India GOCaves in and near Pune
The caves around Pune are not natural caverns but halls cut by hand into the basalt of the Western Ghats, most of them by Buddhist monks two thousand years ago. Three of the finest, Karla, Bhaja and Bedse, sit within about 55 km of the city near Lonavala; the hills around Junnar to the north hold more than 220 caves; and Pataleshwar, an 8th-century Shiva temple, is right in town.
What you are looking at
Two words explain almost every cave here. A chaitya is a prayer hall: a long vaulted nave ending in a stupa, the domed relic mound monks walked around in prayer. A vihara is a monastery cave, a hall with small cells for the monks along its walls. The early halls copy timber buildings in stone, down to the curved roof ribs, and at Karla and Bhaja real wooden beams two thousand years old are still in place.
Many of the caves date from the Satavahana era, and the inscriptions on their walls record gifts from monks, nuns, traders, kings and villages.
The caves one by one
From the city outwards. Distances are approximate, by road from Pune.
Pataleshwar, in the city
An 8th-century rock-cut Shiva temple from the Rashtrakuta period, now in Shivajinagar near the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers. It was carved out of a single hillock, with a pillared hall, sanctums and an unusual circular Nandi pavilion in the courtyard. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Pataleshwar Caves.
Karla, about 55 km
The Great Chaitya, finished around 120 CE, is the largest prayer hall of its kind in India: 45 m long and 14 m high, with its teak roof ribs still in place, lion pillars and reliefs of donor couples. An active Ekvira Devi temple shares the forecourt, so weekends and the Chaitra and Navratri festival days are very busy. The approach is about 350 steps past rows of stalls. Karla Caves.
Bhaja, about 55 km
Twenty-two caves above Malavli village, cut in the 2nd century BCE and among the oldest sanctuaries of the Deccan; the chaitya here is thought to be one of the earliest surviving. Ancient wooden beams remain in its ceiling, the veranda of Cave 18 carries reliefs traditionally read as Surya and Indra, and a group of fourteen rock stupas remembers monks who lived here. In the monsoon a waterfall runs beside the stairway. It is far calmer than Karla across the valley. Bhaja Caves.
Bedse, about 56 km
Nine kilometres from Bhaja, near Kamshet, and visited by a fraction of its numbers. About four hundred steps lead to a 1st-century BCE chaitya whose porch pillars carry capitals of paired elephants, horses and bulls with riders, and to a vihara with an unusual apsidal, vaulted plan. Morning light reaches straight into the prayer hall. Entry is free, and there is nothing at the top: no stalls, no shade, no water. Bedse Caves.
Junnar and Lenyadri, about 95 km north
More than 220 rock-cut caves are spread over the hills around Junnar: Lenyadri, Tulja Lena, Manmodi and the caves of Shivneri hill. Lenyadri's thirty-odd caves date from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE, and Cave 7, reached by 283 steps, is now the Girijatmaj Ganesha temple, one of the eight Ashtavinayak shrines; in legend it is where Parvati wished to become a mother and Ganesha was born. Combine it with Shivneri Fort, Shivaji's birthplace, as a full day.
Planning the Lonavala caves
Karla, Bhaja and Bedse lie close together off the Mumbai road, so one trip can take in two or three of them.
- Pair Karla and Bhaja
They face each other across the valley near Malavli and are easy to combine in one day, with Lohagad Fort as a third stop.
- Add Bedse for the quiet
Bedse is nine kilometres from Bhaja and about 26 km from Lonavala railway station. Go early for the light in the chaitya, and carry water and snacks.
- Expect steps everywhere
About 350 steps at Karla and 400 at Bedse. Wet basalt is slippery in the monsoon, so wear shoes with grip.
- Choose the season
October to February is the most comfortable time around Pune. The monsoon, June to September, turns Bhaja green and brings its waterfall back; Shivneri and the Junnar caves are best from October to February.
Tickets
Karla and Bhaja are ticketed by the Archaeological Survey of India, with a lower price for citizens of India, SAARC and BIMSTEC countries, a higher one for other foreign visitors, a discount for buying online and free entry for children under 15. Bedse is free. For more trips out of the city, see day trips from Pune.
FAQ
Is Karla Caves worth visiting?
Yes: its Great Chaitya is the largest ancient prayer hall of its kind in India, with teak roof ribs still in place. Go on a weekday to avoid the temple crowds, and add Bhaja across the valley.
How far is Bhaja Caves from Pune?
About 55 km, near Malavli by Lonavala. Karla is a similar distance, and Bedse about 56 km.
What is the entry fee for Karla and Bhaja caves?
Approximately ₹25 for citizens of India, SAARC and BIMSTEC countries and ₹300 for other foreign visitors (₹20 and ₹250 online); children under 15 enter free.
Are there caves inside Pune city?
Yes, Pataleshwar in Shivajinagar: an 8th-century Shiva temple cut from the rock and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Which caves near Pune are least crowded?
Bedse, followed by Bhaja. Karla is the busiest because of the Ekvira Devi temple at its entrance.
Sources (6)
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
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