Things to do in Karla & Bhaja Caves
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Bhaja Caves
Across the Mumai-Pune expressway, it’s a 3km jaunt from the main road to the Bhaja Caves, where the setting is lush, green and quiet. Thought to date from around 200 BC, 10 of the 18 caves here are viharas, while Cave 12 is an open chaitya, containing a simple dagoba. Beyond this is a strange huddle of 14 stupas, five inside and nine outside a cave. From Bhaja Caves, you’ll see the ruins of the Lohagad and Visapur Forts, which local kids will happily lead you to for a tip (not recommended during the rains).
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Karla Cave
Karla Cave, the largest early Buddhist chaitya in India, is reached by a 20-minute climb from a mini-bazaar at the base of the hill. Completed in 80 BC, the chaitya is around 40m long and 15m high, and sports similar architectural motifs as chaityas in Ajanta and Ellora. Ellora’s Kailasa Temple apart, this is probably the most impressive cave temple in the state.
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