Explore MP's Ancient Buddhist Heritage With Dhamnar Caves

Located in the peaceful village of Dhamnar in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur district, the Dhamnar Caves stand as a stunning testament to India’s rich spiritual and artistic history. Carved with meticulous detail into a laterite hill between the 5^th and 7^th centuries during the Gupta period, this site comprises 51 monolithic caves that exemplify rock-cut Buddhist architecture at its finest.

Currently on the Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage status (2024), Dhamnar features 14 large and 37 smaller caves. These sanctuaries were sculpted directly into rugged laterite rock — not built up. Inside, you’ll find beautifully carved stupas, chaityas (prayer halls), viharas (monasteries), and sculptures, each reflecting centuries of devotion, meditation, and artistic brilliance. Designed with a south-facing orientation, the caves once provided monks with shelter during rain retreats, embodying the monastic way of life.

Highlights include Bhim Bazar, with its verandah lined by small chambers and a tranquil statue of Lord Buddha in meditation. The Badi Kachahari, or the “Great Courtroom,” impresses with its grand hall supported by two massive pillars, six intricately carved arches, and a central stupa. Cave No. 13 (Chota Bazar) houses 15 well-preserved sculptures around a square-based stupa, while the Bhima Temple features a Buddha depicted in a teaching posture. The Pradakshina Path (circumambulatory path) invites visitors to partake in a timeless Buddhist ritual.

Dhamnar’s significance is further enriched by the nearby Dharmrajeshwar Temple Complex, a rock-cut Brahmanical sanctuary adding to the region’s impressive architectural diversity. Together, these sites narrate the story of a land where faiths and artistic traditions flourished side by side.

Rediscovered in the 19th century, Dhamnar attracted early explorers and historians such as James Tod (1821), James Fergusson (1845), and Alexander Cunningham (1864–65), who were captivated by its silent grandeur.

"Madhya Pradesh, the Heart of Incredible India, beckons travellers to explore these hidden gems — where striking architecture, untouched natural beauty, and vibrant traditions converge for journeys of discovery and renewal," — Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.

The best time to visit is from August to April, and visitors can reach the site via Mandsaur Railway Station or Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, which is the region’s nearest airport. Every carving, courtyard, and chamber of the Dhamnar Caves calls out to history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and explorers eager to experience the sublime artistry and serenity of ancient India. This off-the-beaten-path treasure of Madhya Pradesh promises an enriching experience unlike any other.