5 Unique Caves Near Mysore Every History Enthusiast Should Explore

Mysore is known for its grand palaces, silk, and royal heritage. Yet beyond the bustling city lies a lesser-explored world of mysterious caves hidden among hills, forests, and temples. These caves are not just geological wonders; they are time capsules filled with stories of monks, rulers, and mythological legends.

For history lovers, the caves near Mysore offer much more than stone and silence. They showcase the art, architecture, and faith of ancient India. From carved temples in cliffs to narrow passages once used for meditation, each site offers a unique glimpse into the past.

5 Caves Near Mysore that Deserve a Spot on Your Travel List

Mysore sits within weekend reach of some of South India’s most compelling cave sites. Here’s a history-first guide to the best caves you can visit on day trips or short overnights:

1. Bhadrabahu Cave

On Chandragiri Hill at Shravanabelagola, this modest rock-cut shelter is revered as the meditation site of the Jain acharya Bhadrabahu. Tradition holds that Emperor Chandragupta Maurya renounced the world here and spent his last years in austerity with his teacher.

The cave today enshrines Bhadrabahu’s footprints and is part of a larger sacred hillscape of basadis and inscriptions, ideal for anyone tracing early Jain history in Karnataka. For travellers keen to soak up this timeless atmosphere at their own pace, opting for a car on rent in Mysore adds a touch of freedom to the journey, letting the road unfold like a story between the city and this ancient hill.

2. Edakkal Caves

Perched on Ambukuthimala in Wayanad, Edakkal is famous for its Neolithic petroglyphs — rock carvings that many archaeologists date to the Neolithic period (believed to be as old as c. 6000 BCE). The site feels like a time capsule: you climb a short hill and reach a narrow crevice where human and animal figures, tools, and enigmatic symbols are etched into the rock.

The cave lies on an ancient trade route that once linked the Mysore plateau to the Malabar ports, so the walk up is also a walk through a corridor of long-distance exchange.

From Mysore, it’s a manageable 3-hour drive and makes a rewarding day trip for anyone keen on prehistoric art. If you prefer a hassle-free trip, booking a car on rent in Mysore makes it easy to leave early, stop at viewpoints, and return at your own pace.

3. Banasura Hill Caves

Hidden away in the lush forests of Wayanad, the Banasura Hill Caves are the lesser-known cousins of Edakkal, but just as fascinating if you enjoy history mixed with a bit of trekking. These caves sit on the slopes of Banasura Hill, part of the Banasura range, which is the second-highest in Wayanad.

Inside, you’ll find natural rock shelters that have long been believed to have traces of prehistoric human settlement. While they’re not as extensively excavated as Edakkal, the caves carry that same prehistoric significance that makes them worth exploring.

Getting there from Mysore is pretty straightforward; the drive is around 140 km and takes about 3.5 hours. If you don’t feel like driving, you can always book a Mysore cab service.

4. Pandava Caves

Closer to Mangalore, these caves are linked with both history and mythology. Historically, they were part of a Buddhist monastery.

Inscriptions suggest monks once lived here, using the caves as study halls. Over time, local folklore connected the site to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.

People believe they stayed here during exile, giving the caves their present name. The caves are simple yet atmospheric, with stone chambers and traces of ancient carvings.

If you enjoy places with layered stories, half legend, half fact, this is worth exploring. Many visitors prefer booking a Mysore cab service to reach Antaragange, saving their energy for the trek instead of driving.

5. Chandravalli Caves

Hidden among boulders below Chitradurga Fort, the Chandravalli cave-temple complex, often called Ankali Mutt, comprises a warren of rock-cut passages and chambers used by ascetics. Excavations in the surrounding valley have yielded a remarkable mix of finds: megalithic pottery, Satavahana-period levels, and coins ranging from South Indian dynasties to Roman emperor Augustus and even Han-era China—evidence of wide trade links.

Wrapping Up

Caves near Mysore offer what palaces cannot: silence, mystery, and a direct link to the past. From Bhadrabahu Cave’s adventurous passages to Pandava Cave’s intricate carvings, history is etched in every rock.

Exploring them is more than sightseeing; it is experiencing how faith was carved into stone centuries ago. With some planning, a weekend can turn into a heritage journey.

To make your trip hassle-free, choose Savaari Car Rentals, the largest chauffeur-driven car rental company in India. With premium cars and trained drivers, skip the stress of parking and long drives, leaving more time to soak in history.