Bhaja Caves in Lonavala
· Summer: 22°C-40°C
· Winter: 12°C-36°C
· Monsoon: June-September<
Best time to visit:
April-September
Opening Time: 08:30 a.m.
Closing Time: 06:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Open 7 days a week.
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 5
Children:
N/A
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 10
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
N/A
Maharashtra is home to many rock-cut monuments showcasing astonishing architectural excellence and religious significance. Bhaja (Bhaje) Caves, the group of 22 rock-cut caves, is among the prime examples of such tourist hotspots. Popular for its elaborated facades and numerous elements of Hinayana Buddhism, the caves are designated as the National Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Main highlights of these caves include horseshoe-arched entry points, chaityagriha (a type of prayer room), inscribes wooden beams, images of Lord Buddha and a number of Buddhist Stupas. Sculptures and intricate carvings all over the caves can leave one spellbound. Another highlight of the caves is the waterfall which comes alive during monsoons and adds beauty to the place.
The trek to the caves is easy and offers ample opportunities of nature sightseeing. Believed to be located on an ancient trade route, these hundreds of years old caves are perfect to explore skilled Indian craftsmanship.
Connectivites
Road:
Boasting of excellent road connectivity, the caves are accessible from Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Pune Old Highway. State transport buses can be used to reach Lonavala from where the distance to the caves in only about 14 km. Taxis and cabs can be used to reach the base of the caves at Bhaja Village from where a climb of about 30 min. is required to access the caves.
Railway:
Lonavala Railway Station at the distance of about 13 km. is convenient for those travelling to the caves by train. From the railway station one can reach the caves in shared cabs and auto-rickshaws. Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Chennai are the top destinations connected by rail to this station.
Airway:
Pune Domestic Airport is located at the distance of about 63 km. from the caves. Tourists from Bangalore, Goa, Mumbai and other cities can take flights to this airport and continue the journey further by taxis.