Bhaja Caves, Lonavala

If you are looking for any historical yet exciting location to visit in India - Bhaja Caves is for you. Bhaja Caves are located at Lonavala, Maharashtra, that are dating back to 160 BC. These 22 groups of rock-cut caves are considered to be subsisting from the second to the first century BC.

The Caves were developed during Satavahana's rule and are the biggest Hinayana Buddhist temple in India. Adorned with the classic Indian rock-cut architecture of the era, the architecture of these caves narrates the actual culture and tradition of India and the ancient Indian period. The topmost captivations of these caves are the Stupas, which have the caves carved profoundly outside and inside both.

Furthermore, lush greenery all around the caves creates a spectacular aura that pleases many eyes. Also, there is a magnificent waterfall close to the cave that offers you a chance to take a delightful dip into it. The visitors will discover an unusual cluster of 14 stupas, nine in exterior, and five in the interior of a smaller cave. Thus, Bhaja caves are the go-to destinations for all those who are history enthusiasts. It will prove to be an amazing sightseeing trip to the past glory of mythological India.

By Train: The nearest railway station from Bhaja Caves is Malavli, which is 3 km away. You can catch a local train to reach here. You can likewise board a train from Mumbai or Pune to arrive at Lonavala then catch a local train from Lonavala to Malavli. Bhaja caves are at around 3 km from the Malavli station.

By Road: Bhaja caves can be easily accessed via local buses running from Lonavala to Karla caves. Bhaja caves are 10 km away from the Karla caves. So, for an onward destination, one can take an auto. From Khandala also you can hire a taxi or auto to reach Bhaja caves.

By Air: Take a flight for Pune and choose any of the train or road travel convenience as per your choice for reaching Bhaja caves.

The best time to visit Bhaja Caves is from the Autumn season to the Spring season, i.e., October to March. During Autumn, it will be a fantastic time for the tourists to visit this place as the weather will be calm and cold and not hot, unlike in summers.

The visitors can roam in the caves without hesitating and stressing about the sweaty warm weather. The people can cherish a reasonable span of time in these caves in winters. Further, the spring season would lit up the caves with beautiful flowers all around and chilling breezes to feel jolly around.

Shopping at Bhaja Caves 

Visitors will discover that there are a plethora of markets, malls, and street shopping experiences available near Bhaja caves. You can buy items such as saree, jewelry, artifacts, leather goods, cheap clothing, footwear, food items, and souvenirs. Also, the markets provide an amazing culinary experience with plenty of restaurants and bakeries dotting the streets. So, shopaholics can fulfill all their shopping desires here by visiting the following locations:

1. Phoenix Market City
2. Amanora Town Centre
3. Laxmi Road
4. MG Road

Places to eat near Bhaja Caves 

Places to stay near Bhaja Caves 

Travelers' Tip before visiting Bhaja Caves

1. There should be some necessary things that tourists must carry during the sightseeing trip to these caves, such as a backpack, camera, goggles, jackets, hats/caps, medications, sun care creams. 

2. You can also visit some other places adjacent to Bhaja caves like Lonavala, Khandala, Lohagad Fort, Visapur Fort, and Pune, which can be covered in a whole day trip. 

3. Tourists can choose to travel by bus, train, or by air to travel to Bhaja caves from their respective places. 

4. It will take you around 2 - 3 hours to explore the whole Bhaja caves.