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11 Must-Visit Rock-Cut Temples in India Showcasing Ancient Architecture

Discover India's 10 most stunning rock-cut temples—from Amarnath to Ajanta—each carved from stone and echoing the grandeur of ancient architecture and spiritual legacy.

Neha Mewari | June 18, 2025 / 16:48 IST
1/10
Masroor Cave Temples, Himachal Pradesh: 15 rock-cut temples carved in Indo-Aryan style, reflected beautifully in the nearby Masroor Lake. Also known as the Himalayan Pyramid. (image: canva)
Masroor Cave Temples, Himachal Pradesh: 15 rock-cut temples carved in Indo-Aryan style, reflected beautifully in the nearby Masroor Lake. Also known as the Himalayan Pyramid. (image: canva)
2/10
Amarnath Cave Temple, Kashmir: Located at 3,888m, this sacred cave holds a natural ice Shivling. Pilgrims trek through snowy paths to witness this holy miracle. (image: canva)
Amarnath Cave Temple, Kashmir: Located at 3,888m, this sacred cave holds a natural ice Shivling. Pilgrims trek through snowy paths to witness this holy miracle. (image: canva)
3/10
Varaha Cave Temple, Tamil Nadu: A 7th-century Pallava rock temple in Mahabalipuram, famous for its carving of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) form. (image: canva)
Varaha Cave Temple, Tamil Nadu: A 7th-century Pallava rock temple in Mahabalipuram, famous for its carving of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) form. (image: canva)
4/10
Kanheri Caves, Maharashtra: Over 100 Buddhist caves carved into black basalt, featuring ancient paintings, sculptures, and inscriptions inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park. (image: canva)
Kanheri Caves, Maharashtra: Over 100 Buddhist caves carved into black basalt, featuring ancient paintings, sculptures, and inscriptions inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park. (image: canva)
5/10
Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka: A group of four majestic rock-cut temples built in the 6th century, showcasing Badami Chalukya architecture and Hindu deities. (image: canva)
Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka: A group of four majestic rock-cut temples built in the 6th century, showcasing Badami Chalukya architecture and Hindu deities. (image: canva)
6/10
Ellora Caves, Maharashtra: This UNESCO site has 34 caves showing Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist art, built by Rashtrakutas in stunning rock-cut style. (image: canva)
Ellora Caves, Maharashtra: This UNESCO site has 34 caves showing Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist art, built by Rashtrakutas in stunning rock-cut style. (image: canva)
7/10
Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra: 30 ancient Buddhist caves with colorful paintings and carvings, celebrated as masterpieces of Indian art and heritage. (image: canva)
Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra: 30 ancient Buddhist caves with colorful paintings and carvings, celebrated as masterpieces of Indian art and heritage. (image: canva)
8/10
Pancha Rathas, Tamil Nadu: Five monolithic temples carved from a single stone in Mahabalipuram, each named after the Pandavas and Draupadi. (image: canva)
Pancha Rathas, Tamil Nadu: Five monolithic temples carved from a single stone in Mahabalipuram, each named after the Pandavas and Draupadi. (image: canva)
9/10
Udayagiri Caves, Madhya Pradesh: This cave complex has 20 ancient Hindu and Jain temples, with a famous sculpture of Varaha, Lord Vishnu's boar form. (image: canva)
Udayagiri Caves, Madhya Pradesh: This cave complex has 20 ancient Hindu and Jain temples, with a famous sculpture of Varaha, Lord Vishnu's boar form. (image: canva)
10/10
Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra: Located on Elephanta Island, these caves have grand rock sculptures of Lord Shiva and Buddhist deities. (image: canva)
Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra: Located on Elephanta Island, these caves have grand rock sculptures of Lord Shiva and Buddhist deities. (image: canva)

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