Karla Caves

Lonavala is a hill station nestled between Pune and Mumbai in Western India. Monsoon season brings gushing waterfalls and sheets of heavy fog to the green hills.

Atop a mountain around six miles east of Lonavala sit the ancient Karla Caves. Also known as Valuraka during ancient times, these caves were originally developed between the 2nd century B.C. and the 5th century A.D., and became a Buddhist monastery. There are 16 caves in the complex, one of which is a large prayer hall called the Chaitya Griha. The other 15 are smaller monasteries called Viharas.

Rows of pillars inside Chaitya Griha lead to a large stupa. The ceiling is made of curved wooden ribs, and the pillars are octagonal with sculptures of humans and animals on top. Many of them have runic inscriptions etched on their surfaces. Some of the inscriptions mention the details of the patrons who made donations during the creation of the caves.

The caves are a testament to the skills of ancient artisans and craftsmen. They have been carved out of basalt rock and are a reminder of the advanced engineering and architectural techniques of that early era.