Karla Caves History

Karla Caves Entry Timings, Entry fees, History, Route Info

The Lonavala (Maharashtra) shows the famous caves known as Karla caves, located near a place called Karli, hence these caves are also called as Karli caves. The Karla caves are the ancient Buddhists rock cut carvings cave shrines. These caves are at a distance of 30 minutes from the Lonavala city, the Karla caves are featured with both the driving and walking facilities.

But the best way to watch Karla caves is by taking a walk, as the caves show a steep way of narrow steps up to the highest point of the cave, one can get refreshments over the steep steps as the stalls on either side of the steps, the caves provide the historical information along.The beautiful waterfall which is eye tempting and also provides the holy shrine of goddess “Ekhveerra Devi “ temple.

Thekarla caves developed in 2^nd  century BC till 5^th century AD , the spectacular look of Karla caves is the main cave which shows chatya hall which posses 37 octagonal pillars and also shows a base of water jar. The front side of cave shows Ashoka pillar , the cave has many windows carved for the sake of light . the cave shows a place called Vihara a place known to be dedicated for monks to stay and to meditate. The carvings of the cave sculptures of elephants are enriched with metal ornaments. The magnificent look of Karla caves is the best point of Maharashtra.

Karla Caves Entry Timings:

9 am – 6 pm.

Karla Caves Entry Fee:

S.No.	Induvitual	Fee
1.	Indians	Rs. 20
2.	Indian child (below 10 Yrs.)	Free
3.	Foreigners	Rs. 200
4.	Still Camera	Rs. 25
5.	Handycam	Rs. 25

Note: Still camera photography (tripod) should get (pre) permission from ASI.

How To Reach Karla Caves:

Two ways to reach Karla Caves:

1.    By the steps at the foothill ( about 150 steps).

2.    By parking the vehicle about 100 meters above the hill. 3.    (But still have to walk up to a distance after    parking.)

Travelling Facilities for Karla Caves:

BY ROAD :Lonavala bus stand (11 Kms from Lonavala Bus stand to Karla Caves).

By TRAIN :Lonavala Railway Station (7 Kms from Lonavala Railway Station to Karla Caves).

BY AIR :MUMBAI & PUNE International distance. (From Airport can hire private cabs or take up bus facilities).

SAFETY MEASURES TO BE FOLLOWED :

Should carry food & water bottles.

Elders & kids should take Rikshaw to the temple at the top “ Ekhveera Devi Temple”.

Better to visit in winter

Not advisable to visit in the rainy season, as it is dangerous to climb the steep steps.

From the car parking the walking distance to the cave is about 20 minutes, so carry food and water bottles.