Bedse Caves

Reaching the serene and stunning Bedse caves is an enjoyable experience in itself. Also, those people who are looking for the quiet moment to commune with nature then stepped up to the right destination. Bedse caves are one of the few places that are not much crowed and are must-visit for the travelers coming to enjoy the panorama of Pune. Bedse caves can be best reached from Kamshet (Pune) as it is in Khandala.

Bedse Caves are less famous and less visited as compared to Karla and Bhaja caves. These caves can be reached through easily by lying 350 steps on the slovenly hilly location.

History of Bedse Caves:

Dating back to the 1st century BC Bedse caves are the real epitome of the architectural masterpiece. They are considered as the ultimate expression of Buddhist art. These amazingly beautiful caves are at a distance of 20 km from Lohagad Fort, 26 km from Lonavala Railway Station, and 56 km from Pune.

These are also popularly very ancient caves located near Kamshet in the Maval taluk in Maharashtra. These caves are 2300 years old Buddhist monuments. They are considered to be one of the oldest caves in Maharashtra and also one of the top Khandala places to visit.

Bedse caves complete the trio of Buddhist caves along with Karla Caves and Bhaja caves in Khandala. The history of Bedse caves can be sketched back from 1st century BC.

The architecture of Bedse Caves, Khandala

There are mainly two caves facing eastward. One of them is the Chaitya cave. Along with it, there are several other rock-cut beds called viharas. They were actually used by the monks in ancient times to live. Chaitya also is known as the prayer hall needs some more extra time to discover it ultimately. Enhancing the beauty of these caves, there is a beautiful Stupa inside it. Apart from that, you may find here several other hidden treasures that are yet to be revealed. You can spend the entire weekend exploring these caves. The carvings beautifully engulf these caves.

Interesting Facts to Know about Bedse Caves:

Not much history is known about these caves. But there is a very popular incident attached to it. In 1861, these caves got deteriorated too much and came into a very bad condition. They somehow lost their quintessence with the time. But then a British officer heard about this, planned his visit to this place to explore the exquisiteness. However, that local British officer stuck in the utter confusion. Then he urgently employed labour to paint the walls, renovate the Stupa and the clean the whole area in and around to make it a worth watching place.

Things to do in Bedse Caves, Khandala

You can engage yourself in capturing the pictures of the caves and the nearby area. Apart from incredible photography Bedse also offers good trekking opportunities. As the treks are not too tricky, everybody can opt for trekking facilities.

Two trekking routes are available there for adventure lovers to reach Nagphani. First one is from Khandala railway station, takes nearly 3-4 hours (around 6 km one way) and the second is from Kurvande that takes 1.5 hours (2 km) to reach the top and is the easiest route.

But as these caves face eastward, so you are advised to visit the caves early in the morning so that the best pictures can be captured in the sunlight.

People coming to visit these caves, if not have binding on returning within a day, can visit the nearby attractions such as

Lohagad,

Lohagad Fort is one of the most famous forts in Maharashtra. People prefer to visit this among other popular heritage sites near Pune. This makes an ideal trekking destination for trekkers from Pune and Mumbai because of its accessibility, ease of trek and lush green surroundings

Bhaja Caves,

The Bhaja Caves are very much similar to the Karla Caves in architectural designs and patterns. The most projecting among the mines is the chaityagriha (Cave 12).

Visapur Fort,

Visapur Fort is widespread and at a higher altitude than Lohagad fort. The fort is well-known for its defending walls and elaborated designs. The fort has numerous structures like caverns, reservoirs of water and the remains of a large stone-built house known as the Peshwa's palace.

Duke's Nose Point

This place is named after the Duke of Wellington. Due to its similitude to the nose of Duke in a lounging position, this place came into huge recognition since the British ruling period. The cliff is piercing like snakes hood which is why it got its name Nagphani.

Bedse caves are located at Bedse village; visitors need to do 30 min walk from the town. You can also spend time at the Bedse Village, by walking a small distance from the caves.

The trail is picturesque and provides excellent views of the peace-loving village and luxuriant nature.

How to reach Bedse caves?

By Air: The nearest airport is in Pune, which is 90 km away.

By Rail: Kamshet on the Pune Lonavala route is the nearest railhead.

By Road: Good bus service from Shivajinagar Bus Station of Pune

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit these caves is after the monsoon, most probably soon after the rains.

Want to take a visit to this amazing cave? Book a tour package to Khandala online that covers all these tourist spots in its itineraries.