Bedse Caves

Bedse Caves, sometimes called Bedse Caves, stand near Kamshet in the Maval area of Pune district and date back to ancient times. These caves are Buddhist structures that are 2300 years old. People consider them one of the oldest caves in Maharashtra and one of the best places to visit in Lonavala. Along with Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves, Bedse Caves comprise the three Buddhist caves in the Lonavala area.

Why is Bedse Caves' ancient Buddhist site Underrated?

One of Lonavala's best-kept secrets is the Bedse Caves, an old Buddhist site. Artists carved these rock-cut caves in the first century BCE, featuring beautiful designs, a large chaitya hall, and mesmerizing writing.

Bedse Cave is a quiet place for history buffs and hikers to relax, unlike Karla and Bhaja Caves, which are more popular with tourists. The hike to the caves is beautiful and adds to the experience. It is a must-see for people who want peace and historical charm.

Intricate Carvings and Architectural Highlights

The caves have a past that goes back to the first century BC. The paintings on the rocks are in the style of Buddhism. Caves 7 and 11 are the two important ones. They are Chaitya and Vihara. The Chaitya Hall is home to a beautiful stupa. The four 25-foot-tall poles in this cave hold up the ribbed roof.

The supports that hold up this roof are also straight. Elephants, horses, and bulls are carved into the 25 pillars of the main cave. The Vihara temple has nine main rooms and a few side cells. Since both caves face east, the best time to see them is early morning, when the paintings are bright and beautiful.

Besides the two main caves, visitors can explore many smaller caves, including one primarily used for meditation. The spring-water tanks set up below the caves keep the area cool. Caretakers maintained and even painted the caves until 1861. The government made these improvements to please British soldiers who frequently visited the caves. As a result, the pieces of clay with paintings on them have been lost.

Best Season to Visit for a Peaceful Experience

The hills are lush and green during the wet season, making it the best time to visit Bedse Caves. Heavy rainfall creates many small streams, but they are only visible during the rainy season. It's one of the less well-known spots, so few people are there. This makes it easy to enjoy the views. Lonavala tour packages often include visits to such hidden gems, offering a serene experience.