Mahakali Caves, Andheri East, (Outdoors)

A large chunk of my working life was spent in Andheri East. Yet, neither did I attempt to go till the last bus stop of the eastern side — Mahakali Caves — nor was I curious about why a place was called that. Mahakali must have meant, temples, right? Because who would have thought that right in the midst of a bustling suburb lie a bunch of pre-historic caves carved out of stone? Little did I know that Mumbai has a cluster of caves that is within the city's limits. There are the Kanheri Caves, Elephanta Caves, Mahakali Caves, the Mandapeshwar Caves and the caves in Jogeshwari.

So, one Saturday morning, accompanied by a few friends who also brought their kids along, we headed to Mahakali Caves. Most cave sites in Mumbai are typically Buddhist shrines that were used as living quarters and meditation centres. As our autorickshaw inches closer to the venue, I'm stunned when we spot the caves which are well fenced amid greenery. The gates open (9 am) and soon enough we buy the entry tickets. Mahakali Caves, also known as Kondivite Caves, are centuries-old and comprise a total of 19 rock-cut monuments, built between 1st and 6th century AD.