Kanheri Caves are located within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, Maharashtra. These ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves attract history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The route to Kanheri Caves is popular among tourists and locals who want to explore Mumbai's heritage and greenery.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Kanheri Caves from different parts of Mumbai. You will learn about train, bus, car, and taxi options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Mumbai to Kanheri Caves – Main Options

Train

Taking the train is a popular and affordable way to reach Kanheri Caves, especially from central Mumbai. The caves are near Borivali station on the Western Line, making train travel convenient for many.

• Borivali station is the closest railway station to Kanheri Caves, about 8 km away, reachable by local transport or taxi. Trains run frequently from Churchgate and Dadar, taking around 45 to 60 minutes depending on your starting point.

• Local trains on the Western Line are crowded during peak hours (8-11 am and 5-8 pm), so plan your travel outside these times for comfort and safety.

• From Borivali station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or prepaid taxi to Kanheri Caves. The road distance is about 8 km and takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Train fares from Churchgate to Borivali range between ₹20 and ₹40, making it an economical option. Tickets can be booked via the Mumbai local train counters or mobile apps like UTS.

Bus

State transport buses provide a budget-friendly option to reach near Kanheri Caves, though they may take longer due to multiple stops and traffic.

• MSRTC buses run from Borivali bus depot towards Sanjay Gandhi National Park area. The nearest bus stop to Kanheri Caves is the Kanheri Caves stop on the Borivali–Sanjay Gandhi National Park route.

• Bus travel time from Borivali station to Kanheri Caves is approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic and route taken.

• Bus fares are very low, generally under ₹30, but buses can be crowded during peak hours and monsoon season may cause delays due to waterlogging on some roads.

• Bus frequency is moderate, with buses every 20-30 minutes during the day. It is advisable to check the latest MSRTC schedule or ask locals for updated timings.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Kanheri Caves is a comfortable choice if you prefer flexibility and want to explore the park area at your own pace. The route is well connected by highways and roads.

• From central Mumbai, take the Western Express Highway (NH48) north towards Borivali. The distance to Kanheri Caves is about 25 km, which takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.

• The road to Sanjay Gandhi National Park is well maintained, with toll plazas on the Western Express Highway. Keep cash or FASTag ready for toll payments.

• Parking is available near the Kanheri Caves entrance, but it can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so arrive early to secure a spot.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution as roads can be slippery and visibility low. Avoid driving late at night due to limited lighting on some park roads.

Taxi / App-Based Cabs

Hiring a taxi or using app-based cabs like Ola and Uber is a convenient and hassle-free way to reach Kanheri Caves, especially if you are unfamiliar with local transport.

• Ola and Uber cabs are available throughout Mumbai and can drop you directly at the Kanheri Caves entrance. The fare from central Mumbai ranges from ₹400 to ₹700 depending on traffic and time of day.

• Prepaid taxis from Borivali station are also an option, with fares around ₹150-₹250 for the 8 km ride to the caves.

• Booking a cab early in the morning is recommended to avoid surge pricing and traffic jams, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Some cabs may not enter deep into the park area, so confirm with the driver about drop-off points to avoid last-minute walking.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time visitors to Kanheri Caves to help you navigate the journey smoothly and enjoy your visit without stress.

• Start by checking train or bus schedules online or via apps like IRCTC and MSRTC to pick the best departure time avoiding peak hours and monsoon delays.

• Purchase your train or bus tickets in advance if possible, especially on weekends, to avoid last-minute queues and sold-out situations.

• Upon arrival at Borivali station or bus depot, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to reach Kanheri Caves safely and at a fair price.

• Carry water, snacks, and comfortable walking shoes as the caves require some walking and exploring in the park area.

• Plan to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking if you are driving yourself. Early visits also help avoid afternoon heat and monsoon showers.

• Use offline maps or GPS apps to navigate inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park and follow park rules for a safe and respectful visit.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items in crowded trains or buses to prevent theft.

• Drink only bottled water or carry your own purified water to avoid stomach issues common in outdoor Indian locations.

• Book train and bus tickets through official apps like IRCTC and MSRTC to ensure authenticity and avoid scams.

• Use prepaid taxi counters at stations or trusted app-based cabs to avoid overcharging and ensure driver reliability.

• Pack light and carry a small backpack with essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a raincoat during monsoon season.

• Check weather forecasts before your trip, as heavy rains can cause roadblocks or park closures in the monsoon months.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kanheri Caves is during the cooler months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for walking around the park. Summers can be hot and humid, making the trek tiring.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains that may cause slippery paths and occasional park closures, so plan accordingly.

• Avoid weekends and public holidays if possible, as the caves and park get very crowded, leading to longer wait times and parking difficulties.

• Fog and mist in early mornings during winter can reduce visibility but also create a mystical atmosphere around the caves.

• Early morning departures help avoid Mumbai’s heavy traffic and give you more time to explore before afternoon heat or rains.

• During monsoon, carry waterproof gear and check for park alerts to avoid surprises due to weather disruptions.

Arrival at Kanheri Caves & What to Expect

When you arrive at Kanheri Caves, you will find a well-marked entrance with ticket counters managed by Sanjay Gandhi National Park authorities. The area is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a peaceful atmosphere away from city noise.

Local transport options inside the park are limited, so be prepared to walk moderate distances to reach the caves. Auto-rickshaws are not allowed inside the park, but you can hire guides or join small groups for a better experience.

Nearby Borivali and Kandivali areas offer several budget and mid-range hotels if you plan to stay overnight. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available at the park entrance for your return journey or onward travel.

Conclusion

Traveling to Kanheri Caves is best done by train to Borivali followed by a short taxi or auto ride, combining affordability with convenience. For those who prefer comfort and flexibility, driving or booking an app-based cab is ideal, especially if traveling with family or in a group.

Plan your visit during cooler months and avoid peak hours to enjoy the caves and park without crowds. Booking tickets in advance and using prepaid transport options will help you have a hassle-free journey. With these tips, you can confidently explore the historic Kanheri Caves and the beautiful Sanjay Gandhi National Park.