Bedse Caves

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

The caves can be traced back up to 1st century B.C. There are two main caves. The main cave which is the "Chaitya" (prayer hall) has a beautiful Stupa. Both the caves have some carvings also. The caves are facing eastwards. So it is recommended to visit the caves early morning, as in sunlight the beauty of carvings is enhanced.

A very famous incident is told about the caves. Until around 1861, the carvings on the walls and the Stupas were in proper condition. A British Officer, after hearing about this arranged his visit there. When the local officer came to know about this, he urgently employed labour to clean and paint the walls of the caves.

Bedse Caves is one of the few places which is less crowded and worth visiting. People know about the Karle-Bhaje 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 steps leads to the caves.Also close to the Bedse caves are the famous foursome of Lohagad, Visapur, Tungi and Tikona forts adjoining the Pawana dam.

Bedse Caves can be reached from Pune via Kamshet. They can also be reached via Paud - Tikona Peth - Pawananagar. Alternate route is from Somatne-Phata on the Pune-Mumbai NH4 Highway.

ee also

*Indian rock-cut architecture