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The Bhaja caves are known to be the oldest caves in India. These, as per the archaeologist, date back to period 160 B.C. The Bhaja caves are a cluster of twenty-two rock-cut caves, and these are situated near Lonavala in Maharashtra. The Bhaja caves are positioned just 3 km away from the main road within green surroundings, and there is also an enormous waterfall near the cave. Visitors can refresh themselves with a dip there.

History of Bhaja Caves

These caves are believed to exist from the times of Hinayana phase of Buddhism, which is of 2nd to 1st century B.C. It is the most comprehensive Hinayana Buddhist chaitya (temple) in India. If you want to travel back in time to ancient India, plan a trip to these rock-cut caves with the supreme rock-cut architecture of all ages. The ancient caves are preserved as Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

This cave was built during Satavahana's rule and is a perfect example of rock-cut architecture. Karla and Bhaja are named together as caves being the ideal places to visit together. For people wanting to explore and learn new architecture this unbeatable destination.

The architecture of Bhaja Caves

These caves are a glaring example of the construction of wooden architecture in India administering its architectural design with the Karla Caves. The most noticeable structure of the caves is the Chaityagriha with an open, horse-shoe shaped entry gate.

The Chaityagrihas is also famous for the beautiful Buddha images. There are some carving of a woman playing the tabla (percussion instrument) which evidences that tabla is being used in India for two thousand years.

The sculptures in the Bhaja caves feature grand headband, jewellery and festoons which might have been decorated in bright colours formerly but later got covered by plaster.

A waterfall is a treat to watch in the last cave which ridges with water during the monsoon, flowing into a small pond at the bottom.

Stupas in Bhaja Caves

The Bhaja Caves houses a cluster of 14 grandiose stupas which are the inheritance of the resident monks who died at Bhaja. Five of these stupas are visible outside the ancient cave while nine are outside demonstrating an engraving with the name of three monks –

• Ampinika,

• Dhammagiri and

• Sanghdina.

These stupas have been carved very complicatedly showing the name of the monks along with their captions.

Best Time To Visit Bhaja Caves

Being situated in Maharashtra and near the valley, these caves experience high-temperature rise. So the best time to visit this place is between Octobers - March. The months of April to July are the summer months with scorching afternoons in Pune. They can be quite hot with the daytime temperature rising as high as 40 C.

On the other hand, from July to September, Pune receives heavy rainfall. This ultimately results in high humidity and scratchy climate. So, as per the travel experts, it is advised the remaining period of October to March is the best time to take a trip to Pune. During this time, the weather in the city is at its best.

Places to visit Around Bhaja Caves

• Apart from the Bhaja caves, take a trip to the other famous Hindu Temples in the city.

• Kanheri Caves and Elephanta Caves are two other main tourist fascinations of the place.

• Visapur and Lohagad forts are very close to these caves. So you can visit them also in case you have extra time on a tour.

• Apart from that is a unique cluster of 14 stupas, five inside and nine outside a smaller cave.

• Other than these, one can visit the adorable tourist towns of Lonavala, Pune and Khandala.

Trivia about Bhaja Caves

The Karla and Bhaja caves are the earliest rock-cut monuments in Maharashtra.

Tips for Visiting Bhaja Caves

1. Hire a personal guide while staying in the caves.

2. since many staircases need to be climbed to reach the caves. So people with knee problems and old age people might find it to rise and visit the caves.

How to reach Bhaja Caves Lonavala?

Reaching the cave is easy as it is connected to rail, road and bus hassle-freely.

You need to de-board at the Malavli station to reach the Bhaja Caves in Pune, then climb around 200 steps to the cave.

It takes 2 hours to complete and explore the 5km trek including the exploration of the 22 caves.

• By Air: Nearest airports are at Pune (64kms) and Mumbai (International airport 110 km). From here you can take an auto or taxi to directly reach the caves.

• By Rail: The nearest railway station is Malavi. You can view Bhaja lies on the right side of the tracks.

• By Road: Pune is well connected and so the Bhaja Caves to all the main cities of Maharashtra and the rest of the country by road. There are regular bus services available between Pune and Mumbai, Nasik, etc.

Things to Do at Bhaja Caves in Lonavala

There are many things to do at these historic caves. You can

• Enjoy shopping- Shopping in Lonavala is famous as this a hub to various shopping malls and markets, especially saree shops and jewellery stores.

• Explore local experience- Pune is a place where people of different cast and creeds reside. Explore the local art and craft, spirituality, and music played by the residents.

• Relish delicious food – local cuisines of Pune maintain the classic taste of coconut and garlic. If you want to enjoy true flavours, do not forget to taste chewda, bhakerwadi and pedas, the specialty of Pune.

• Adore nightlife - Pune delivers a budding night life with organic food cafés, juice bars, and ancient themed ethnic restaurants.

The Bhaja caves can be seen best if you book an online travel package either to Lonavala, pune or Khandala in Maharashtra. Planning early before the peak season can serve you with the best discounts and deals in travel package.