Kondana Caves
कोंडाणा लेणी
A group of Buddhist rock-cut caves dating from the 1st century BCE, hidden in dense forest at the foot of Rajmachi. During the monsoon, waterfalls pour from the cave eaves.
Kondane Caves were carved around the 1st century BCE and are among the earliest Buddhist caves in the Western Ghats. There are about 16 caves in total. The main cave is a chaitya hall (prayer hall) imitating wooden architecture, with a horseshoe-arched window on its facade, and it retains Brahmi inscriptions and fragments of relief carving. The caves lie on the western side of Rajmachi Fort, near Kondivade village, about a one-hour walk along forest paths from the village entrance. During the monsoon, waterfalls form above the cave eaves, creating spectacular scenery. Entry is free and there are no facilities, so bring your own water. It is often combined with Rajmachi Fort into a one-day hiking route. Driving there from Lonavla via Karjat takes about 1.5 hours.
Opening hours
All day (daytime recommended)
Nearby sights
- Rajmachi Fort
- Della Adventure Park
- Tungarli Lake
- Rajmachi Point, Khandala
- Kune Falls
- Shree Narayani Dham Temple
- Duke's Nose
- Karla Caves