Karla Caves in Pune

The Karla Caves in Pune is an amazing place to visit. It is worthwhile to include this place in your Excursions near by Pune . It is located in Karli close to Lonavala , a hill station about 114 kms away from Mumbai.

The Karla Caves in Pune is a fine instance of Indian rock cut architechture. The caves were built by the Buddhist monks who lived around the 3 rd and 2 nd century B.C. This is an intricate series of caves, which actually belonged to the Hinayana Buddhists and was built during the Satavahanas Dynasty . Beautiful as they are, the caves are a treat to watch specially, because of their artistic magnificence.

The main cave of the Karla Caves in Pune has an exquisitely beautiful Chaitya encircled with huge pillars. The Chaitya is a carved prayer hall. There are also well carved out reliefs, which are as old as the 1 st century B.C. The cave depicts beautifully carved sculptures depicting male and female figurines and some animals including ferocious lions and majestic elephants. All these reflect the great artistic sense of the sculptures of that time.

It is interesting to note that the Karla Caves in Pune does not contain any image of Buddha. It is so because the Hinayana Buddhists rejected images. There is a flight of 350 steps, which lead to the underground. The façade of the caves depict human couples wearing different ornaments. Also, the Chaitya here is 45 meter, rather 148 feet long. In fact, it is probably the finest in India.

However, the Karla Caves in Pune was taken over by the Mahayana Sect of Buddhists during the 7 th century. This is the reason why one can find the sculpture of Buddha seated on a lion supported throne.