Contents
How to get to Kondana Caves from Karjat?
Take a bus or rickshaw from Karjat to Kondivade and then proceed to Kondane or Kharvandi village, as the caves are equally near from both these places. Auto rides and State Transport buses are easily available from Karjat Station. It takes about 40 min to reach the village at the base of the caves.
Where are the caves in Kondana, Sri Lanka?
The Kondana Caves are located in the small village of Kondana, 33 km north of Lonavala and 16 km northwest of Karla Caves. This cave group has 16 Buddhist caves.
Where are the caves in Karjat, Maharashtra?
Kondana Caves, nestled cosily in the midst of a dense forest near Kondana Village, 33 kilometres north of Lonavala and about 15 kilometres from Karjat, Maharashtra. These caves were discovered in the 1st century BC and consist of intricate and delicate carvings of Buddhist architecture.
Which is the best time to visit Kondana Caves?
June to September is the best time if you enjoy monsoon treks in the lush greenery around the caves. Take a bus or rickshaw from Karjat to Kondivade and then proceed to Kondane or Kharvandi village, as the caves are equally near from both these places.
When was the discovery of the Kondana Caves?
The Kondana Caves were discovered during an excavation in the 1st century BC. The cave group is one of the three sister caves along with Bhaje Caves and Karla Caves. They were majorly used by the Buddhist monks for meditation purposes, especially during the monsoons.
How tall is the Chaitya cave in Kondana?
The Kondana Caves face north-west and are hidden behind the dense forest. The entire complex is divided into four caves. The first cave is the arch-shaped Chaitya cave which extends over 65 feet and stands 28 feet tall & 25 feet wide. The Chaitya cave lies to the south-west of the cave group.
Take a bus or rickshaw (Rs.150 – Rs.200) from Karjat to Kondivade village and from Kondivade proceed to Kondane or Kharvandi village as from both these villages the Kondana caves are a one hour walk. The other way is from the Ulhas valley, get to Thakurwadi railway station from Pune/Mumbai. From here you can proceed to famous valley of Ulhas River.
Are there any stupas in the Kondana Caves?
The Kondana caves enclose sculptures, vihara, cahitya and stupas, specimens of ancient Buddhist architecture. Although there was an earth quake in the early 1900s many stupas, the front entrance and the floor of the caves were damaged.