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The breathtaking secret world of cave temples

DEEP underground, hidden in various locations around the world, lies a series of incredible cave temples. Here are some of the most fascinating finds.

Tham Khao Luang Cave in Phetchaburi, Thailand. Picture: Thinkstock
Tham Khao Luang Cave in Phetchaburi, Thailand. Picture: Thinkstock

DEEP underground, hidden in various locations around the world, lies a series of incredible cave temples.

From India’s Ajanta Caves to the famous Batu Cave temple in Kuala Lumpur, these are some of the most spectacular ones you can find.

So prepare to be wowed as you take a look at the spiritual treasures that lie deep within.

Ajanta Caves, India

Home to approximately 30 ancient Buddhist cave monuments, the Ajanta Caves are hand-carved into the hillside rocks in the middle of nowhere. They have been described by the Archaeological Survey of India as “the finest surviving examples of Indian art”.

A stupa at the Ajanta Caves. Picture: Thinkstock
A stupa at the Ajanta Caves. Picture: Thinkstock
Carvings at the Ajanta Caves, India. Picture: Thinkstock
Carvings at the Ajanta Caves, India. Picture: Thinkstock

Ellora Caves, India

The Ellora Caves features monuments dating from 600 A.D. and are a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain.  

Spectacular detailing at the top of the Ellora Caves. Picture: Cooper’s Moon, Flickr
Spectacular detailing at the top of the Ellora Caves. Picture: Cooper’s Moon, Flickr

Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

One of the most photographed caves in the world, visitors to the Batu Caves are welcomed by a massive 42 metre high statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity.

The spectacular entrance to the Batu Caves. Picture: David Davies, Flickr
The spectacular entrance to the Batu Caves. Picture: David Davies, Flickr
Batu Caves. Picture: Hadi Zaher, Flickr
Batu Caves. Picture: Hadi Zaher, Flickr

Phraya Nakhon Cave, Pranburi, Thailand

The spectacular Kuha Karuhas pavilion at the Phraya Cave in Sam Roi Yot National Park was built for the visit of King Chulalongkorn in 1890.

Within the Sam Rio Yot National Partk lies a mystical sight. Picture: Thinkstock
Within the Sam Rio Yot National Partk lies a mystical sight. Picture: Thinkstock

Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka

It’s not surprising to learn that this cave is known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, and is also a World Heritage Site.

The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a world heritage site. Picture: Ilee — Wu, Flickr
The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a world heritage site. Picture: Ilee — Wu, Flickr
The Buddha statue in Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka. Picture: Thinkstock
The Buddha statue in Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka. Picture: Thinkstock

Buddhist Cave, Thailand

A breathtaking unidentified Buddhist cave in Thailand. Picture: Thinkstock 
A breathtaking unidentified Buddhist cave in Thailand. Picture: Thinkstock 

Pindaya Caves, Myanmar

The Pindaya Caves in Shan State, Myanmar are a Buddhist pilgrimage site and a popular tourist attraction. There are 8000 Buddhist statues hidden inside.

The exterior of the Pindaya Caves. Picture: Brianholdsclaw, Flickr
The exterior of the Pindaya Caves. Picture: Brianholdsclaw, Flickr
8000 Buddhas inside the Pindaya Caves. Picture: Thinkstock
8000 Buddhas inside the Pindaya Caves. Picture: Thinkstock

Longmen Grottoes, China

The grottoes of Longmen in Henan, China, contain the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties, according to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

The Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Henan, China. Picture: Thinkstock
The Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Henan, China. Picture: Thinkstock

Hanging Temple, China

China is home to the Hanging Temple, which is built into a cliff near Mount Heng in Hunyuan County, Datong City.

Temple architecture landscape on the hillside in China. Picture: Thinkstock
Temple architecture landscape on the hillside in China. Picture: Thinkstock

Vardzia Cave monastery, Georgia

Vardzia is a cave monastery built in the medieval kingdom of southern Georgia in the late 1100s.

Vardzia Cave monastery, Georgia. Picture: Thinkstock
Vardzia Cave monastery, Georgia. Picture: Thinkstock

Luang Prabang, Laos

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the former capital of Laos and is home to cave temples.

A cave temple on the Mekong. Picture: Supplied
A cave temple on the Mekong. Picture: Supplied

Yungang Grottoes, China

The Yungang Grottoes are ancient Chinese Buddhist temple grottoes near the city of Datong.

The Yungang Grottoes in Datong, Shanxi. Picture: Jamiriquai, Flickr
The Yungang Grottoes in Datong, Shanxi. Picture: Jamiriquai, Flickr

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/travel/world-travel/the-breathtaking-secret-world-of-cave-temples/news-story/081e794160f40bb8143d8ff1fc762eff