Tagged: bedse and bhaje caves

Bhaje Caves is located near the scenic hill resort of Lonavala in the Western Ghats. These caves were turned into Buddhist religious center during the 1st century AD. The Bhaje Caves have however now been classified as a national monument, and are thus better maintained. Thousands of weekend vacationers who come to Lonavala also visit these caves to appreciate their beauty and get amazed by the fabulous architecture of these rock-cut caves.

The Kharosa caves are located around 45 kilometers from the city of Latur in Maharashtra. These are 12 rock-cut caves that contain Hindu, Buddhist and Jain images and sculptures. The archeologists and historians are of the opinion that the Kharosa caves were built during the 6th century. These caves are from the time of the Gupta rulers.

Kol Caves of Maharashtra state, About a mile south-east of Mahad in a hill behind the village of Kol are two small groups of caves still in good condition. The first group, to the north-east of the village, consists of, a few ruined cells; the second group, to the south-east contains one cell larger than any of the others. All are apparently unfinished. In the second group are three short inscriptions now worn out of about the first century after Christ.

One of the must see items on any sightseeing list among first time visitors to Mumbai is the Gharapuri Leni, which is more commonly known as the Elephanta caves. These caves are located on the Elephanta Island. They are just 10 kilometers away into the Arabian Sea from the city. The ferry provides a thrilling experience for all those who have never ventured into the sea. And of course, what you see on arrival in the caves is certainly the better part.

Located near Mount Poinsur in Borivali, a Mumbai suburb in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Mandapeshawar Caves are rock-cut grottos dedicated to Lord Shiva. In size and dimension, these caves are much smaller as compared to the Kanheri Caves that are also located in Borivali.

Ajanta Caves are located a little more than 100 kilometers north of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These caved were built in the pre-Christian times, and are now considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. They were accidentally discovered by an Army Officer in the Madras Regiment of the British Army in 1819. Because of the remoteness of the caves, and more due to the beauty within, these caves attracted worldwide attention. These days of course, they are not remote at all. You can easily reach the caves and see the sculptures within. People come from all corners of the world to see the fabulous paintings and sculpture depicting the life of Lord Buddha within the confines of these mystifying caves.

The twin fort of Galna that lies around 23 kilometers north of Malegaon in Nasik district of Maharashtra is indeed steeped in history. Although now in complete ruins, the fort was once considered as a formidable one in the region. It was a stronghold of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who captured it 1704. Subsequently in 1818, the fort was occupied by a company of local infantry.