- Govt. of India Approved
- IATO Member
- Trusted Since 1999
Pilgrimage Guide › Sacred Sites 10–18 › Karla Caves
The Karla Caves near Lonavala, Maharashtra, hold one of the largest and finest rock-cut Buddhist prayer halls (chaityas) in India, carved around the 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. The hall is famous for its carved pillars and its ancient wooden ceiling ribs.
Karla, near Lonavala, Pune district
About 1st century BCE – 1st century CE
Lonavala or Malavli
About 11 km from Lonavala; 60 km from Pune
October to March
2 hours (with the climb)
The Karla Caves were carved on an ancient trade route through the Western Ghats, with support from merchants, kings and local donors whose gifts are recorded in inscriptions. The great chaitya (prayer hall), about 38 metres long, is one of the largest rock-cut Buddhist halls in India.
Inside, rows of pillars with carved elephants and riders lead to a stupa at the far end. The ribbed ceiling still holds wooden beams believed to be about 2,000 years old. A tall pillar with lions stands in front of the hall. The early style, with no Buddha images inside, shows the time when the Buddha was honoured through the stupa and symbols. A Hindu temple of Ekvira Devi now stands beside the caves.
Karla’s great hall was made for monks and lay people to walk around the stupa in prayer, and it still has wonderful sound for chanting. Standing in this ancient space, pilgrims connect with the early Buddhist community of western India.
The inscriptions of merchants and donors also remind pilgrims how generous lay supporters helped the Sangha to flourish.
Karla is about 11 km from Lonavala, about 60 km from Pune and about 110 km from Mumbai. Lonavala and Malavli railway stations are on the Mumbai–Pune line. The nearest airport is Pune. From the base, a climb of a few hundred steps leads to the caves. Karla is easily combined with the nearby Bhaja Caves on the same day.
October to March is the most comfortable time. The monsoon makes the hills green, but the steps can be slippery. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Start the climb early, carry water and wear good shoes. Elderly pilgrims should take the steps slowly with rests.
Prime Value Tours can include this sacred place in a private tour for your group, with an English or Thai-speaking guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, vegetarian meals and unhurried time for chanting and meditation at every stop. Tell us your group size and travel dates, and we will plan the best route and send your quotation within 24 hours.
Karla has one of the largest and finest rock-cut Buddhist prayer halls in India, with carved pillars and ancient wooden ceiling ribs.
The great chaitya hall at Karla dates from about the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE.
Karla is near Lonavala in Pune district, Maharashtra, about 11 km from Lonavala and about 60 km from Pune.
Yes. Bhaja Caves are a short drive from Karla, and both can be visited comfortably in one day.
Yes. Visitors climb a few hundred steps from the base to reach the caves.
Government-approved tour operator from Varanasi since 1999. Private Buddhist pilgrimage tours for Thai and Southeast Asian groups, with English or Thai-speaking guides.
