Bedse Caves near Kamshet
Bedse caves would complete the trio of Buddhist caves around Lonavala and Kamshet along with Karla Caves and Bhaja caves. But the bedse caves relatively lesser known to the touristy crowd and gets much lesser visitors than the other two. This was actually a good reason for me to go and visit this place.
How to go to Bedse Caves from Pune (Magarpatta): Take the NH4 towards Mumbai (Don’t go on the expressway). Once you reach Kamshet, take the road going to Pavananagar or Pavana Dam. Keep going on this road for around 7-9 kms until you see a turn to the right marked as “Bedse”. The bad road starts here. For the next 2-3 kms, the road is pretty bad, but some patient driving can get you across. Then you will reach the village of Bedse , which is surprisingly big for its remote location. Park your vehicle here and then walk on a clearly visible trail for around 0.5 km until you see the stairs leading to the top. If you have Google Earth, use this KMZ File to see the exact location. Once you open this in Google Earth, zoom out to see the roads from Kamshet.
I went to this place in early winter. It was still green. Judging by its location and its surroundings, this place should be amazing during the monsoons. But, the last 2.5 kms road would be pretty tough during the rains. The stairs are very properly laid out. The climb is easy and you should reach the top within 20 mins. We did, with so many small kids with us!
There was also the remnant of a huge waterfall just next to the steps. This should be a great sight in the rains. Akshara insisted on climbing herself for quite a distance and the steps were not so huge that it was possible for her to do so.
The actual caves are smaller than Karla or Bhaje, but interesting nevertheless. The unhindered view from the top is good. Also, the side walls of the caves are very conducive for climbing up and displaying your i-originated-from-monkeys skills. Akshara was pretty keen on climbing up the rocks and she actually did a decent job of it!
A good half day trip from Pune. A must-visit during the monsoons for its scenic location and remoteness.
Thanks alot for info. We r planning to visit bedse caves today. hope will b a good trip..
your review is very comprehensive and pictures are very nice..
its hard to find much info on web about Bedse caves..
Good Job..keep posting!!
Thanks a lot , Visited karla caves & Bhaja caves several times but had no idea of bedse caves. Planning next trip to Bedse caves.
thanx! wanted to visit the Bhaja and Bhedse caves but didn’t know the way by road. you photos are excellent. and yes your daughter is very adorable getting a lot of exposure to nature at a younger age.thanx once again.
yes, any vehicle can go. In fact it is easier on 2 wheelers as you can avoid the bumps. It will be green yes, but not the wet/moist green types. The major attractions are the caves and not the greenery. Having said that all these buddhist caves Bedse, Karla, Bhaja pretty much look the same. But if you appreciate the different location, different effort to reach each of them, then the visit would be worthy.
hi..
can I take scooters like Activa to Bedse caves..? as you have said road is bad… is it tht bad tht activa cannot go? I will visit this place based on your answer..
will it be green enough in this January to visit ? or major attraction is not greenery but sculptures?
hi there, As mentioned earlier, I did visit Bhedse caves on Saturday the 11, 2011. It was a wonderful experience what with rain pouring through out the day. The roads are still in good condition & families with kids can too visit this place definitely. We also visited Pawana Dam before visiting the Bhedse caves & the scenic beauty combined with the rains compelled us to click atleast 250 pics at various spots.
Thank you for the details…I am already looking at other article of yours for my next trip!!
This is a very good article with useful info. I & my family are planning to visit Kamshet tomorrow & after reading ur write up intend to visit Bedse too.
Excellent, it helps those who want to enjoy like u people
Amazing website, I’ve subscribe to it. One always wants to visit new place but doesn’t know how to take the first few steps. Thanks for the details, I would surely follow one of these trails and would update you on the same. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Wonderful wonderful blog this! Lovely pics, very nice narration. Keep it up. Your daughter is really cute and she’s seeing a lot of places ha 🙂