Bhaja Caves Maharashtra – Ancient Rock-Cut Buddhist Caves Near Lonavala

By George On

About Bhaja Caves

Perched on a hillside near Lonavala, the Bhaja Caves in Maharashtra are among India’s oldest and most fascinating rock-cut Buddhist monuments. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, this group of 22 caves offers a glimpse into early Buddhist life, where monks once lived, meditated, and worshipped in serene surroundings. Carved into basalt rock along an ancient trade route connecting the Arabian Sea to the Deccan Plateau, the caves feature impressive chaitya halls, viharas, and intricately carved stupas that reflect the origins of Indian rock-cut architecture. Today, Bhaja Caves attract travellers, history lovers, and spiritual seekers alike, offering a peaceful escape into nature combined with a journey through over 2,000 years of history

Cave Location and Other Details

These Buddhist caves are situated at Bhaja, near Lonavala in the Maharashtra state of India. Bhaja is part of the ancient trade route connecting the Arabian Sea and the Deccan Plateau.

Bhaja CavesBhaja Caves

These Caves are also known as Bhaje caves. There are a number of Buddhist Stupas (stupas are relics of Buddhist monks of those times), numbering 14, in the area. Five Stupas are inside the caves, while the remaining nine are outside. These Caves share their architectural design with the Karla Caves. These cave temples at Bhaja are protected as National Monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Wooden Ceiling in Main Chaitygruha at Bhaja Caves

Wooden Ceiling in Main Chaitygruha inside the Cave

Bhaja Cave XII is built in wooden architecture with a vaulted horseshoe ceiling. Cave XVII has a verandah in front with many pillars. The carving in these caves depicts a woman playing the tabla (a very ancient Indian percussion instrument) and another woman dancing. There is a waterfall near the last cave.

How to Reach Bhaja Caves?


These Caves are near Lonavala town in the Maharashtra state of India and are easily accessible by road, train, flight, etc.

There is a railway station with code LNL at Lonavala. Pune is the nearest MAJOR city with the railway station and International airport.