Overview

Visit famous rock cut caves from 200 BC near Mumbai. The Bhaja caves share the same set of architectural designs as Karla caves. Visually, the most impressive monument is the large shrine - chaityagriha - with open, horseshoe-arched entrance.

14 Hours Available on request Mumbai, Maharashtra
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

• Private, air-conditioned vehicle.

• English Speaking Guide at Caves.

 

What is NOT included in the tour

• Monument entrance fees.

• Lunch.

• Tips to driver & chauffeur.

• Camera / Video fees at the visiting site.

 

Please Note:

SECURITY- We need your cooperation wherever the personal frisking and checking of baggage is mandatory.

Highlights
What makes this tour special

Karla and Bhaja Caves are located near Lonavala in Maharashtra. The Bhaja caves are regarded to be from the times of the Hinayana phase of Buddhism, which is of 2nd to 1st century BC. These caves are also mainly Viharas and Chaityas and located amidst green surroundings. There is also a waterfall near the cave where tourists can refresh themselves with a dip. Lohagad and Visapur forts are not far from these caves.

Karla is the best example of rock-cut architecture, which is believed to carve out from a living rock. Some of its 2000 year-old wooden beams are still alive. It takes nearly 20 minutes to climb up the steep way of the Karla caves.

Itinerary

Early morning pickup from hotel / Cruise Terminal in Mumbai and driver toward the caves, After a 2 hour drive, reach the Bhaja Caves, a group of 22 rock-cut caves dating all the way back to 200 BC! Discover several excavations including ancient viharas (Buddhist monasteries) and chaitya-grihas (Buddhist assemblies or prayer halls), considered to depict the earliest architecture of their kind. Admire the highly decorated facade, which presents a true replica of a 2nd-century wooden structure, and the series of unique reliefs depicting Indian mythology, including stories of the Sun God Surya.

At the Karla Caves, walk up the 500 steps of gradual incline to reach the entrance, where you’ll stand in awe of the Ekvira Mata Mandir, a temple dedicated to Hindu goddess Ekvira. Marvel at the vastness of its shrines and prayer halls, with their notable arched entrances and vaulted interiors featuring carved animals and images of Buddhist goddesses. By evening drop back at hotel / Cruise Terminal in Mumbai.

Pickup point
Directions.
Bollywood Tours, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India View on Map