Lohani Caves
About
These rock-cut cells are said to be the primitive residence of Shiva Yogis. The locals are not sure of the history of these caves but they do know that it was disputed. These caves are completely void of inscriptions and carvings, just a group of sharply cut rocks that appear like cells that are said to have been inhabited by humans since the pre-Muslim eras, more precisely the Yogis.
History
Lohani Caves are rock-cut caves and temples found near the abandoned Mandu site in southwest Madhya Pradesh, India. These excavations are dated to about the 11th and 12th century CE. The archaeological studies have yielded Hindu statues and carvings such as those of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, and Lakshmi.
TIMING & ENTRY FEES
There is no particular time to enter the Lohani Caves, it is open to all throughout the day. Moreover, entry to the Lohani Caves is free.
PLACES TO VISIT NEAR Lohani Caves
- Hindola Mahal : When translated, known as Swinging Palace, Hindola Mahal in Mandu is a very popular tourist attraction. The grandeur of the Durbar halls can be seen in the opulent palace which served as a royal court to Ghiyas-al-Din Sultan during his reign. The palace portrays the Malwa-Sultanate architecture. Interestingly, the Mahal was constructed from sandstone with exquisitely carved columns with the provision of hot and cold water connected with the rooms situated underground.
- Jama Masjid : One of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid is a 17th-century assemblage Masjid (Mosque). Built by Jahanara Begum, Padshah Begum (First Lady) of the Mughal Empire, Jama Masjid stands opposite the Agra Fort.
- Rewa Kund : Rewa Kund is an artificial lake that Baz Bahadur built to ensure water supply to Roopmati’s pavilion. The other claim to fame that the lake has staked is of a religious nature.
- Jahaz Mahal : Located in the Mandu region of Madhya Pradesh, Jahaz Mahal was once a royal consortium that was built by the Sultan of Mandu, GhiyÄs-Ud-din Khilji in the second half of the 15th century. The structure repletes the medieval history of Mandu. The name “Jahaz Mahal†was so kept because the structure is surrounded by water and gives an impression of floating gently above the surface of the water. Jahaz Mahal is an architectural marvel with splendid details on it. The monument is a sheer example of stunning Mughal architecture. Interestingly, Jahaz Mahal was built with the purpose of accommodating the 15,000 women consorts of the Sultan.
- Roopmati Pavilion : Amongst the many monuments and palaces that adorn the historical city of Mandu famous for the legendary tragic love story of Prince Baz Bahadur and Roopmati is the Roopmati’s Pavilion. Originally built as an army observation post, the structure, later on, was given the shape of a symbol of undying love between Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. It lies to the south of Baz Bahadur’s Palace.
- Baz Bahadur's Mahal : The palace was constructed between 1508-1509. It was commissioned by Khilji Sultan Nasir-Ud-Din for the last ruler of Mandu- King Baz Bahadur. The King became fond of this palace because of his eternal romance with the accomplished singer Roopmati who used to visit the nearby Rewa Kund. It is one of the Madhya Pradesh tourist places that you cannot resist clicking and posing at.
- Bagh Caves : The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments, situated among the southern slopes of the Vindhyas in Bagh town of Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh state in central India. These monuments are located at a distance of 97 km from Dhar town. These are renowned for mural paintings by master painters of ancient India. The use of the word "cave" is a bit of a misnomer, since these are not natural, but instead examples of Indian rock-cut architecture.
- Rupayan Museum : Located in Nalchha Tehsil, Mandu, India, the Rupayan Museum is a must visit place. The place is a treat to all history buffs and archaeologists. and people who love to seek knowledge about culture and people of places.
- Shri Mandavgarh Teerth : Considered to be the best religious place for devotees in Mandu, the temple is dedicated to Shri Suparshwanath Bhagwan, it is a modern-day structure boasting silver, gold, and marble statues of Jain Tirthankaras. There is a 3 feet high white stone idol of Shri Suparshwanath Bhagwan in the padmasana posture in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
Hotels
- Dino Adventure Park & Resort : The place is a great choice for guests as it facilitates all the necessary comfort amenities.
- Kanchan Recreation : A pet-friendly accommodation with all the modern-day facilities.
How to Reach
- By Air - The nearest railway station to Lohani Caves is Satara Railway Station, which is about 31 km away. Satara is well-connected to major cities in Maharashtra and other parts of India. Once you reach Satara, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach Lohani Caves.
- By Train - The nearest railway station to Lohani Caves is Satara Railway Station, which is about 31 km away. Satara is well-connected to major cities in Maharashtra and other parts of India. Once you reach Satara, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach Lohani Caves.
- By Road - Lohani Caves are located about 5 km from the NH4 highway, which connects Mumbai and Bangalore. You can take a bus or drive from Mumbai or Pune to Satara, and then proceed to Lohani Caves. There are also several private and state-run buses available from Mumbai and Pune to Satara.