Bedse Caves

Bedse Caves
The Chaityagrha in the cave
Location	Maval taluka, Pune District, Maharashtra, India
Geology	Basalt
Difficulty	easy
Pronunciation	[Bedse or Bedsa]

Bedse Caves (also known as Bedsa Caves) are situated in Maval taluka, Pune District, Maharashtra, India.

The history of the caves can be traced back up to 1st century BC. Until around 1861 the caves were regularly maintained - even painted. These works were ordered by local authorities in order to please British officers who often visited caves. This has caused loss of the remnants of plaster with murals on it.

There are two main caves. The best known cave is the chaitya (prayer hall) with comparatively large stupa, the other cave is monastery - vihara. Both the caves contain some carvings although are less ornate than later caves. Both caves are facing eastwards so it is recommended to visit the caves early morning, as in sunlight the beauty of carvings is enhanced. There is also a small "Stupa" outside to the right of the main caves. On one of the gate arch is written Gift of Pushyanka, son of Ananda Sethi from Nashik

Bedse Caves can be reached from Pune via Kamshet. Upon reaching Kamshet Chowk, left route is to be taken. That route goes straight to Bedse Village where the caves are located. They can also be reached via Paud - Tikona Peth - Pawananagar. Alternate route is from Somatne-Phata on the Pune-Mumbai NH4 Highway.

Bedse Caves are comparatively less known and less visited. People know about the nearby Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves but have hardly heard of Bedse Caves. The trilogy of the caves (Karla - Bhaje - Bedse) in Mawal Region can't be completed without Bedse. An easy hike through 400 steps leads to the caves. Also close to the Bedse caves are the famous foursome of Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona forts adjoining the Pawana Dam.

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Wikipedia