Kanheri Caves is one such destination right in the heart of Mumbai, a haven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Kanheri Caves are carved out of gigantic basaltic rocks and are one of the oldest cave temples in India. A total of 109 caves and rock-cut monuments make up this site; these caves are accessible through the rock-cut steps. It is believed that Kanheri Caves were built between the 1st century BC and 10th century AD, a similar timeline as one of Ajanta Caves’ and they served as essential centres of learning and education for Buddhist Monks. The name of the caves was coined after the Sanskrit term ‘Krishnagiri’, which translates to black mountains. 

Kanheri Caves Timings: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Sometimes closed between 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM)
Kanheri Caves Ticket Price: INR 15/- (Indians) & INR 200/- (Foreigners)
Location: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Here are a few details you need to know as you set out to explore the beauty, adventure and history behind these ancient caves. 

Kanheri Caves: History

First excavated in 1894 by British archaeologist James Burgess, Kanheri Caves are a culmination of 109 monuments which are adorned with ancient scriptures, sculptures, carvings and paintings. It is believed that first cave here is as old as 1st century BC. The interiors of the caves are reflective of the belief that Buddhist monks used them to live, study, meditate and worship. 

The presence of large stupas in the congregation halls in these caves are indicative of them being an integral Buddhist site and therefore, Kanheri were associated with the profileration of Buddhsim religion in this area. 

Also Read: 7 Must Visit Museums of Mumbai

Kanheri Caves: Architectures And Attractions 

The architecture of the Kanheri Caves is a mix of Buddhist and Hindu styles. Interestingly, the rock-cut caves, which date back to the 1st century BCE are all made out of the same bedrock. Each of the 109 caves features varying sizes and degrees of intricacy. The design of the caves is simple yet elegant, with several chaitya halls, viharas, and stupa chambers, each adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of Buddha and other deities.

The complex also includes a massive water management system consisting of tanks, cisterns, and channels, which demonstrates the advanced engineering knowledge of the ancient builders. 

Some of the best attractions at these caves include: 

Cave 1: A Buddhist monastery also called a vihara, Cave 1 has two entrance pillars, and it is divided into 2 levels. It also has an incomplete prayer hall known as achaityagriha . 

Cave 2: This cave is home to three stupas with Buddhist sculptures around them. 

Cave 3: Adorned with a large Buddhist statue at the entrance, stupas and a large screen that separates the cave from the courtyard,  Cave 3 or Chaitya, is one of the most important monuments in Kanheri Caves.

Cave 4,5 and 6: The latter two caves are water tanks, while Cave 4 is believed to be the oldest cave here.

Cave 34:  Cave 34 has incomplete Buddha paintings on its ceilings. 

Cave 41 and Cave 67: These caves feature carved images of Bodhisattvas, with cave 41 also offering you a glimpse of the Jataka tales. These caves have sculptures of Avalokiteshvara, the eleven-headed Bodhisattvas. 

Cave 90: Home to more than 100 Buddha statues in distinct poses, Cave 90 is one of the oldest and the darkest of the lot. 

Take a trip to these ancient Kanheri Caves to learn more about the history of our civilisation as well as indulge in fun and adventurous activities.

<p>The post Kanheri Caves: All You Need to Know first appeared on The Lalit Blogs.</p>

Here are some of the best museums in Kolkata that should be a prominent part of your travel plans. Read on to bookmark these spots today!

7 Best Museums in Kolkata

1. Indian Museum Kolkata 

One of India’s and Asia Pacific’s oldest and largest multi-purpose museums, the Indian Museum, was established as early as 1814 and has almost one lakh exhibits on display. The formation of this massive museum set the movement rolling for the creation of 400 similar museums across different parts of the country. Indian museum’s 60 galleries are home to a lot of information and exhibit about zoology, coins, botany,  archaeology, art, geology, anthropology, and economics. Called Jadu Ghar in Kolkata, a trip to this museum gives you tremendous insight into the history and culture of not just India but the world. Buddhist relics, Egyptian mummies, contemporary paintings, artwork from the Mughal era, fossils, remains of meteorites, and Shahjahan’s Goblet are some of the exciting collections that should not be missed here. 

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Entry Fees: ₹ 20/- (Entry Free for Babies)

2. Marble Palace 

A 19th-century architectural masterpiece, Marble Palace houses a museum, a zoo, and a residential place. A brainchild of Rajendra Mallick, Marble Palace has a neo-classical style that seamlessly blends Eastern aspects with Western aesthetics. The white marble walls of this palace itself have several intricate carvings that are a sight to behold. Marble Palace Museum is home to artworks by renowned artists, including Titian, Murillo, Ruben and John Opie. Once there, you can also explore Greco-Roman sculptures, medieval chandeliers, Victorian furniture, clocks, mirrors and paintings by Indian artists. The zoo at Marble Palace is also equally exciting as it houses porcupines, barking deer, hyacinths, magpies, hornbills, and macaws. 

Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and Thursdays)

Entry Fees: Free (Obtain a permit from West Bengal Tourism Information 24 before your visit). 

3. Mother’s Wax Museum 

Popularly called Wax Museum Kolkata, this spot is both entertaining and educational. In New Town, Mother’s Wax Museum has figures from numerous industries, including Bollywood, sports stars, Hollywood, Nobel laureates, music, scientists, Bengali cinema, and cartoon characters. Some of the most notable wax figures here include Virat Kohli, Amitabh Bachan, Kapil Dev, Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, APJ Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi, Angelina Jolie, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and more. Since the exhibits are made entirely out of wax, the museum asks its visitors to stick to a certain set of guidelines, including not carrying matchboxes, not touching the figures and not permitting any food and water. 

Timings: 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM (Monday Closed)

Entry Fees: ₹ 250 ( Entry free for children below 3 years) 

Also Read: Famous Monuments of Kolkata

4. Tram Museum 

An integral part of what makes Kolkata is the presence of Trams. This mode of transport is still running in Kolkata and it is the only Indian city with this exciting transportation system. Also called Smaranika Tram Museum, the museum is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century tram depot and features a collection of vintage trams, photographs, and other artefacts related to the history of trams in Kolkata. You can take a tour of the museum to learn about the evolution of the city’s tram network, which dates back to 1873, and see examples of trams from different eras. The museum also offers the opportunity to ride on a restored tram and experience the city’s iconic mode of transportation firsthand.

Timings: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fees: ₹ 5

5. Victoria Memorial

Located on the banks of River Hooghly, Victoria Memorial is one of the most famous museums in Kolkata and is often referred to as the ‘Taj Mahal Of Kolkata’ by the locals. Built in Queen Victoria’s memory in 1901, Victoria Memorial reflects India’s rich history and culture. The 25 galleries present over here pack some of the most iconic paintings, artefacts and manuscripts. Kalighat and Mughal paintings and manuscripts of renowned literary works, including Arabian Nights, Shakespeare and Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, should not be missed by art enthusiasts and book lovers. Besides the museum within the memorial, there are also the surrounding landscaped gardens that you should not miss out on. The gardens are home to sculptures of several historical figures, such as Charles Cornwallis, Arthur Wellesley, Queen Victoria and Rajendra Nath Mookherjee. 

Timings: Memorial – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday Closed)

Gardens Timings: 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Mar-Sep); 5:45 AM to 5:30 PM (Oct-Feb)

Entry Fees: ₹ 30 (Memorial); ₹ 10 (Gardens)

6. Netaji Bhavan

Netaji Bhavan is a historic house on the Elgin Road in Kolkata. It was the residence of one of India’s greatest freedom fighters, Subhas Chandra Bose, who was fondly known as “Netaji.” The house has now been converted into a museum and a research centre dedicated to preserving the life and legacy of Netaji. It houses a vast collection of photographs, letters, and personal belongings of Subhash Chandra Bose, along with historical documents and artefacts from the Indian independence movement. The centre also conducts research on the life and works of Netaji. It serves as a meeting place for scholars, researchers, and students interested in studying Indian history and politics. Netaji Bhavan is a must-visit destination for you if you are interested in India’s struggle for freedom and the life of one of its greatest heroes.

Timings: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed on Monday)

Entry Fees: ₹ 5 (adults); ₹ 2 (children under 12 years)

7. Birla Industrial and Technological Museum

Established in 1959, Birla Industrial and Technological Museum is one of the best museums in Kolkata. The museum is segregated into several parts covering different aspects of science and technology, such as Biotechnology, Physics, Motive Power, Life Sciences, Metals, Biotechnology, Electronics and electricity. The mock underground coal mine is one of the most exciting exhibits in the museum. Besides the several items on display here, the museum also houses an extensive library which has an extensive collection of not just books but CDs, journals and publications. Birla Industrial and Technological Museum is also famous for hosting numerous science-related events, including quizzes, seminars, science fairs and more. 

Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Kalipuja and Dolijatra)

Entry Fees: Starting At ₹ 10/-

Make your trip to these museums and the city more enjoyable by booking a stay with us at The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata. As one of the best five-star hotels in Kolkata, we ensure your stay in the city is as comfortable and luxurious as possible.

<p>The post Explore Culture, Art, and History at These Best Museums in Kolkata first appeared on The Lalit Blogs.</p>

• Name Of The Event: G20 Summit 2023
• Venue: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
• Date: 9th-10th September 2023

How Does The G20 Summit Operate?

The host nation or G20 Presidency sets the agenda for the summit, and each member is given an opportunity to express their views and priorities. The summit works on two tracks, namely, the Finance Track and the Sherpa Track. 

The Finance Track is led by Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, their deputies and numerous working group committees. The Finance Track addresses several critical topics, including monitoring global economic risks and the overall economic outlook. It also focuses on developing reforms that promote a more robust and stable global financial architecture. Additionally, the track covers international taxation, financing for high-quality infrastructure, sustainable finance, financial inclusion, and financial sector reforms. Another significant area of focus is financing for future health emergencies, as well as investments in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

Sherpa Track is held through working groups coordinated by diplomats and ambassadors of the leaders. The Sherpa Track in-depth discusses a wide range of international issues. Besides these aspects, G20 also has numerous Engagement Groups. These discussions bring together researchers,   labour, businesses, civil societies, parliamentarians, think tanks, women, youth, and of the G20 countries.

Aslo Read: The Spiritual Retreats Of India

G20 Member Countries

The Group of 20 consists of the European Union and 19 member countries, including:

1. Argentina
2. Canada
3. China
4. France
5. Germany 
6. India
7. Australia 
8. Brazil
9. South Korea
10. Japan 
11. Mexico
12. Russia
13. Saudi Arabia
14.  South Africa
15. Türkiye
16.  United Kingdom
17. United States
18. Italy
19. Indonesia

These countries comprise about 85% of the global GDP, about two-thirds of the world population and over 75% of global trade. The guest countries of the G20 Summit include Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, UAE, Spain, Singapore, Oman, Netherlands, and Nigeria. 

Other international organisations will be present for the G20 Summit 2023, including the UN, IMF, WHO, WB, WTB, ILO, FSB and OECD. Representatives of regional organisations, including ASEAN, AU and AUDA- NEPAD will also attend the summit. 

G20 Summit 2023 In India

For its 18th edition, The Group of 20 Summit will be held in India in New Delhi. The summit venue is Pragati Maidan, and it will culminate all the meetings and processes throughout the year. The theme for the summit this year is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future”. This famous Sanskrit text from Maha Upanishad essentially symbolises that all forms of life are interconnected with each other, the earth and the universe as a whole. It also highlights Lifestyle for the environment for a better future. 

India’s presidency began on December 1st 2022, and the leaders summit will be held in Delhi on 9th to 10th September, 2023.

G20 Summit: Schedule

Organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, the G20 Summit will see a total of 250 meetings across 50 cities in India. 190 of these meetings will be attended by G20 nations’ nodal ministries discussing a wide range of issues including finance, health, trade and agriculture. 

G20 Leader’s Summit will be held from 9th to 10th September 2023 at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan. The summit is expected to be attended by over 30 leaders of the participating nations. 

We at The LaLiT are extremely honoured to be a part of the prestigious G20 Summit 2023 in India. In the ongoing summit, The LaLiT Chandigarh welcomed changemakers from across the globe for the 1st International Financial Architecture Working Group Meeting. Delegates for the 1st Culture Working Group Meeting at Khajuraho convened at The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho for a day of discussion and relaxation. We continue to look forward to welcoming changemakers from all over the world and provide them with the ultimate Indian hospitality experience.

<p>The post G20 Summit 2023 In India: A Comprehensive Guide first appeared on The Lalit Blogs.</p>