Bhaja Caves

Overview

The Bhaja Caves are a group of about 22 rock-cut Buddhist caves near Lonavala, dated to around the second century BCE, among the earliest in the Deccan. They include a chaitya hall and several monastery cells (viharas).

The chaitya hall has simple ribbed arches that imitate wood, and a row of stupas carved in the rock stands to one side. A waterfall flows beside the caves in the monsoon.

What to look for

• The chaitya hall with its wooden-style ribs
• The row of carved stupas
• The monsoon waterfall beside the caves

Visiting tips

• The climb from the car park is a short flight of steps; wear good shoes.
• Combine it with the Karla Caves and Lohagad Fort in a Lonavala day.
• In the monsoon the steps are slippery: take care.

Why visit with a private guide

A private guide shows you where to stand, when to arrive and what most visitors miss at Bhaja Caves, and fits the visit around the rest of your day.

More photographs

Nearby

Karla Caves Trimbakeshwar Shaniwar Wada Lohagad Fort Aga Khan Palace Pataleshwar Cave Pandavleni Caves Ramkund