Karla & Bhaja Caves Tour

$250.00

Duration 11 to 12 Hrs Approx.

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.

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Description

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 & Bhaja Caves Tour
Duration 11 to 12 Hrs Approx.

Tour description :-
7:30 AM- Hotel / Airport / Port pick up
9:45 AM– We reach the base of Karla caves. There are a set of 200 steps to be
climbed from the parking area.

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.

Cave no 12 is the other unforgettable experience. It has a very interesting characteristic. The
ceiling of this Cave has wooden ribs on the ceiling. The wood has survived for 2 millennia!
After lunch, we visit Bhaja Caves, the other important Buddhist centre in this part of the world.
200 intricately carved steps need to be surmounted before we reach this magnificent specimen
of rock cut Buddhist caves.

We visit a set of 22 caves located 400 feet above the village of
Bhaja, dating back to 2nd century BC and built by Hinayana group of Buddhists. While 10 of
these caves were Viharas or residences for the monks, the other 12 are Chaityas or prayer halls.
Cave 12 is a splendid specimen of wooden architecture and vaulted horseshoe ceiling. It also
has a pillar which shows Buddha in different forms like Bodhi tree, lotus, elephant, wheel and
throne.

One of the carvings at Bhaja caves show a woman playing a Tabla the classical
Hindustani musical instrument. This has pushed back the current understanding of origin of
Tabla as an instrument in Ancient India.

7:30 PM- End of Karla & Bhaja Caves tour and we drive back to your accommodation

Includes
• English Speaking Guide
• Private air condition Transportation
• Entrance fee
• Lunch / Dinner (Any 1 meal)
• Bottle of water

What’s Not Included
• Camera / Video fees at the visiting site

Rates (per head) Conversion rate for USD – INR is as per applicable current rates, following is representation:

1 PAX        2 PAX            3 to 4 PAX      5 & Above
US$ 250   US$ 214        US$ 200         US$ 150

Rs.17500  Rs.15000      Rs.14000       Rs.10500