The Kondane Caves are a group of early Buddhist rock-cut caves in Kondhane village, Raigad district, Maharashtra, carved into a cliff at the base of the Rajmachi hill fort near Karjat. The group is best known for a ruined but graceful chaitya (prayer hall) and a cluster of viharas (monastic cells) whose facade imitates timber carpentry in stone. This guide covers how to reach them, what survives, and how to plan a short, honest day trip.
The Kondane Caves, in Kondhane village of Raigad district, Maharashtra, are a set of 16 Buddhist rock-cut caves dated to about the 1st century BCE. They sit below Rajmachi fort, roughly a one-hour walk above the base village, and are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Key takeaways
- The Kondane Caves are 16 early Buddhist rock-cut caves at the base of Rajmachi, in Kondhane village, Raigad district, Maharashtra, dated to about the 1st century BCE.
- They are a centrally protected Monument of National Importance under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI Mumbai Circle, ref N-MH-M73).
- Reach them via Karjat station on the Central Railway, then a short road transfer to the base village (Kondivade/Kharvandi) and a walk of roughly an hour.
- October to February gives the most comfortable trekking weather; the monsoon (June–September) brings waterfalls but a slippery trail.
- No entry fee or ticket counter has been reported at the site as of October 2026; carry your own water, as there are no shops at the caves.
- Do not confuse these caves with Sinhagad fort near Pune, which was historically called “Kondhana/Kondana”.
About the Kondane Caves
The Kondane Caves are a group of 16 Buddhist rock-cut caves excavated in about the 1st century BCE, set at the foot of the Rajmachi hill fort in Kondhane village, Raigad district, Maharashtra. They belong to the early (Hinayana) phase of rock-cut Buddhist architecture in the western Deccan and are grouped into one chaitya hall and several viharas.
According to the 19th-century survey by James Fergusson and James Burgess (The Cave Temples of India, 1880), the caves were first brought to wider notice by Vishnu Sastri and soon after visited by the then collector of Thana. That survey judged the Kondane group to be “nearly contemporary” with the better-known Bhaja caves, which helps place them in the same early period.
The one solid epigraphic clue is a short Brahmi inscription near the chaitya recording that the work was “made by Balaka, pupil of Kanha (Krishna)” — a sculptor’s or teacher’s dedication rather than a royal grant. The sources opened for this guide name the 1st-century-BCE date and the early Buddhist context, but do not firmly document a specific dynastic patron, so this guide stops short of attributing the caves to any named king.
Quick facts
- Where: Kondhane village, Karjat taluka, Raigad district, Maharashtra, below Rajmachi fort.
- What: 16 early Buddhist rock-cut caves (one chaitya, several viharas).
- Age: about 1st century BCE, per the Fergusson-Burgess survey.
- Protected by: Archaeological Survey of India, as a Monument of National Importance.
- Nearest town/station: Karjat, on the Central Railway Mumbai–Pune line.
Kondane, Kondana or Kondhana? Clearing up the name
These Buddhist caves appear under several near-identical spellings — “Kondane”, “Kondana” and “Kondhane” — all referring to the same site in Raigad district. The ASI list uses the village spelling “Kondhane”, while travel writing often uses “Kondana” or “Kondane”. They are one and the same place.
The important thing to avoid is a different landmark with a confusingly similar name. Sinhagad fort near Pune was historically known as “Kondhana” (or “Kondana”) before Chhatrapati Shivaji’s forces took it in the 1670 battle associated with Tanaji Malusare. That hill fort, west of Pune, is a separate place with its own history; if you are planning the Pune side of your trip, see our Pune travel guide. The rock-cut caves in this article are near Karjat, not on Sinhagad.
A third source of confusion is the Kondivite (Mahakali) caves in Mumbai’s suburbs — again Buddhist, again similarly spelt, but a different ASI site in Mumbai Suburban district, not Raigad.
Best time to visit
The most comfortable window is October to February, when the post-monsoon trail is firmer and the Western Ghats are green but not slippery. The monsoon (June to September) turns the route lush and sends seasonal waterfalls down the cliffs, but the path gets muddy and the rock can be treacherous, so it suits confident walkers with proper footwear.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Post-monsoon / winter | October–February | Firm trail, green hills, pleasant daytime temperatures — the easiest time to walk up. |
| Summer | March–May | Hot and dry; start early, carry extra water as the hillside has little shade. |
| Monsoon | June–September | Waterfalls and heavy greenery, but a slippery, muddy trail; good grip and caution essential. |
How to reach the Kondane Caves
You reach the Kondane Caves via Karjat, the nearest town and railway station, then a short road transfer to the base village followed by a walk of roughly an hour. The caves lie about 14 km from Karjat station, at the base of Rajmachi, according to the Fergusson-Burgess survey as summarised by heritage references.
By rail: Karjat is a junction on the Central Railway’s Mumbai–Pune route and is served by Mumbai suburban locals and by mainline trains. Specific train numbers and timings change, so reconfirm current services on IRCTC or the railways’ train enquiry before you travel.
By road: From Mumbai or Pune, drivers typically use the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, exit toward Khopoli, and continue to Karjat; from Karjat, auto-rickshaws and local taxis run to the base village (variously named Kondivade or Kharvandi). By air: the nearest major airport is in Mumbai.
| From | Distance / note | How |
|---|---|---|
| Karjat railway station | about 14 km to the base, then a walk of roughly 1 hour | Auto-rickshaw or taxi to the base village, then on foot |
| Lonavala | about 33 km (planning estimate — reconfirm) | Road via Khopoli/Karjat |
| Mumbai | indicative 2–3 hours by road (reconfirm) | Expressway to Khopoli, then Karjat |
| Pune | indicative 2.5–3.5 hours by road (reconfirm) | Expressway toward Lonavala/Khopoli, then Karjat |
The caves also sit on a longer trekking route to Rajmachi from the Karjat side; walkers continuing up to the Rajmachi plateau should plan for several more hours and daylight.
What survives: the chaitya and viharas
The highlight is Cave 1, the chaitya hall, a barrel-vaulted prayer hall with a stupa at its far end. Per the Fergusson-Burgess survey, it measures roughly 66 ft from the front to the apse, about 27 ft wide and about 28 ft high to the crown of the arch, with a central dagoba (stupa) about 9.5 ft across. It once had about thirty columns ringing the nave and a carved wooden screen across the front, in the manner of early chaityas; much of that is now lost.
What makes Kondane matter to historians is its facade. The survey records that the carved front “bears a strong family likeness” to Bhaja, and the viharas carry the hallmark of early rock-cut work: stone cut to imitate timber beams and rafters. Cave 2, the main vihara, has a veranda on octagonal pillars and an inner hall with a panelled roof imitating wooden construction, plus small monk cells along the sides. Caves 3 and 4 are plainer — rows of cells, a rock-cut cistern and a water tank.
Be prepared for a ruined site rather than a polished monument. Fergusson noted even in 1880 that water trickling down the cliff had “greatly injured” the caves, and later travel accounts describe collapse of parts of the chaitya’s pillars and outer facade; reputable travel coverage describes ongoing natural deterioration. Treat the carvings gently and do not climb on the stonework.
| Cave | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cave 1 | Chaitya (prayer hall) | ~66 ft deep, ~27 ft wide, ~28 ft high; central stupa ~9.5 ft; once ~30 columns and a wooden screen front. Brahmi inscription naming the maker “Balaka, pupil of Kanha”. |
| Cave 2 | Vihara (monastery) | Veranda on octagonal pillars; hall with a roof panelled to imitate timber beams; cells along both sides. |
| Cave 3 | Vihara | Plainer monastic hall with several cells; front heavily ruined. |
| Cave 4 | Cells and cisterns | A row of cells, a rock-cut water tank and a small cistern. |
The trek and a suggested half-day plan
Treat the Kondane Caves as a half-day outing from Karjat rather than a full day. The walk from the base village to the caves is short — commonly described as roughly an hour uphill on a moderate trail, with streams along the way. It is manageable for reasonably fit first-time trekkers in the dry season.
- Early morning: reach Karjat by the first convenient train or by road; take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the base village.
- Mid-morning: walk up to the caves (about an hour), allowing extra time in the monsoon.
- At the caves: budget 45–60 minutes to see the chaitya and viharas and to rest.
- Midday: walk back down and return to Karjat for lunch; strong walkers can instead continue toward Rajmachi, which needs a much longer day and proper planning.
For a wider Maharashtra itinerary that strings Kondane together with other Sahyadri and heritage stops, see our Maharashtra travel guide.
Where to stay
There is no accommodation at the caves themselves, so base yourself in or around Karjat, which has grown into a weekend-getaway belt with options across budgets. The ₹ bands below are indicative planning estimates for 2026 and vary sharply between weekdays and weekends; always reconfirm current tariffs when you book.
- Budget (indicative ₹1,000–₹2,500 a night): simple lodges and guesthouses in Karjat town; book ahead on weekends and long holidays.
- Mid-range (indicative ₹2,500–₹6,000): resorts and homestays around Karjat and the river belt, many geared to Mumbai–Pune weekenders.
- Higher-end (indicative ₹6,000 and up): larger resorts with pools and activities on the Karjat outskirts.
If you prefer not to stay overnight, Kondane works well as a day trip from Mumbai or Pune, returning the same evening.
Food to try near Karjat
There are no food stalls at the caves, so eat in Karjat before or after the walk and carry snacks and water up with you. The area’s cooking is broadly Maharashtrian, with some dishes worth seeking out:
- Vada pav (a spiced potato fritter in a bun) — the standard quick bite at any Karjat stall.
- Misal pav (a spicy sprouted-bean curry served with bread) — a filling, typically breakfast-to-lunch dish.
- Thalipeeth (a multi-grain savoury flatbread) — common in Maharashtrian kitchens and homestays.
- Kokam sharbat (a tart cooler from the kokam fruit) — good for the summer heat.
Budget breakdown
A visit to the Kondane Caves is inexpensive because the site itself has no entry fee reported as of October 2026; most of your spend is transport and food. The table gives an indicative per-person day-trip estimate from Mumbai or Pune for two travellers sharing road transport — a planning estimate only, to reconfirm at the time of travel.
| Item | Indicative cost | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Travel to Karjat and back | ₹200–₹800 | Train fare, or shared fuel/taxi cost split between travellers |
| Local transfer to base village | ₹150–₹400 | Shared auto-rickshaw or taxi, both ways |
| Food and water | ₹200–₹500 | A meal in Karjat plus snacks and bottled water |
| Site entry | ₹0 | No ticket counter reported as of October 2026 |
| Rough total | ₹550–₹1,700 | Day trip, excluding any overnight stay or guide |
Permits, rules and photography
No special permit is needed to visit the Kondane Caves — there is no Inner Line Permit or protected-area requirement here, and no park or forest booking applies to the walk itself. As a centrally protected ASI monument, though, the usual heritage rules hold: do not touch, scratch or climb on the carvings, do not remove anything, and do not deface the rock.
Casual still photography is generally fine at open ASI sites, but tripods, commercial shoots and drones can require prior permission; if you plan aerial photography, check the ASI and current DGCA drone rules in advance. Carry out all your litter — there are no bins or staff at the caves.
Practical tips and safety
- Go in daylight. The trail and the caves are unlit; start early and leave enough time to get back down before dusk.
- Footwear and water. Wear shoes with good grip and carry at least a litre of water per person; there are no shops on the hill.
- Monsoon caution. The rock and mud are slippery in the rains and streams can rise quickly — walk carefully and avoid the route in heavy downpours.
- Connectivity and cash. Mobile coverage can be patchy on the hillside; draw cash and keep small notes for auto-rickshaws in Karjat, as UPI may not work where there is no signal.
- Medical help. The nearest hospitals and pharmacies are in Karjat town; carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medication.
- Solo and women travellers. The caves are a popular, well-trodden day trek in season, but the site is remote and unstaffed; prefer going in a group, tell someone your plan, and avoid being on the trail after dark.
- Pack by season. Sun protection and extra water in summer; a rain layer and quick-dry clothes in the monsoon.
Nearby places
Kondane pairs naturally with other Sahyadri and Buddhist-cave stops within reach of Karjat and the Mumbai–Pune corridor. Distances below are indicative planning estimates — reconfirm before you set out.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Rajmachi fort | continues above the caves (several hours’ trek) | Twin-fort trek with monsoon views, on the same route from Karjat. |
| Karla Caves | about 16 km from Kondane | Larger, better-preserved early Buddhist chaitya complex. |
| Lonavala | about 33 km | Popular Sahyadri hill station with viewpoints and lakes. |
| Karjat town | about 14 km | Base for food, stay and transport; riverside weekend belt. |
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly are the Kondane Caves?
The Kondane Caves are in Kondhane village, Karjat taluka, Raigad district, Maharashtra, carved into a cliff at the base of the Rajmachi hill fort. They lie about 14 km from Karjat railway station on the Central Railway, reached by a short road transfer to a base village and then a walk of roughly an hour.
How old are the Kondane Caves and who built them?
The Kondane Caves date to about the 1st century BCE, in the early Buddhist (Hinayana) phase of rock-cut architecture, according to the Fergusson-Burgess survey of 1880. A Brahmi inscription names the maker as “Balaka, pupil of Kanha”. The sources checked for this guide do not firmly attribute the caves to a specific named royal patron.
Are the Kondane Caves the same as Sinhagad or Kondana fort near Pune?
No. The Kondane Caves are Buddhist rock-cut caves near Karjat in Raigad district. Sinhagad fort near Pune was historically called “Kondhana” or “Kondana” before it was renamed in the 17th century, and it is an entirely different hill fort. The similar names cause frequent confusion, but the two sites are unrelated.
Is there an entry fee for the Kondane Caves?
No entry fee or ticket counter has been reported at the Kondane Caves as of October 2026; the site is open and unstaffed. Because fees and arrangements at protected monuments can change, reconfirm with the Archaeological Survey of India before you travel. Your main costs are transport to Karjat, the local transfer and food.
How hard is the trek to the Kondane Caves?
The walk to the Kondane Caves is short and moderate — commonly about an hour uphill from the base village on a clear trail with a few stream crossings. It suits reasonably fit first-time trekkers in the dry season. The monsoon makes the path slippery, so wear shoes with good grip and carry water, as there are no shops on the hill.
When is the best time to visit the Kondane Caves?
October to February is the best time to visit the Kondane Caves, with firm trails, green hills and comfortable daytime temperatures. The monsoon (June to September) brings waterfalls and heavy greenery but a slippery route for confident walkers only. Summer is hot and shadeless, so start early and carry extra water.
Last updated and sources
Go if you like quiet, early Buddhist rock-cut heritage paired with a short Sahyadri walk rather than a polished, facility-rich monument. Visit between October and February for the easiest trail, or in the monsoon if you are an experienced, well-shod walker.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Archaeological Survey of India / Monuments of National Importance, Mumbai Circle (Kondhane Caves, ref N-MH-M73), via the ASI Mumbai Circle list; James Fergusson and James Burgess, The Cave Temples of India (1880), pp. 220–222, as summarised by the Kondana Caves reference; CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC) eco-heritage; Outlook Traveller; and, for the Sinhagad/Kondhana disambiguation, Sinhagad reference. Verify current trains on IRCTC and Indian Railways enquiry. Accessed September 2026.
