Kondane Caves

Offering peace and tranquillity, the regal stone-cut Kondane Caves in Raigad are nestled amidst lush forests. Consisting of finely carved structures of Buddhist architecture, these caves were discovered in the first century B.C.
You can take a stroll through the picturesque area where you’ll spot a waterfall gushing fiercely, especially in the monsoons, when the sight is glorious! Try meditating within the caves and chanting a mantra or two, to experience the echo within the confines, that make for a beautifully calming moment.

History

The Kondana Caves were discovered during an excavation in the 1st century BC. The caving group is one of the three sister caves along with Bhaje Caves and Karla Caves. They were majorly used by the Buddhist monks for meditation purposes, especially during the monsoons. It's a set of 16 caves that house the Chaitya, some intricately designed ancient sculptures, serene Viharas with meditation pods, and Stupas that depict Buddhist history and are a perfect illustration of the old methods of Buddhist architecture. The rock-cut structures carved with immense finesse and symmetry are of religious significance to the Buddhist community and are also one of the few still existing in Maharashtra.

Architecture

The Kondana Caves face northwest and are hidden behind the dense forest. The entire complex is divided into four caves. The first cave is the arch-shaped Chaitya cave which extends over 65 feet and stands 28 feet tall & 25 feet wide. The Chaitya cave lies to the southwest of the cave group. The cave houses a Dagoba, which is a dome-shaped shrine with a diameter of over 9 feet and is believed to contain relics of Buddhist Saints. The nave in front of the Dagoba is about 14 feet wide and 49 feet long. The nave was surrounded by thirty columns which are now in ruins, but their positions can be determined if seen carefully.
To the northeast of the cave, the group is the Vihara. Although the front portion of the porch is completely ruined, the portion at the left end is quite intact. About 29 feet long and over 23 feet wide, the cave houses fifteen pillars, a raised alcove, and a small Dagoba under a Chaitya arch. Each side of the Vihara hall has six cells with beds for the monks.
The third cave is also a Vihara with nine cells which are completely in ruins today.
The fourth cave is a set of another 9 cells, which now look like a hollow under the cliff. Beyond this cave lies a reservoir that is now filled with mud. The rest of the ruins consist of two more cells under an over-hanging rock and another small reservoir.