Proceeding along NH-17 towards Pune from Lonavala if you cover 9 km & then turn left & go 2 km further, you will reach Karla Cave. Cave-entrance is atop 365 steps. At an altitude of 650 m Karla is renowned for the Buddhist temple-cave de­signed by merchant Bhutpal of Vaijayanti in 160 BC. It belongs to Hinayana sect 16 m high & measuring 45x15 m temple-hall is beautifully sculptured and decorated. Carv­ings also are lovely. This is largest of Buddh­ist Chaityas (Buddhist monastery). At the entrance 3 lion-figures are carved on 1 pillar There are 37 decorated pillars inside. The joist is made of teak-wood. Arrangement for getting sunlight deflected through huge semi­circular window is simply unique. Gigantic fi­gures of elephants, male & female dancers, 6 men & women are carved on the wall. There is an image of Hindu goddess Ekbira in a newly built temple near the entrance arch ill-matched with the surrounding. There are 10 more monastery-type caves at Karla, not very popular with tourists. 2 of these are 3-storeyed, 1 2-storeyed. Though tourists' attendance is poor, picnicker from Bombay crowd here on holidays. It would .be wise to come here from Lonavala by auto/ taxi be­cause of lack of transport from nearest Rly stn, 4 km distant Malavali. Buses also ply ev­ery 1 hour from Lonavala rly stn to Karla. The Karla, Karla Caves and Bhedsa cave temples are perfect examples of the early phase of Buddhist architecture known as the Hinayana phase wherein the Buddha was represented symbolically. The excavations took the shape of (1) the chaitya or prayer hall and (2) the Viharas or monastery. This phase stands out as the artisans imitated in rock the structural forms as practiced in the earlier used less permanent materials like wood with which they were familiar. The characteristic features of these early temples were two establishments, each self-contained and consisting of a prayer hall (chaitya) and a monastery (Viharas) which contained accommodation for the monks. The square central hall was approached through a verandah or portico, and doorways led into cells for members of the brotherhood.

How to Reach Us :- By Air Nearest airport is Pune, 56 Kms. By Rail Nearest railhead is Malawi, 2 Kms. on Central Railway but the more convenient railhead is Lonavala, 10 Kms. By Road Karla is 114 kms. from Mumbai and 56 Kms from Pune on Mumbai - Pune road. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Pune to Lonavala and Lonavala to Karla.

Climate:- Karla enjoys a pleasant climate all round the year.

Where to Stay :- The MTDC Holiday Resort spreads over 30-35 acres of lush greenery. Besides charming rooms with views, it also houses a water park and a children's park.