Karla Caves is a group of 16 Buddhist rock-cut cave shrines in Karli near Lonavala, Maharastra state, India.
Karla Caves Chaitya (Prayer Hall).
Karla Caves alias Karle Caves or Karla Cells dates back to the 2nd century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The oldest cave shrine in the group of caves is believed to have been made in 160 B.C. by Buddhist monks.
The caves at Karli also house a Buddhist monastery, which dates back to the second century B.C. There used to be two 15-meter giant pillars in the monastery, out of which one was ruined, and only one exists now. A temple is dedicated to the goddess Ekveera, where the ruined pillar once existed.
The main feature of these caves is their rock-cut architecture, especially the arched entrances and vaulted interiors. There is also an Ashokan pillar at the front entrance. Karla Cave interiors are lighted with many openings cut in the rocks.
The largest rock-cut prayer hall in India (chaitya or chaityagrihas), 45 meters long and up to 14 meters tall, is found inside Cave 8. There are many other carved chaityas also in the rock complex. Many Viharas are also located in the complex, which was used as the dwelling place for the monks in those days.
There is a stupa at the rear end of the prayer hall.
Inscriptions found here mention the people who donated to construct these caves. It specifically mentions the names of 27 individuals from various places who donated. These inscriptions indicate that this place was earlier known as Veluraka.
Bhaja caves are a group of 22 rock-cut temples at a distance of 8 kilometers to the south of Karla caves. Kanheri caves have the other chaityagrihas in western Deccan with massive lion pillars in front.
How Do I Go to Karla Caves?
These caves are situated at a distance of around 60 from Pune city. Pune city is well connected to the rest of the country by road, rail, and air. Pune railway station is the nearest railway station to Karle Caves. There is an international airport in Pune, the nearest airport to the caves.
There is a small fee of Rs 25 to be paid as an entry fee if you are paying by cash or Rs 20 if online payment is made for Indian citizens. Children up to the age of 15 are free to enter these caves.