Karla Caves

Overview

The Karla Caves are a group of rock-cut Buddhist caves near Lonavala, dated to roughly the first century BCE to the second century CE. Their great chaitya hall, a long vaulted prayer hall with a stupa at the end, is among the largest and best preserved in India.

The hall is lined with tall carved pillars topped by elephants and riders, and the arched facade has a huge horseshoe window. A Hindu shrine to Ekvira Devi sits beside the caves.

What to look for

• The great chaitya hall with its ribbed wooden-style ceiling
• The carved pillars with elephants and couples
• The lion pillar at the entrance
• The stupa at the far end of the hall

Visiting tips

• The caves are reached by a climb of steps from the car park; wear comfortable shoes.
• Go in the morning for cooler weather and fewer visitors.
• They pair well with the nearby Bhaja Caves and Lohagad Fort.

Why visit with a private guide

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

More photographs

Nearby

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