Karla, Bhaja And Bedsa Caves
The Karla caves are about 10 km from Lonavla (towards Pune on the Mumbai-Pune Highway) and are the largest Chaitya caves in the country, dating back to 160 B.C. The Chaitya Hall, about 45 m long, 15 m wide and 16 m high is well-preserved. The arched ceiling of the hall has wooden rafters that have remained intact through the centuries. At the entrance of the caves is a pillar with three lions on it.
There is a motorable road up to the Bhaja caves (off the Mumbai-Pune Highway), and the remaining distance, about 1.6 km is to be covered on foot. Lesser-known than the Karla Caves, these caves are as old. There are 18 caves in this complex, of which cave 12 is the finest. Some sculptures and ornamental designs in the caves are exquisite.
The least known of the three, the Bedsa caves date back to the first century AD. There are good carvings on the pillars.