Written by: Divya Nadkarni
Bedse Caves
Have you ever wanted to stand with your eyes closed and be transported back into an era of mysticism and enigma, where faith found expression in art, where religious belief and aesthetic fecundity reigned supreme? Have you ever wanted to feel the passionate force of Buddhist cave art? Bedse caves are the place to be.
Situated near Pune, these caves, dating back to the 1st century BCE, are lesser known among the trilogy of Karle, Bhaje and Bedse caves, but they are just as expressive. Sadly, they are not as well maintained as the other two. However their artistry is still astounding to an esthetic mind.
Orientation
These caves are located in the Mawal region about 40 km from Pune, and an approximate 30 min walk from Bedse village. The walk up to the caves is like a pleasant nature trek in itself, offering beautiful rustic sights of village life and nature.
Weather
The temperatures in the area are pretty moderate, with a fair share of uncertainties. Summers can get too hot and winters a little too chilly, but on an average the temperatures range between 19°C and 30°C.
Best time to visit
It is best to visit the caves between September and February, avoiding the worst rains and peak summer. In addition, since the caves are east facing, their architecture is best seen and admired in the morning. The rest of the day can be spent simply strolling around or trekking and reveling in all the natural beauty.
Getting There / Route Information
Distances from the cities
Pune: 40 km
Mumbai: 130 km
Routes from Mumbai & Pune:
Mumbai →Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH 4) →Kamshet → Bedse Village
Pune → NH4 to Kamshet → Bedse Village
Connectivity
By Bus
Public and Private Transport – State Transport Buses and Private Luxury buses from Mumbai to Pune are regularly available. From Shivajinagar Bus Station of Pune there are buses available to Kamshet as frequently as every half hour. From Kamshet, buses to Kale Colony will drop you at Bedse village which is enroute.
Road Quality
The Road quality is fairly good, but it can get bad during the monsoons. Also, you can expect heavy traffic in the industrial areas of Pune till you exit the suburbs.
By Rail
Rail seems to be the best way to get there with regular local trains from Pune to Kamshet, after which you have to switch to road.
Pictures of Bedse Caves
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Things to look out for
Bedse caves are comprised mainly of two eastward facing caves and several rock-cut beds called ‘viharas’. In the early days, the 9 cells of the viharas served as homes for the monks.
The main cave called ‘Chaitya’ once served as a prayer hall and boasts of a stunning Stupa inside it. Both caves display spectacular stone carvings. In addition to these there are several minor caves and a cave for meditation. Below the caves there are a few spring-water tanks that add a cooling effect to the whole area.
Vital Tourist Information
Accommodation
There are several good MTDC resorts around Karla and Rye Woods, and also around Kamshet.
Wear good trekking shoes, especially in the rains as the road from the foot-hill to the caves can get slippery
To view pics of Bedse caves, click on the link.
http://picasaweb.google.com/sudarshan.multimedia/BedseCaves#