Bedsa

Distance   100 km

District   Pune

Category   Caves

Overview

Bedsa Caves, as ancient as 60 BC, consisting of two caves are considered to be among the oldest caves in Maharashtra. Bedsa caves are considered part of a trio of Hinayana Buddhist Caves built in the 1st century BC (making them over 1000 years old). Bedsa Caves are situated very close to the region of Kamshet and falls on the Mumbai to Pune road. These caves located around the city of Khandala are known to be as large as that of the Karla Caves. The Caves of Bedsa are known for their pillars that are adorned with the image of lions and a Chaitya hall having spacious reposing rooms. The rays of the sun penetrate within the prayer hall of the caves. The Bedsa Caves are popular for their superb art and architecture.
The caves can be reached through number of steps on the sloppy hilly location. The main cave known as Chaitya, the prayer hall, enshrines a beautiful stupa. This cave contains four 25 feet high pillars with many carvings including those of elephants, horses and bulls. The ribbed roof is supported by orthogonal pillars. The Bedsa caves are 15 kms to the south of Kamshet railway station. The Trio kept incomplete by Karla and Bhaja is completed by Bedsa. There is a village named Bedsa near the caves. These are at the south of Raut wadi. Though a very good place to visit is not very often crowded. The beauty of these caves is best viewed in the mornings.
Another cave is Vihara, containing beautiful carvings on it. Both caves facing east direction are adorned with exquisite carvings as well. An early morning visit to the caves is recommended as the sunlight will make the caves more visible.

Places of Interest

The Caves of Bedsa are known for their pillars that are adorned with the image of lions and a Chaitya hall having spacious reposing rooms. The rays of the sun penetrate within the prayer hall of the caves. The caves of Bedsa are very well-maintained by the tourism department of Maharashtra. The Bedsa Caves are popular for their superb art and architecture.

How to Reach

Tourists can access the Bedsa Caves either by the railways or by road. Regular state bus services are available from Pune. 8 –10 km in South(Left) before Kamshet on Pune - Lonavala road. The Bedsa caves are located within the Bedsa village.