Guided Tour: Karla and Bhaja Caves from Mumbai

General Overview

Searching for a one day tour with friends near Mumbai? Take a tour of the ancient caves which date back to 2nd century BC and explore one of the finest forms of rock-cut architecture. A famous place to visit for architecture lovers. Avail 250 kilometres of usage of a private car.

Tour Highlights

• Guided tour of the Karla and Bhaja caves from Mumbai.

• Visit one of the finest examples of rock-cut architecture.

• Have the offbeat experiences near Mumbai. A perfect pick for road trip lovers. 

• Your whole tour will be accompanied by an experienced chauffeur.

• You will have Hassle-free travel that lets you enjoy every bit of your tour.

• It is one of the best picnic spots near Mumbai and one of the best family getaways. 

• No need to worry about your return. You will be dropped out at your hotel/residence in Mumbai limits. 

Detailed overview

A short two-hour drive from Mumbai brings you a group of 22 rock cut caves known as the Karla and Bhaja caves. These caves date back to the 2nd century B.C. and the oldest Chaitya Buddhist caves that are still in existence. There are prominent features of calm Buddhism like the prayer hall and the Stupa and other relief structure seen which give the traveler an insight into their life. The carvings on these walls show the use of wood for the first time in the Indian civilization and this is what makes the caves an important archeological artifact. These unique caves are located at a close proximity to the main village area, amidst the scenic waterfalls and lush greens. 

The Karla caves hold a magnificent Buddhist statue seated on a throne supported by a lion and surrounded by three elephants and the sides. This marvelous sculpture will leave the tourist in awe of the craftsmanship and creativity of the architects of the age.

Itinerary

• You will get an early morning start at 7 am when your private guide picks you up at your centrally located hotel in Mumbai.
• You will be traveling for about three hours in an air-conditioned private vehicle to reach Karla around 10 am.
• Once there, your guide leads you on a walk through the impressive site.
• You will ascend 200 steep steps to reach the caves, which were excavated thousands of years ago from a hillside in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra.
• The rock-cut shrines were developed for Buddhist monks to use during the monsoons.
• They feature chaityas (prayer halls) with intricate carvings; the largest of the halls measures 148 feet (45 meters) and was created in the 1st century BC.
• After exploring the caves, you may take a break to have your lunch at the restaurant of your choice.
• Post lunch you will head to the Bhaja caves, another religious site near the Karla Caves that you discover on foot.
• At the end of a full day, drive back to your Mumbai hotel where your tour ends with a hotel drop-off in the evening.