Karla Caves, Lonavala

Karla Caves, Lonavala | History, Timings, Entry Fees & Images

Karla Caves, a well-known tourist destination close to Lonavala, are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves. It is one of the oldest Buddhist cave sanctuaries in India and is also referred to as Karli Caves, Karle Caves, or Karla Cells. One of India’s biggest Chaityas (prayer halls with stupas) is located in these caves. The Ekvira Temple inside Karla Caves is the key reason for its fame.

Karla Caves, formerly known as Veluraka, are home to a shrine devoted to Goddess Ekveera and a massive 15-meter pillar. A Buddhist monastery is also located nearby; it is thought to have been constructed in the second century BC. Near the caves, a significant historic trade route that runs eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan may be seen. To get to the cave, one must ascend over 150 steps.

History of Karla Caves, Lonavala

Karla Caves were built in two phases, the first of which spanned the second century BC to the second century AD and the second of which spanned the fifth century AD to the tenth century. With the exception of three excavations that date from the Mahayana period, the entire cave is thought to have been constructed using a single design. They were constructed thanks to the kind offerings of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including merchants, monks, nuns, and even a Marathi royal prince.

Several people from all over the nation, including Vejamti, Sopara, Umehanakata, and Dhenukakata, are mentioned in the inscriptions discovered here. The original name of the caverns, “Veluraka,” can be traced back to these and other inscriptions that suggest property was donated to the Velluraka Samgha.

Architecture of Karla Caves 

• Of all the structures of this type in India, the Karla Caves are a remarkable construction with one of the largest and most magnificent Chaityagrihas. The largest one is 13.87 m wide, 14.02 m high, and 37.87 m deep from door to back.
• Numerous rock-cut columns that are further ornamented with elaborate carvings and inscriptions adorn it.
• Supported by a series of wooden arches, the principal object of worship is a spectacular semi-circular ceiling that emerges from an alley behind the columns.
• In addition to supporting a cubical “harmika” and a seven-step square foundation pyramid, the stupa features a cylindrical drum that rises in two levels.
• Eight of the 16 rock-cut excavations that make up the cave are the Chaityagrihas.
• The hall also features exquisite sculptures of men, women, and animals. Amazing carvings of three elephants may be seen in a sculpture of a preaching Buddha sitting on a throne supported by a lion.
• Among the main characteristics are the pillars that resemble the Ashokan pillar and are decorated with elephant designs.
• There is a temple to the Goddess Ekvira near the cave’s entrance.

How to Reach Karla Caves 

The Karla caverns are accessible by public transit. The best options are to take a state transport bus that often runs from Mumbai and Pune to Lonavala and from Lonavala to Karla, or rent a taxi if you’re coming from Pune or Mumbai. Once you arrive, the walk up the steep slope to the caves takes around 20 minutes.