Karjat Kondana caves are a hidden gem in the Sahyadri mountains, Maharashtra. I recently had the opportunity to visit these caves with my close friends, and it was an experience that I will cherish forever.
We started our journey on a Friday evening, and after a three-hours drive (from Dombivli to Kondana), we reached our hotel at Khandape Village. We checked in and then spent the evening relaxing and catching up.
If you do not have your own vehicle, you can take a local auto rickshaw or bus from Karjat Railway station to reach here. The approximate cost of the journey, including the return trip, will be between 300 and 600 Indian rupees.
There are some good hotels available, but they charge ₹500-800 per person per night. Be sure to negotiate with them to get the best price.
The next morning, we woke up early and set off for the trek to the Kondana caves. The trek is about 5 kilometers long and takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, but there are some steep sections that require some scrambling.
As we hiked through the forest, we were surrounded by lush green trees. The air was fresh and clean. It was the perfect setting for a soul-stirring trek.
After about 60 minutes of hiking, we reached the Kondana caves. The caves are located on a hilltop and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The caves are also home to a number of ancient rock-cut sculptures, which are well-preserved.
We spent some time exploring the caves and admiring the sculptures. We also took some time to relax and enjoy the views.
After spending a few hours at the Kondana caves, we started our descent back to the hotel. The trek back was just as enjoyable as the trek up.
We started our returned journey with very much happiness. We had a wonderful day exploring the Karjat Kondana caves. It was a truly memorable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a easy but rewarding trek.
History of Kondana Buddhist Caves
The Karjat Buddhist Caves are a group of 16 rock-cut caves located near the village of Kondana in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The caves were excavated in the 1st century BC and were used by Buddhist monks as a place to reside and meditate.
The Karjat Buddhist Caves are an important example of early Buddhist architecture. The caves contain a variety of features, including chaitya halls (prayer halls), viharas (monastic cells), and stupas (dome-shaped reliquary monuments). The caves are also decorated with a variety of sculptures and carvings, which depict Buddhist symbols and stories.
The Karjat Buddhist Caves were abandoned in the 6th century AD, but they were rediscovered in the 19th century. The caves have since been restored and are now a popular tourist destination.
Tips for trekking to Karjat Kondana caves:
- The best time to visit the caves is during the winter (November to February) or the monsoon season (June to September). The weather is pleasant during these times, and the waterfalls are at their most impressive.
- The trek is moderately challenging, but it is suitable for people of all fitness levels. However, it is important to be prepared for some steep sections and scrambling.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, avoid flip-flops and bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Wear long pants when trekking in the jungle, as mosquitoes can be a nuisance and can bite exposed skin.
- Due to the remote location of the waterfall and caves, there are very few shops nearby. As a result, bottled water can be very expensive, costing up to 30 rupees per bottle. It is important to bring cash with you, as you may not have cell phone reception in this area.
- Be aware of the weather conditions and take precautions if necessary.
- If you are trekking with children, be sure to supervise them closely. Although this is a jungle, it is easy to get lost here. However, there are no wild animals to worry about.
I hope you have a wonderful time trekking to Karjat Kondana caves!
Before your trip, I recommend checking out these few blogs to help you prepare. We used them as references.