Bedse Caves,Lonavala, Near Pune

Bedse caves are located nearby to Bhajja Caves & Karla caves and it is highly recommended to visit this cave if you specially travelling to Karla or Bhaja caves. Amidst the lush greenery, these caves are the best to visit during the monsoon period as they look stunning. Also this is the only Vipassana center which still remains intact with only a little part of the center being broken.
Also the best part is you can easily sit, relax and meditate inside its cells as its relatively empty and less popular than its nearby caves like Bhaja and Karla. Apparently, the selfie sticks are not allowed inside and the place is taken care by the Archaelogical Survey of India which is really doing a great job of taking its care.

Bedse caves are also popularly known as Bedsa Caves.Those are 2300 year old Buddhist monument and those are considered as one of the oldest caves of Maharashtra. Bedse caves are located at Maval Taluka of Pune District. This place is less crowded as the other two caves karla and Bhaja near pune are more popular among tourists. As those are less crowded , it is the best reason to visit this place as you can get the feel of peace and serenity which is character of this beautiful location. Bedse caves are located 40 km from Pune to the Bedse Village followed by a thirty minute walk from the village. In fact, the hike to the caves can be considered to be quite pleasant and relaxing feels like walking amidst nature.

The history of the Bedse caves dates back to the 1st century BC. It primarily constitutes two caves that are facing eastwards along with numerous rock-cut beds, these beds are called the ‘viharas’. In the ancient times when these caves were inhabited, the viharas comprised of nine smaller cells that served as dwellings for the early Buddhist monks.
According to legend, these Buddhist monks were known as the Bhiku and often stayed in the viharas during the monsoon, which was around 4 months every year. Hence the viharas came to be called earlier as the rain caves or Vasha Viharas. According to historians, the world famous Buddhist poetic scripture and enlightening “Therigatha” consisting of religious content on Buddhism was written by these monks.
Since, the caves are remote and are not widely visited, it would be safer to visit the caves during sunrise. Also, as the caves are facing eastward, the beauty of the carvings and the inscriptions are more enhanced when it is viewed early in the morning.
Of the 2 caves, ‘Chaitya’ is the main cave. It served as a prayer hall for the Buddhist monks and has an absolutely stunning Stupa inside it. Both the caves, the Viharas and the Chaitya, exhibit astounding and breath-taking stone carvings and architecture. There are five columns designed with simple jewels.
There are numerous ancient inscriptions in the caves left by their benefactors. The cave entrance is constructed using two pillars and two columns, each one of these columns are beautified and sculpted with humans and deities with animals like the bull, the horse or the elephant.
The Chaitya is a very aesthetically constructed cave and a beauty in itself. The Stupa inside the chaitya is so exquisite and beautiful that it almost touches the ceiling, the light of the sun at all times of the day falls and perfectly reaches and highlights the Stupa which is circular and is shaped like a dome in Chaitya.
Apart from the two caves, there are a lot of minor caves with an additional cave that is primarily meant for meditation. The entire area is cooled naturally by the spring-water tanks that are placed below the caves give a cooling effect. It is also said these caves were used by travelers to store some of their wares.

How to Reach Bedse Caves ?

By Air
The Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai is the nearest airport which is 110 km from Kamshet. Pune domestic airport is 60 km away from Kamshet.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is Lonavala railway station. It is connected to Mumbai and Goa. And is about 16 km to Kamshet is about 16 km
By Road
Many Government buses of Maharashtra are operating between Kamshet and many cities nearby. Along with this there are many state owned bus services to Bordi from nearby cities
Best Time to Visit
The Bedse caves in Kamshet can be visited is all year round but the Best season to visit here is October to May.
• Summers (March to April): Warm temperatures varying from 25°C and 40°C.
• Winters (December to February): Moderate temperatures varying between 10°C to 26°C.
• Monsoons are pleasant and beautiful and you can see waterfalls in and around.
Accommodation in and around the Bedse Caves
There are several decent accommodations available near Kamshet and there are MTDC resorts around Karla and Rye Woods.

Compiled by: placestovisitindia.in Team