2000 year old Buddhist trail to Karla & Bhaja Caves as a day trip from Mumbai

4.9
(11 reviews)

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12 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Karla & Bhaja Caves is a day tour from Mumbai where we go back 2000 years to explore rock cut Buddhist caves on an ancient trade route. Whats in store are magnificent monasteries up in the hill, prayer halls, exquisite sculptures carved on rocks, residences of monks of the first century as well as shelters made for weary travelers of the ancient trade routes between the Arabian Sea and the Deccan Plateau.

What's Included

Local guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Hotel & Cruise Terminal pickup and drop-off
Lunch
Drinks

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

All hotels in Mumbai

Itinerary

Duration: 12 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    730AM- Hotel pick up 945AM– We reach the base of Karla caves. There are a set of 200 steps to be climbed from the parking area. Karla Caves wee built between the 2nd and 5th centuries under the patronage of the Kingdoms of the day. These caves were a key centre for Buddhism in Western India. There are 16 magnificent Buddhist caves with the oldest one dating back to AD 160. The first set of caves were built by Theravadas, an ancient sect of Buddhists while Mahayana group of Buddhists built the later set of caves. The sculptures in the Caves are remarkable. Horse shoe shaped windows bring in the sun light into the cave providing a refreshing environment. The highlight of this visit will be the prayer hall in the main Cave, which is one of the largest rock cut structures in India. The object of worship is a Stupa right at the end of the prayer hall. Cave no 12 is the other unforgettable experience. It has a very interesting characteristic. The ceiling of this Cave has wooden ribs on the ceiling. The wood has survived for 2 millenia!

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 2

    After lunch, we visit Bhaja Caves, the other important Buddhist centre in this part of the world. 200 intricately carved steps need to be surmounted before we reach this magnificent specimen of rock cut Buddhist caves. We visit a set of 22 caves located 400 feet above the village of Bhaja, dating back to 2nd century BC and built by Hinayana group of Buddhists. While 10 of these caves were Viharas or residences for the monks, the other 12 are Chaityas or prayer halls. Cave 12 is a splendid specimen of wooden architecture and vaulted horseshoe ceiling. It also has a pillar which shows Buddha in different forms like Bodhi tree, lotus, elephant, wheel and throne. One of the carvings at Bhaja caves show a woman playing a Tabla the classical Hindustani musical instrument. This has pushed back the current understanding of origin of Tabla as an instrument in Ancient India. 730 PM- End of Karla & Bhaja Caves tour and we drop you back to hotel

    2 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved. 200 steps each in Karla and Bhaja
Supplied by 5 Senses Walks

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Historical Tours
Ports of Call Tours
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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 11 11 reviews
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