Batu Caves

The Batu Caves stand out as a monumental facal point of the significant contribution made by the Indian settlers in the development of Malaya and then Malaysia. The 113 year old main temple, dedicated to Lord Subramaniar, is lodged in a cave about 400 feet above ground level.

Batu Caves, as it is popularly known, is located about 12 km north of Kuala Lumpur. It is nestled close to the main highways leading to northern parts and the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Thaipusam is grandiose affair. It attracts about a million worshippers and tourists from within the country and abroad over three days of festivities. Nowhere else in the world is this festival celebrated on such a grand scale.

Thaipusam falls annually on the full-moon day in the Tamil month of Thai which occurs between January 14th and Febuary 15th. This is when the moon moves through the zodiac period of Cancer according to the Indian Calender.

Apart from the annual Thaipusam festival, tourist and devotees visit Batu Caves regularly. Throught the year, the Temple Caves attract between 3,000 to 5,000 people daily.

At the base of the hill, at the ground level, there are three caves with statuary and mural depictions of scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharat and the lives of renowned Tamil poets.