Bhaja Caves

The complex consists of 22 rock-cut caves positioned 400 feet above Bhaja village along an ancient trade route connecting the Arabian Sea to Deccan Plateau.

Dating from the 2nd century BCE, these caves include multiple stupas and a main chaitya hall that exhibits the early development of Buddhist architectural forms.

The caves feature inscriptions documenting donations to the vihara, names of resident monks, and relief carvings depicting women playing musical instruments like the tabla.

The caves remain accessible through a short trek from Bhaja town, with October through February providing the most favorable weather conditions for visiting.

Cave XII contains a vaulted horseshoe ceiling with detailed relief carvings and stands as the earliest surviving chaitya hall from the second century BCE.

Location: Pune district

GPS coordinates: 18.72778,73.48194

Latest update: May 27, 2025 06:47