Buddhist Caves, Dhamnar
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Highlights

  • 51 rock-cut excavations, 14 large and 37 small
  • Carved between the 5th and 7th centuries CE
  • Stupas and Buddha images in varied postures
  • On UNESCO's Tentative List as part of the Dhamnar ensemble

Your Experience

The Dhamnar caves are a rock-cut complex carved into a hill of coarse laterite stone near Dhamnar village in Mandsaur district. The complex consists of 51 excavations of varying size, comprising 14 larger caves and 37 smaller ones, cut between roughly the 5th and 7th centuries CE. The caves face south and include dwellings, assembly halls, stupas and Buddha images in a range of postures, with stonework that imitates timber construction details and decorative motifs.

The site has been documented by successive explorers, including James Tod in 1821, James Fergusson in 1845 and Alexander Cunningham in 1864-65. Because the porous laterite rock weathers and destabilises over time, the Archaeological Survey of India has carried out conservation and restoration work at the site, which is currently on UNESCO's Tentative List for World Heritage status as part of the wider 'historic ensemble of Dhamnar'.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Entry to the monument
  • Guide services
  • Parking

Cancellation Policy

These tickets can't be rescheduled or cancelled.

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