The word Kanheri originates from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri. Krishna generally stands for black color. The other name in vogue was "Khaneri" which means black mountain. The following three inscriptions in the caves mention "Krishna-saila", "Kanha Shele", & "Krishnagiri" in cave nos. - C. No. 21, 98, & 101 respectively. These caves are dated from 1st Century B.C. to 9th Century A.D.
Most of them are the Buddhist Viharas which was meant for their residence, study, and meditation. A few Chaityas are seen containing rock-cut stupas meant for congregational worship. The large number of Viharas obviously prove a well-organized existence of Buddhist monks' establishment, which was also connected with many trade centers such as the ports of Sopara, Kalyan, Nasik, Paithan and Ujjain. Kanheri was a well-flourished University center at that time.
The record of Purna in Sopara (225 B.C.), 20 kms from Kanheri was a prominent seat of literary activity to which Arjuna - one of the greatest epics of Hindu religion (Mahabharata) - had visited while on the way to Somnath in Kathiawar (Gujarat) from the holy place Shurparak or Sopara. The king who ruled this area of Kanheri and Sopara was King Nahapan (78 A.D.), who used the word Krishnagiri on many occasions. The Portuguese were the rulers of the west area of Kanheri about the year 1534, the Maratha ruled from 1760, and lastly, the British in 1774. The caves are known as "Buddhist."
The highest cave is situated at a height of 1500 ft above sea level. The location of the caves is 45 km from main Mumbai city and 15 km from Borivali railway station. The way to the caves leads through the most beautiful and best natural surroundings of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The zigzag concrete road is fascinating and one enjoys walking the road with natural surroundings (7 km from the Park's entrance. The atmosphere and the scenic beauty is simply enchanting and one is tempted to be in a close vicinity of this place forgetting all the hubs of the Mumbai city.
