhist caves dating from around the first century BC to the second century AD. Several of the caves have very interesting designs and sculptures in them and some are used as temples and monasterys.

The Elephanta island is known for its great cave shrine, excavated in the 6th century. The island which was known as Gharapuri earlier is the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. This land was renamed, Elephanta, by the Portuguese who landed here after the majestic carved elephant on the island.

Spread over an area of about 500 sq mts is the cave temple of Elephanta. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The picturesque presentation of the nine marvelous sculptured panels, set on the wall are awe-inspiring. The sculptures display the changing moods of Lord Shiva, with the magical interplay of light and shade intensifying the overall effect.