There are many places near Mumbai and Pune suitable for one-day outings. Among them, the Peth Fort near Karjat, also known as Kothaligad, is quite well known. However, the caves near the base village of Ambivali are relatively unfamiliar to most people. These caves, known locally as the Pandavaleni, are situated near Ambivali village and are worth visiting while exploring Kothaligad. Ambivali is located 24 kilometers from Karjat via Kashele, and both public and private transport options are conveniently available to reach the village. While going from Ambivali towards the village of Tembhre, there is a footpath leading to the caves exactly 1 kilometer from the village. Since there is no signboard on the main road indicating the way to the caves, one must inquire carefully within the village to find the correct route. ... A newly constructed cement path leads from the main road to the caves, and it takes only five minutes to reach them. Located on the banks of the Chilhar River, these are Buddhist caves carved between the 3rd and 4th centuries. There is only one main cave here, with four carved pillars at the entrance. One of these pillars bears an inscription in the Brahmi script, but it has eroded to the extent that it is no longer legible. The sculptures beneath this pillar are also heavily worn. To the right of the cave, slightly higher up in the rock, there is a water cistern containing potable water, although it only lasts until April. Beyond this are two partially carved cisterns. Upon entering the cave, there is a porch inside, leading to two doors. Beyond these doors lies a hall measuring 40 by 40 feet in area and 9 feet in height. To the right, left, and front of this hall are four cells on each side, making a total of twelve viharas. The four viharas on the front wall feature intricately carved pillars with sculptures of Lakshmi-Narayan, Maruti, Radha-Krishna, and Ganapati. The doors of all the viharas have sockets carved into the rock that once held wooden frames. In front of the cave is a spacious courtyard from which the wide riverbed of the Chilhar River is visible in the distance. Except during summer, the entire area is extremely scenic, and it draws large crowds during the monsoon season. Half an hour is sufficient to explore the caves.
© Suresh Nimbalkar