Karla Caves

Karla Caves are the largest cave temple (chaitya) in India and is located in Lonavala. These rock cut caves are assumed to be built around 100 AD by Buddhist nuns. The marvelous ancient Karla Caves are presently a popular tourist destination to have a close look at the ancient Buddhist architecture and culture. These caves exhibit Buddhist ideologies through inscriptions and stupas.

The Chaitya hall is spectacular with 37 octagonal pillars with a base structure of a water jar and it has a special feature of the façade screen made out of teak wood. The entrance of the Chaitya hall is adorned with an arch in the shape of a horse shoe.

Karla caves encloses Buddha viharas, where the monks used to stay during their meditation period in the caves. The cave encloses sculptures of elephants adorned with metal jewelries and ivory tusks.