Private Full-Day Excursion to Karla and Bhaja Caves from Mumbai
Mumbai, India
Trip Type: Private Day Trips
Duration: 9 hours
Escape into the wonders of the Karla and the Bhaja Caves, located in the hills between Mumbai and Pune, a 2 hours drive from Mumbai. Discover the ancient cave wonders with your private tour guide. Begin with Karla caves - a tribute to the Buddhism faith, Karla is the site of some of the best-preserved Buddhist caves built in the second century BC. Less than half hour away from Karla Caves lie the Bhaja caves. Built in the second century, these Buddhist caves are still in very good condition. The caves depict stories of Buddha. There is also a waterfall near the cave where tourists can refresh themselves with a dip.
More About This Activity All Private Day Trips →
Escape into the wonders of the Karla and the Bhaja Caves, located in the hills between Mumbai and Pune, a 2 hours drive from Mumbai. Discover the ancient cave wonders with your private tour guide. Begin with Karla caves - a tribute to the Buddhism faith, Karla is the site of some of the best-preserved Buddhist caves built in the second century BC. Less than half hour away from Karla Caves lie the Bhaja caves. Built in the second century, these Buddhist caves are still in very good condition. The caves depict stories of Buddha. There is also a waterfall near the cave where tourists can refresh themselves with a dip.8am - Pick-up from your Hotel or Airport in Mumbai and leave for a Half-Day excursion trip to Karla and Bhaja Caves, a 2 hours drive from Mumbai brings you to these Caves which are less crowded and worth visiting.
Karla Caves
Explore Karla Caves with your private tour guide. You have to climb 350 steps to reach the Caves. Though there are only 15 caves at Karla, it is one of the most famous Buddhist rock-cut cave sites in India. On entering the premises you are captivated by the collosal grandeur of the structure. It has one of the finest chaityas or prayer halls, where all monks gathered to pray. Thirty-seven pillars and a huge stupa placed under an umbrella, built in the second century BC, greet the visitors and so do several bats. Karla also has several viharas, or rooms for monks, but quite a few are in the part of the hills that is inaccessible during the monsoons. Even if you try reaching them, strong winds could turn your umbrellas into parachutes and blow you away. Also located alongside the caves is the temple dedicated to Goddess Ekvira.
Bhaja Caves
Less than half hour away from Karla Caves lie the Bhaja caves. You have to climb 250 steps to reach the Caves. Built in the second century, these Buddhist caves are still in very good condition. Bhaja caves are the only caves with a long row of stupas, one after the other with the interplay of light and shadow and natural waterfalls above them, a beautiful effect is created. The caves depict stories of Buddha. The 18 Bhaja caves are supposed to have been built for Buddhist nuns. The pillars are sloping but the stilted vault is Bhaja Caves including a prince seated on an elephant, a prince in a chariot and three armed figures. The dancing couple is a justly famous piece of sculpture. These caves are as old as Karla caves. Cave no 12 is a chaitya hall the finest of the cave complex. Cave no 1 is the dwelling house for the master architect, 10 are viharas and remaining 7 caves contain inscriptions about the donors.
1.30pm - Lunch Break (at your own expense)
Lunch at one of the best local restaurants in the area.
3pm - After the tour, drive back to Mumbai and you will be dropped-off to your hotel or any other desired location in Mumbai by 5pm.
Karla Caves
Explore Karla Caves with your private tour guide. You have to climb 350 steps to reach the Caves. Though there are only 15 caves at Karla, it is one of the most famous Buddhist rock-cut cave sites in India. On entering the premises you are captivated by the collosal grandeur of the structure. It has one of the finest chaityas or prayer halls, where all monks gathered to pray. Thirty-seven pillars and a huge stupa placed under an umbrella, built in the second century BC, greet the visitors and so do several bats. Karla also has several viharas, or rooms for monks, but quite a few are in the part of the hills that is inaccessible during the monsoons. Even if you try reaching them, strong winds could turn your umbrellas into parachutes and blow you away. Also located alongside the caves is the temple dedicated to Goddess Ekvira.
Bhaja Caves
Less than half hour away from Karla Caves lie the Bhaja caves. You have to climb 250 steps to reach the Caves. Built in the second century, these Buddhist caves are still in very good condition. Bhaja caves are the only caves with a long row of stupas, one after the other with the interplay of light and shadow and natural waterfalls above them, a beautiful effect is created. The caves depict stories of Buddha. The 18 Bhaja caves are supposed to have been built for Buddhist nuns. The pillars are sloping but the stilted vault is Bhaja Caves including a prince seated on an elephant, a prince in a chariot and three armed figures. The dancing couple is a justly famous piece of sculpture. These caves are as old as Karla caves. Cave no 12 is a chaitya hall the finest of the cave complex. Cave no 1 is the dwelling house for the master architect, 10 are viharas and remaining 7 caves contain inscriptions about the donors.
1.30pm - Lunch Break (at your own expense)
Lunch at one of the best local restaurants in the area.
3pm - After the tour, drive back to Mumbai and you will be dropped-off to your hotel or any other desired location in Mumbai by 5pm.
« Go Back