TOURISM TROUBLES: Mumbai's ancient caves vie for attention

For avid trekkers, history lovers, archaeologists and tourists, the city's pre-historic caves are no less than Aladdin's cave, but to everybody's dismay, the Mandapeshwar, Mahakali, Elephanta and Kanheri caves are in a sorry state.

Mumbai is one of the few cities in the world that is bestowed with more than four caves dating back to thousand years. However, when DNA visited these caves, these precious heritage structures were found in a state of utter disregard. A majority of the caves had rusted information boards, lackadaisical attitude of concerned staff, poor toilet facilities for public and no access for the differently-abled. There are no information kiosks to educate the tourists about the historic significance of the caves. Worse still, many of these historic sites continue to be a haven for beggars and drug addicts.

The Mahakali caves is popular with students and couples who go there for some privacy and quite time. The Mandapeshwar caves are popular with locals for houses a temple. However, few visitors know about its historic value. While the Elephanta Caves are well known being an UNESCO World Heritage site, they lack clean toilets and drinking water.

Archaeologists have long demanded for proper conservation of the historical monuments. "The state alone can't do much to conserve or promote the caves. It needs help from the ASI and public," said Kurush Dalal, a city-based archaeologist.

Hidden Gems  

Mandapeshwar: It was cut in the 8th century AD; it is located in Borivali 
Mahakali: It has 19 rock cut caves; the caves in Andheri were cut and carved by Buddhist monks from 1st century BC to 6th century AD 
Elephanta: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site; it has the Trimurti sculpture; nearly 7 lakh people visit annually