Exploring Ancient Buddhist Rock-Cut Caves of Karla and Bhaja
Karla Caves
The Karla Caves are a complex of ancient Buddhist Rock-cut caves at Karli near Lonavala.
We reached Karla caves at around 1 PM. But when we reached the parking lot, it was full and there was queue. So basically if one vehicle would come out of parking, then one vehicle would be let in as per order. After a wait of around 20 minutes, we got a chance to park our vehicle and there is a parking fee charged here.
With this we began our journey of climbing uphill through steep steps to the cave. The steps leading to the caves have shops lined up on either side. I noticed that lot of shops are selling coconuts, flowers and one goddess photo. So, while taking interim breaks, I entered one of the shops and inquired with the shopkeeper. He told me that at the top the cave complex has one portion with Buddhist cave and other portion is occupied by a temple dedicated to goddess Ekveera.
Usually there is entry fee. But on account to 75 years of Indian Independence, entry was free for everyone.
As you complete each milestone during the climb and turn around you will be mesmerized with the lush green views of the surroundings.
With around 200 steps, finally we made it to the top.
The first look at the cave will leave you awe stuck for a minute.
There was a long queue for the Goddess Ekveera Darshan and we had to head back to Pune also. So we prayed to goddess from outside and headed towards Karla caves.
You will find that huge windows have been carved out from the rock so that sunlight could light the hallway and light up the sculptures and carvings.
I don’t have words to explain what I saw inside the cave. Prayer hall is the most important attraction here which is also called as “Chaitya Hall”. There are pillars on either side of the hall with interesting sculptures of animals and humans.
Once you are outside the cave, you will find interesting sculptures of 3 elephants. But was disheartened to see that its all damaged.
After coming out the this main cave, you will find some more caves and interesting sculptures within on the left side.
Once inside this cave, there are some steps that you need to take up to view the enclosed chambers inside the cave. Due to rains, these steps were very slippery.
We came back to parking lot, hopped onto our vehicle to head towards our next destination – Bhaja caves which was another 30 minutes’ drive from Karla caves.
Bhaja Caves
Bhaja Caves is yet another group of 22 rock-cut caves which are located 400 feet above the village of Bhaja in Lonavala. So again be prepared to climb around 200 plus steps to reach the caves.
We parked our vehicle at the base point. There is no vehicle parking fee here. In fact we didn’t find much vehicles here. Looks like its not frequented by people much unlike Karla caves.
We then started our climb up the hill. After completing one milestone when you relax to take a short break, you will find amazing landscapes of the Bhaja village.
Here also there was no entry fee on account to 75 years of Indian Independence.
Finally we reached the cave and we noticed that the architectural design is almost similar to Karla caves.
This is the first large open prayer hall I have seen with an open horseshoe arched entrance. Inside the prayer hall you will find evenly carved pillars on both the sides.
While descending, we could see amazing views of the lush green surroundings.
Please note that there are no food stalls or rest room facilities on the top near the caves. We didn't find anything at the parking lot either.
We took a pit stop midway to enjoy another local delicacy – Kokam Sharbat (Kokam is a fruit, and its juice helps in aiding digestion and offers a refreshing tonic to the body).
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| Kokam Sharbat (refreshing energy drink) |
Finally, we reached parking lot and hopped onto our vehicle. By now we were super hungry. Our driver recommended taking the old Mumbai-Pune highway since we would get lot of food joints enroute compared to the new expressway. So, we started our return Journey to Pune via the old highway, stopped at a Punjabi Dhaba for a lump sum late lunch and finally reached Pune at around 6:30 PM in the evening.
Signing off now with memories of the day very well spent with an adventurous fort trek, admiring lush green valleys from the viewpoints and caving experiences at the most famous hill-station of Lonavala.
See you all with some more adventures I had planned my next day with in my upcoming blog 
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Pages from My Pune Travel Diary
Lohgadh Fort - Best Monsoon Trek From Pune
Exploring Lonavala - Viewpoints Offering Enthralling Views in Monsoon
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