The ancient Bedse caves

The history of the caves can be traced back up to 1st century BC and older than the very famous Ajanta and Ellora caves. These caves are situated near Kamshet, around 60 kms from Pune. These caves are comparatively less known and less visited. People mostly visited Karla and Bhaja caves which are situated nearby, and rarely visit these caves. Upon reaching Kamshet chowk, take a left route. After that signs of Bedse will take you through to the Bedse village and to the mountain on top of which caves are situated. It's situated on the top of the mountain and you can't see it from the ground. We need to climb around 500 steps to reach to the place. So, keep patience as it takes time to climb and to reach to the caves. Mark it "All your tiredness will be gone upon reaching to the caves". The view from the top is beautiful. You will be able to see the Bedse village(with only 100-120 houses), beautiful mountains and lush green all across and if you are lucky, you might get a chance to see the small waterfalls  and rainbow in the rainy season.

                

There are two main caves:

Chaitya : which is known as a prayer hall and has a big stupa situated.

Vihara : which is the monastery with very small rooms, places(or kaksh).

                  

                  

As like other caves, you will be able to see beautiful in-carvings in the cave and on the pillars.

                      

                             

There are many small water reservoirs just outside the cave and a small stupa is also situated outside the cave.

                      

                     

Bedse caves are faced eastwards and it looks beautiful at mornings and recommended to visit early morning. Recommended season to visit is rainy season to enjoy the lush green around.