2000 year old trail to Karla & Bhaja
2000 year old Buddhist university
Karla & Bhaja Caves tour is a day trip from Mumbai where we go back 2000 years to explore rock cut Buddhist caves on an ancient trade route. What's in store are magnificent monasteries up in the hill, prayer halls, exquisite sculptures carved on rocks, residences of monks of the first century as well as shelters made for weary travelers of the ancient trade routes between the Arabian Sea and the Deccan Plateau.
Karla Caves
Karla Caves were built between the 2nd and 5th centuries under the patronage of the Kingdoms of the day. These caves were a key centre for Buddhism in Western India. There are 16 magnificent Buddhist caves with the oldest one dating back to AD 160. The first set of caves were built by Theravadas, an ancient sect of Buddhists while Mahayana group of Buddhists built the later set of caves. The sculptures in the Caves are remarkable. Horse shoe shaped windows bring in the sun light into the cave providing a refreshing environment. The highlight of this visit will be the prayer hall in the main Cave, which is one of the largest rock cut structures in India. The object of worship is a Stupa right at the end of the prayer hall. Cave no 12 is the other unforgettable experience. It has a very interesting characteristic. The ceiling of this Cave has wooden ribs on the ceiling. The wood has survived for 2 millennia!
Bhaja Caves
Bhaja Caves are the other important Buddhist centre in this part of the world. 200 intricately carved steps need to be surmounted before we reach this magnificent specimen of rock cut Buddhist caves. We visit a set of 22 caves located 400 feet above the village of Bhaja, dating back to 2nd century BC and built by Hinayana group of Buddhists. While 10 of these caves were Viharas or residences for the monks, the other 12 are Chaityas or prayer halls. Cave 12 is a splendid specimen of wooden architecture and vaulted horseshoe ceiling. It also has a pillar which shows Buddha in different forms like Bodhi tree, lotus, elephant, wheel and throne. One of the carvings at Bhaja caves show a woman playing a Tabla the classical Hindustani musical instrument. This has pushed back the current understanding of origin of Tabla as an instrument in Ancient India.
Guided Tour
Karal & Bhaja caves tour is a guided tour where a cultural evangelist will provide the cultural context during our visit. Our cultural evangelists unpack authentic India for better comprehension and appreciation of the cultural and heritage of the ancient Indian civilization.
Private Tour
A private tour ensures that we are able to focus all our attention on you and adjust the pace of the tour according to your interests. Pick and drop from your hotel in an airconditioned vehicle is included in the Karla & Bhaja caves tour from Mumbai..
Strenghening local community
Our company is helping the local community by training & employing local guides. This initiative is to ensure travel dollars stay where they are spent.
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Trip Itinerary
Experience cultural immersion in the Karla & Bhaja Caves tour.
Pricing Table
- Pick & drop
- Travel by Innova
- Guide
- Entrance charges
- Indian Vegetarian lunch
- Pick & drop
- Travel by sedan
- Guide
- Entrance charges
- Indian Vegetarian lunch
- Pick & drop
- Travel by sedan
- Guide
- Entrance charges
- Indian Vegetarian lunch
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