Tour to Karla Cave

Karla Caves were historically associated with the Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism. Located at a distance of approximately 40 km from the city, the caves date back to the 2nd century BC and represent the golden period of Buddhism in India. These ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut architecture cave shrines were developed over two periods. These periods are from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD and from the 5th century AD to the 10th century AD.

Running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan, the caves are on a major ancient trade route. Within the caves, a Buddhist monastery, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is located. A temple dedicated to the Goddess Ekaveera, who is worshiped most notably by the Koli community of Mumbai, is also located within the caves.

Built on the difficult terrain of a rocky hillside, this complex of well-preserved Buddhist caves has its interior lighted by windows. Chaitya with huge pillars and intricately carved relief dating back to the 1st century BC are present in the main hall. Walls of the caves are adorned with sculptures of males and females, as well as animals, including lions and elephants.

Carved prayer halls or chaityas as well as viharas or dwelling places for the caves' monks are also present within the complex. Highlights of the complex are the arched entrances and vaulted interiors.

By Train: Lonavala is situated on the main line connecting Mumbai and Pune. Many express trains stop at Lonavala. Taxis can be hired from Lonavala to reach Karla caves.

By Bus: Lonavala is well connected to Mumbai and Pune by regular bus service. Both private and state-owned buses ply regularly. Tickets can be booked for the private buses through any of the tour operators in Mumbai or Pune.

By Air: Nearest airport is at Pune at a distance of 62 km. Pune is connected by flights to Mumbai, Goa and Bengaluruby air. Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, 100 km away at Mumbai, is the major international airport. Tourist taxis are easily available from Mumbai to Lonavala.

Climate:- Karla enjoys a pleasant climate all round the year.

Timings Of Caves :- From 09 hours to 17:30 Hrs or Sunset whichever is earlier

Also See Bhaja Caves

Bhaja (18°44’ N; 73°29’ E) is one to the important Buddhist centres of Hinayana faith in Maharashtra. The group consists of 22 excavations and located on a hill near Bhaja village, Maval Taluka in district Pune. The importance of Bhaja is further enhanced by the presence of two more monastic complexes namely Bedsa located on the south face of the same hill in which Bhaja is situated and Karla, directly opposite north of Bhaja nearly 5 Km fro the latter. All the caves are belonging to the Hinayana phase and are datable from 3rd century BC to 2nd century AD. However the group was under occupation up to 5-6th century AD as attested from some of the painted Buddha images in the chaityagrha. They are excavated on a scrap of the hill at a weight of 120 m from above the surrounding plains and all faces west. The river Indrayani is located near by and waters the valley. The area was also in occupation during medieval period is attested by tow Maratha forts, Lohagadh and Visapur along the adjoining hill top

The donor inscriptions noticed here do not attribute to any particular ruling family or dynasty. However an inscription datable to 2nd century AD as found on the back wall of a cistern records the donation of Maharathi Kosikiputa Vihnudata, can be attributed to the caves. Another two inscriptions inscribed on the wooden beam itself below the vault are short and dedicatory in nature and datable to 2nd century BC. The survival of this original inscription on the wooden beams indicated that they have survival for the past 2200 years.