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Photo: Photo Dharma from Sadao, Thailand, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Bedse Caves are a small 1st-century BCE Buddhist rock-cut cave complex near Kamshet in Maharashtra. They include a chaitya hall with a stupa and a simple vihara, and are reached by a short uphill walk. Less visited than nearby Karla and Bhaja, they offer a quieter and more atmospheric experience.
Bedse Caves are a group of Buddhist rock-cut monuments situated in Maval taluka, Pune District, Maharashtra, India. The history of the caves can be traced back to the Satavahana period in the 1st century BCE. They are some 9 km from the Bhaja Caves. Other caves in the area are Karla Caves, Patan Buddhist Cave and Nasik Caves.
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Visapur Fort is a majestic 18th-century hill fortress located near Malavli village, near Lonavala. Located at an altitude of 3,556 feet (1,084 meters) it is higher and bigger than its more celebrated neighbour Lohgad. It is a popular monsoon trekking destination.
Buddhist archaeological site consisting of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. It is considered as the oldest Buddhist caves of the Deccan region. The caves are nestled 400 feet above the village of Bhaja, which is 12 km away from the popular hill resort of Lonavala.The caves are known for their unique architecture that replicates wooden structures in stone; the caves are a highlight of the region’s early cave architecture. The Bhaja Caves offer a tranquil retreat for travelers and a profound glimpse into early Buddhist monastic life in the Deccan.
Important caves of Bhaja Cave complex:
Located in the shadows of the knoll on the north-eastern side lies a roofless structure consisting of two chambers. The chamber on the west houses the remains of Shaikh Umar Avalia. This is also an active dargh, and on the full moon day in the month of Poush (Dec – Jan), 1000 devotees (irrespective of religion) visit the place.
The eastern edge of the table top houses several rock-cut Buddhist caves. One of the caves is known as Lakshmi Kothi. Nothing much is known about the origin of the caves. According to experts they date back to 2nd century CE.
It is located slightly north-west of the Maha Darwaza. It is the largest standing structure in the fort complex. The square structure is topped with a dome. Sadly, nothing is known about the tomb or its occupants. Next to the tomb is an open paved area marked as sabha mandap or assembly area, housing three cannons.
The table top of Lohagad is flat apart from a central knoll (a small, low, round natural hill or mound), located at the middle of the tableland. Atop the knoll stands a dargah with a couple of tombs. Nothing much is known about the occupants of the tomb. There are no structures. The graves stand on an elevated platform surrounded by a metallic railing. It is an active dargah with fresh sheets being laid above graves by locals.