Ambavali Caves

Located near the famed hill fort of Karjat, the Ambivali cave is around 16 miles north-east of town. It is a Buddhist era rock-cut cave (250 BC – 100 AD) that has been carved out of a long range of low hills running in a curvature on the plateau. It overlooks one of the tributaries of the River Ulhas. The approach to the cave is through a sloping rock that becomes slippery during the monsoon months.

The cave primarily consists of a big hall-like space measuring 40 feet by 39 feet with a 10 feet high ceiling giving access to four cells from its three open sides. Along these three sides, there is a low rock-cut bench-like structure, resembling one that adorns the Kanheri cave. The central as well as the right hand passage of the hall lead into a formidably long verandah measuring around 31’ x 5’. This is supported by four pillars that are made out of solid rock. There is a central entranceway between each pair of pillars. This is backed by the parapet wall of the cave which used to serve as a sitting arrangement for the Buddhist monks who lived in these caves once. The central pair of pillar consists of eight-sided columns, while those remaining are sixteen-sided.

Incidentally, the cave lately appears to have been transformed into a Brahmanic temple that must have been used by devotees. Because of this, portions of the hall and the verandah have been blackened due to smoke emanated from ritual fire that occurs in devotional offerings.

How to reach: You will have to reach Karjat first. There is a railway station here. You can take a bus or taxi to reach the base and then climb up to the cave. You may also drive your own vehicle if you so want.

It is best to stay in Karjat if you don’t want to spend around the cave in a tent. There are no regular hotels near Ambivali cave, resorts near Ambivali cave or cottages near Ambivali cave.