Karla Caves
कार्ला लेणी
A group of Buddhist rock-cut caves carved from the 2nd century BCE, India’s largest and best-preserved early chaitya hall. The Ekvira Devi Temple stands beside the entrance.
The Karla Caves are carved into a hillside about 11 km east of Lonavala. The main cave, the Great Chaitya Cave, was carved around the 1st century BCE. It is about 38 m long. Two rows of pillars, carved with elephant riders and couples, support a timber-style ribbed vaulted ceiling. At the far end stands a stone-carved stupa, and a huge horseshoe-shaped window in the facade lets light in. Lion pillars stand in front of the cave, and beside them is the Ekvira Devi Temple, which draws many worshippers. The site requires climbing about 350 steps. Admission is about 25 rupees (about 300 rupees for foreigners), and weekends bring many worshippers.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Bhaja Caves
- Tungarli Lake
- Shree Narayani Dham Temple
- Visapur Fort
- Lohagad
- Della Adventure Park
- Rajmachi Fort
- Bedse Caves