Karla Caves
Karla, near Lonavala- Best timeJune – February
- Time needed2 – 3 hours
- EntrySmall ticket fee
- Good forHistory lovers
Why visit
- One of the largest rock-cut prayer halls in India
- Carved pillars, stupa and a ribbed wooden roof
- Ekvira Devi Temple sits right beside the caves
- Valley views on the climb up
Good to know
- The climb has a few hundred steps, carry water
- Go early to avoid the midday sun
- Temple days can be busy with pilgrims
History
- Carved by Buddhist monks more than 2,000 years ago
- The Great Chaitya hall is one of the finest of its kind
- Inscriptions record gifts from traders and patrons
- Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India
About Karla Caves
The Karla Caves are a group of Buddhist rock-cut caves on a hill a short drive from Lonavala. The main hall, the Great Chaitya, is carved straight out of the rock, with rows of pillars leading to a stupa at the far end.
Next to the caves stands the Ekvira Devi Temple, an important shrine for many local families, so the hill is busy with both visitors and pilgrims. Combine the caves with nearby Bhaja Caves or Lohagad Fort for a full day.
