Maharashtra Government is planning to develop its rock cut caves in order to boost tourism in the state. The state is home to some beautiful rock surfaces which were developed centuries ago. However, these are not as popular as other tourist hotspots in the state. Keeping this in mind, government is planning to launch an agenda to develop these little-known caves having sculptures and inscriptions on them.

A senior official from culture department said, “It will be done on the lines of conservation programme for forts and will have conservation, construction of approach roads, steps, tourist amenities like toilets, setting up of meshes and nets to prevent bats from infesting these caves and leveling undulating surfaces. Proper signages will also be put up".

The state directorate of archaeology and museums will take up this project and as per officials; they will try to get funds from the state tourism department.


Some of the prominent caves in the state including Ajanta & Ellora in Aurangabad, and Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, are under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). But now the state directorate has decided to develop around 18 lesser-known caves in the state.

A senior government official mentioned that some of the caves like Ghatotkach in Aurangabad situated close to Ajanta, feature Buddhist carvings on them. But because of little awareness, only a few visitors come here. He also said that these caves are extremely old, dating back to the 6th century. There are several others such as Pandavleni Caves near Nashik, belonging to 1st century, and Pandavdara near Kolhapur from 7th century.

Giving more information on the same, the official said, "Fresh conservation proposals will be drawn up for these caves. They can be developed as tourist sites. For instance, tourists from countries with a Buddhist influence may like to visit Buddhist caves in Maharashtra. However, the challenge lies in protecting them from encroachments and irresponsible tourists."