Bhaja Caves of Malavali village near Lonavala
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Bhaja caves is one of the oldest Buddhist religious caves in Malavali village near Lonavala. It is the best tourist place near Pune which is well maintained as compared to many other tourist attractions in Pune.
The base village of Bhaja have a waterfalls in monsoon but as it is winter we miss that view. We had plan for round trip from Pune-Malavali-Lohagad Base-Pavana dam-Pune as this route have scenic views of Pavana backwaters and hills.
How to reach Bhaja caves from Pune (Kondhwa)
We took the city route and took route from Shivajinagar-Dange chowk-Ravet and the Talegaon. After taking NH4 (Mumbai-Pune Highway) towards Mumbai, just few KMS before Lonavala, you should find and exit on the left for Malavali (Karla/Bhaja caves). Take the left, you should reach Malavali Railway station and after crossing the railway station for 2km you will reach the base village of Bhaja Caves. The same route takes you to Lahagad/Visapur Fort base and if you are planning for same round trip than the same route from Lohagad Base will take to base side of fort which will connect to Mumbai to Pavana dam (Paud) road. Taking left on that route will take you to Pavana Dam Backwaters and Pavana village. Road conditions will Lahagad Base is renewed, but few patches of Pavana Dam has bad road.
We spend a lot of time at the top exploring each and every corner of the caves and enjoying the lunch too. There was school student also who were enjoying the historical visit to Bhaja caves.
You can see the Lohagad fort from Bhaja caves and if you are having a walk to Lohagad from the base village, it is a walk of 2-3 hours. Also, you can drive till the base of Lohagad fort. Visapur fort is also closeby. There is a shortcut for Visapur fort from the Bhaja caves. There is no clear path marked, but just keep going up on the left side after crossing few steps of Bhaja caves and after travelling few hours you should reach Visapur Fort. Alternately, there is road path on the way of Lohagad fort for Visapur fort. If you are planning for a walk to Lohagad from Bhaja, don't come towards the path to the caves and walk towards the main road (along the temple).
Bhaja caves in Malavali village |
Base direction for Bhaja caves |
Base village of Bhaja caves |
We took the city route and took route from Shivajinagar-Dange chowk-Ravet and the Talegaon. After taking NH4 (Mumbai-Pune Highway) towards Mumbai, just few KMS before Lonavala, you should find and exit on the left for Malavali (Karla/Bhaja caves). Take the left, you should reach Malavali Railway station and after crossing the railway station for 2km you will reach the base village of Bhaja Caves. The same route takes you to Lahagad/Visapur Fort base and if you are planning for same round trip than the same route from Lohagad Base will take to base side of fort which will connect to Mumbai to Pavana dam (Paud) road. Taking left on that route will take you to Pavana Dam Backwaters and Pavana village. Road conditions will Lahagad Base is renewed, but few patches of Pavana Dam has bad road.
Steps towards Bhaja Caves |
Bhaja Caves |
Bhaja Caves of Malavali village near Lonavala |
Sculpture in Bhaja Caves |
We spend a lot of time at the top exploring each and every corner of the caves and enjoying the lunch too. There was school student also who were enjoying the historical visit to Bhaja caves.
School Children's at Bhaja caves |
Base village of Bhaja caves |
Pavana Dam |
For more photo and details about Pavana dam visit my first bike ride to Pavana Dam.
Similar places of interest:
- Trek to Lohagad Fort
- Pavana Dam
- Trek to Tikona Fort
- Bhaja Caves of Malavali village
- Lohagad fort near Lonavala
- Shivneri Fort
- Dudhsagar Trek
- Ellora Caves
- Buddha Caves
- Rohida Fort
- Murud Janjira Fort
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