Lonavala hill station tour from Mumbai: Karla and Bhaja caves

Ancient Buddhist caves and monsoon viewpoints in the Western Ghats, a morning's drive from the city

A full-day tour from Mumbai to the hill station of Lonavala, visiting two ancient Buddhist cave complexes: Karla Caves, a rock-cut shrine dating to the 2nd century BC, and Bhaja Caves, 400 feet above the village and protected as a National Monument. The itinerary also includes Lion Point for panoramic views of waterfalls and lakes, Lonavala Lake, and a local village. An English-speaking guide leads the group through each site. Lunch is included for two or more travelers, and an air-conditioned vehicle handles the transport from Mumbai.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Karla Caves1h · entry included
2. Bhaja Caves1h · entry included

Explore Lonavala hill station

• Visit Karla Caves
• Visit Bhaja Caves
• See Bhushi Dam
• Enjoy view at Lion Point

The experience

If you have a free day in Mumbai and want to escape the city without arranging your own transport, this tour moves you through Lonavala's main sights in one trip. The route covers Karla Caves first (a complex of ancient Indian Buddhist rock-cut shrines built between the 2nd century BC and the 5th century AD), then climbs to Bhaja Caves, which sit 400 feet above the village and are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Both sites belong to the early Buddhist tradition and carry inscriptions carved into the rock itself.

Lion Point is the viewpoint where the day opens up: from there you see dozens of small waterfalls, lush green hills and lakes spread across the landscape, especially vivid during monsoon season. The tour also includes Lonavala Lake and a stop in a local village, so you move between the ancient sites and the living landscape around them. The guide speaks English and travels with the group the whole way, and bottled water is provided throughout the day.

The tour runs nine to eleven hours total. Lunch is included if you're traveling as part of a group of two or more. Solo travelers can arrange lunch separately. Parking fees and the air-conditioned vehicle are both covered, so the only logistics you handle is getting to the pickup point in Mumbai.

What’s included

• Round-trip air-conditioned transport from Mumbai.
• professional English-speaking guide for the full day.
• entry to Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves.
• visits to Lion Point, Lonavala Lake and a local village.
• lunch for groups of two or more.
• bottled water.
• parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (3 to 90 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Young Tours And Travel

Is this one for you?Pick this shared group tour if you want an English-speaking guide to walk you through the cave history at Karla and other sites, rather than exploring independently or with a private guide.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Lonavala from Mumbai, and how long does the drive take?

Lonavala is a hill station in the Western Ghats, roughly an hour's drive from Mumbai. The tour includes round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, so travel time is built into the nine to eleven hour total.

What are Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves, and why are they worth visiting?

Karla Caves are a complex of ancient Buddhist rock-cut shrines carved between the 2nd century BC and the 5th century AD, representing early Indian Buddhist architecture. Bhaja Caves, located 400 feet above the village of Bhaja, are also Buddhist cave temples and are protected as a National Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. They belong to the Hinayana Buddhism tradition.

What is the view like from Lion Point?

Lion Point is a panoramic viewpoint where you see dozens of small waterfalls, lush green hills and lakes across the landscape. The view is especially striking during monsoon season when water flows are at their peak.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is included for groups of two or more travelers. Solo travelers do not have lunch included as part of the booking.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

The tour involves walking through cave sites and climbing to viewpoints, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bottled water is provided throughout the day, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for the drive. The caves can be cool, so a light layer may be useful.