Kondana Caves - tourmet

Views:

Sight Address : Karjat, Near Kondivade Village, Raigad, India. Edit

Detail InformationEdit

Kondana Caves are believed to be one of the region’s oldest set of rock-cut cave monasteries. The main chaitya has a series of stone pillars suspended from the ceiling while the main stupa is broken and crumbling. The other caves further along are viharas and were the residential quarters for the monks. Though in a state of ruin, the octagonal pillars (sloping inwards), wooden arches and interiors are very interesting. Outside the main chaitya are some relief sculptures and the figure of a prince with the face damaged. An inscription next to this is said to be the name of the benefactor. The intricate details and proportions speak volumes of the artisans’ skills. In the vihara next to the chaitya, look closely at the ceiling and you will make out the remains of frescoes. On the walls, you’ll find the remnants of the cow dung and husk used to plaster the walls before painting on them. Unfortunately, the caves are believed to have suffered major damage in the early 1900s, during an earthquake when the lower half of the pillars in the chaitya and much of the outer façade and water cisterns collapsed. You can still see sections of these ruins lying around the place.

Kondana Caves

HistoryEdit

The ancient rock-cut caves of Kondana date back to the 2nd century BC. They are believed to be one of the region’s oldest set of rock-cut cave monasteries. The main chaitya has a series of stone pillars suspended from the ceiling while the main stupa is broken and crumbling. The other caves further along are viharas and were the residential quarters for the monks. Unfortunately, the caves are believed to have suffered major damage in the early 1900s, during an earthquake when the lower half of the pillars in the chaitya and much of the outer façade and water cisterns collapsed.

Must SeeEdit

Attraction

Visiting TimeEdit

N.A.

Closed OnEdit

N.A.

Best Season to VisitEdit

October to March

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning, Afternoon, Evening.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

2-3 Hours.

Ticket Required : No Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.

Video Camera Rs. : N.A.

Guide Required : No Edit

Approximate cost: N.A.

Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A.

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : Taxis are another way to get around town. They can be hired from nearby cities and used for local transport as well. Taxis charge around Rs 1500 per day. A/C taxis and SUV’s such as Toyota Qualis are also available.

BUS : State transport offer bus regular and frequent services from Mumbai and Pune to Raigad. Raigad is well connected to all neighboring cities by the public transport buses, including Kolhapur (250 km), Pune (102 km), Mumbai (187 km) and Mahabaleshwar (75 km). Public bus charge is less than Rs 4 per km.

Train : Vir Dasgaon railway station is the nearest railhead to Raigad. This station is connected to Mumbai and Pune with regular trains. Taxi services are available from Vir Dasgaon to Raigad.

Air : Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 187 km away from Raigad, is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Raigad and costs about Rs 3,000.

Others : Auto Rickshaw : Autos are available extensively and these are a good option. They are quick and cheaper than taxis. Prices have to be negotiated as they may not be metered and there are no night fares.