Bhaja Caves
भाजे लेणी
22 Buddhist rock-cut caves dating from the 2nd century BCE. The chaitya halls and rows of rock-carved stupas are simple and ancient, and the carvings include some of India's earliest human figure reliefs.
Bhaja Caves are on the hillside south of Malavli railway station and are among the oldest Buddhist cave complexes in Maharashtra. The main chaitya hall retains traces of early wooden architecture. Beside it, a row of 14 rock-carved stupas of varying sizes stands in a line. The porch of Cave 19 bears precious reliefs of Surya driving a chariot and Indra riding an elephant. About 120 steps lead up, and it is quieter than Karla. During the monsoon, waterfalls form on the cliff beside it. The entry ticket costs about 25 rupees, and the site is often visited together with Lohagad and Visapur.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Visapur Fort
- Lohagad
- Pawna Lake
- Bedse Caves
- Karla Caves
- Shree Narayani Dham Temple
- Bhushi Dam
- Tungarli Lake