I recently went to a day trip to Lonavala to visit some of the ancient historical places such as the Karla & Bhaja Caves.
Karla and Bhaja Caves are located near Lonavala in
Maharashtra. The Bhaja caves are regarded to be from the times of
Hinayana phase of Buddhism, which is of 2nd to 1st century BC.
Karla Cave is the largest Hinayana Buddhist chaitya (temple) in India
built during Satavahana's rule. Karla is the best example of rock-cut
architecture, which is believed to carve out from a living rock. Some of
its 2000 year-old wooden beams are still alive. It takes nearly 20
minutes to climb up the steep way of the Karla caves.
A temple has been built recently built at the entrance using
pillars from the Buddhist period.
Taken on my Canon EOS 1100D camera.
Prayer room at Bhaja caves.
Ruins of carved elephants (one in the dark) at Karla caves.
Looking out from inside an enclosure at Karla Caves.
The glimmer of light.
Stay tuned for more pictures of ancient structures. Coming up shortly.....