The origins of Lonavala, perched in the Sahyadri Mountains or the Western Ghats take you back centuries in time. Hence the name Lonavali, referring to a series or “avali” of “len” or resting places in stone. There are three ancient caves here – Karla Bhaja Caves besides the lesser known Bedse Caves and each of them is a complex of several caves with stupas and monasteries carved inside them.A magic carpet transports you to the first century when mountains were carved into carved into caves that became resting places for Buddhist monks. Karla Bhaja Caves Karle or Karla Caves Lonavala is one of the oldest and the chaitya is one of the largest rock cut prayer halls in India. One of the monasteries here had two pillars towering to over fifteen feet. Only one of them however remain today. The famous Ekvira temple, dedicated to the goddess is located here and is worshipped largely by the Koli community.
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