Bhaja Caves, Lonavala, Maharashtra

Bhaja Caves is a group of 22 rock cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC located in Lonavala region in between the khind of Lohagad and Visapur forts. These are buddhists caves like Karla, Kondana, Lenyadri, Bedse, Pandavleni, Ajanta, Ellora. This is a group of caves which is small to moderate in size unlike other buddhist cave. Kondana caves in Karjat being much smaller. The overall length of the total 22 caves is spread around 230m.

Bhaja caves lies at the base of a khind between Lohagad and Visapur Fort. Rather Bhaja caves lies at the base of Visapur Fort. One can even trek to Visapur fort from Bhaja caves.The striking feature of this cave is the 14 small stupas constructed beside each other which is not to be known in any other caves.

From the main parking road, Bhaja caves lies at an height of around 120m with an overall altitude of 730m above sea level. Bhaja caves can be reached via stairs climb. The climb is short of about 15 to 20mins. Total length of climb to reach the caves from main road is 400m. One can find local refreshments provided by local people like lemon, kokam, tak juices. During monsoon one can combine the caves along with the waterfall which flows aside it.

Bhaja caves has most of its shape intact and like any other Buddhists cave, it also has a Chaitya hall, viharas, water tanks. These caves also have multi storey form where stairs are provided from outside. The largest part of the cave is its Chaitya hall. In one particular cave there are multiple carving of god and goddesses along with a room with verandah and shelves.

Chaitya Hall

This is the spacious hall and has a big stupa of about 3.5m in diameter with a relic on top. The hall has 27 pillars which is octagon in shape. The height of each pillar is appx 12 feet. The chaitya hall has ground plus 1 floor rooms on its both side as shown in above pictures. The main façade of Chaitya hall is appx 12m in height and 8m in width. The arch of Chaitya hall has wooden shafts to support. The length of the hall is appx 18m long. Chaitya hall was supposed to be the meditation hall of monks where they used to gather and pray towards the stupa. This hall is supposed to be earliest surviving Chaitya hall compared to other Buddhists caves.

14 Stupas Group

The most distinctive feature of this Bhaja caves is its group of 14 stupas which is not seen in other caves of Buddhists. This is considered to be erected in the remembrance of the deceased monks. There are inscribed writings on the stupas which are the names of the monks who died in Bhaja. There are 5 stupas carved inside a cave and 9 stupas carved outside the cave. Only one of the stupas has intact relic on top.

Cave with Verandah and Carvings

This cave lies at the end of the Bhaja caves length. This is the only cave with verandah, windows, viharas, shelves with arches and detailed carvings of god and goddesses. This cave is intricate.

The last cave has waterfall during monsoon. The water tanks on these Bhaja caves are quite deep about 12 or more feet. The water tanks are also carved ingeniously with small opening on rock face and then goes quite deep below. 

Multi Storey Caves

Bhaja caves also shows magnificent piece of architecture in making multi storey caves. The caves beside the main Chaitya hall are multi storey with ground as well as first floor. The floors are connected externally via rock cut stairs.

There are multiple deep water tanks in caves but there are two tanks which are being gifted from a warrior whose name has been carved on the rock, These two tanks are still used to drink water. The water is still cold and sweet.

Bhaja Caves Features

The caves carved in Bhaja caves are similar to the caves in any other Buddhists cave with stupas and viharas. Different door carving styles were also used.

Surrounding region of Bhaja Caves

Bhaja caves lies in East West facing direction. The face of Bhaja caves is such that if a straight line is drawn normal to cave, that line will divide the country into perfect North and South India till East. The caves lies in the forest of Lohagad and Visapur division. One can see the Visapur wall as well as Lohagad Vinchukata from Bhaje. The village of Bhaja can be seen clearly with open fields. The region is also home to beautiful waterfalls during monsoon.

Panoramic View of Bhaja Caves

How to reach and where to stay

Bhaja caves is easily accessible and safe. The caves are well guarded by security guards. There is an entry ticket for tourist. 25INR for Indian. The place can be reached easily by a car or bus. One can come down the ghat from Lohagad khind to Bhaja caves as shown in above pictures or one can come from main highway of Mumbai Pune highway. From main highway two roads diverge 180 degrees. One going Karla and other Bhaja. Plenty of options to stay at highway hotels. MTDC Karla is the best place to stay. 

TIMING OF CAVE: Morning 9 till Evening 5:30

ENTRY FEE: 25INR (Indian) 300INR (Foreign) (As of April 2022)