The Buddhist caves in India are an important part of Indian rock-cut architecture and these are amongst the most creative models of rock-cut architecture around the whole world. India is one of the ancient & oldest civilization in the world. The caves hold a spiritual & religious string attached to it; be it Buddhism, Jainism or Hinduism the architecture, sculptures, paintings, carvings in the caves are very fascinating and it takes you to another world. The history of the caves date back to 200 BCE and 600 CE. These ancient and medieval structures represent significant accomplishments of structural engineering and a great technique of craftsmanship. 
Let’s find out some of these Buddhist caves located in Maharashtra so that you can add it to your itinerary while visiting these places.

Ajanta Caves

The most famous & popular tourist attraction of Maharashtra is located in Aurangabad city. The Ajanta caves are a collection of 29 Buddhist cave temples; some of them date back to the 2nd century BC. The incredible paintings, sculptures as well as stunning Buddhist architecture tell you the story of the rise and fall of Hinayana and Mahayana, the two Buddhism traditions. The Ajanta caves carved out of solid rock with only a hammer and chisel are declared as world heritage site by UNESCO. These marvellous caves are not only well-known in India but many foreign tourist visit the place too. 

Aurangabad Caves

A lesser known place than Ajanta caves in Aurangabad. The Aurangabad caves are located in   the north of the Aurangabad city; they are a set of 12 Buddhist caves carved out of the hillside and are a fine piece of architecture. These caves are believed to be excavated from 3rd century AD. These caves offer an outstanding panoramic view of the city scape and the Bibi Ka Maqbara. 
The group caves here feature numerous sculptures, paintings, carvings & statues of Buddha in different positions like Pralambapadasana, Padmasana.

Ellora Caves
Always combined with Ajanta Caves, Ellora caves also known as “VerulLeni” by locals are located 30 kms from Aurangabad city. This magnificent rock-cut temple caves exhibit artwork and monuments not only of Buddhism but also Jainism and Hinduism of the period of 600-1000C.E. The set of caves consist of 5 Jain caves, 17 Hindu caves and 12 Buddhist caves. The cave complex also features the Kailasha temple, a cave temple which is a classic artwork of monolithic single rock excavation. The caves are part of the world heritage site by UNESCO.

Pitalkhora Caves
Pitalkhora caves are a set of 14 rock-cut Buddhist caves that date back to the 2nd century BCE, sited on Chandora hill on the Western ghats of Maharashtra in Satamala range. These caves are cut out of various types of basalt rock and some of the caves have deteriorated. Four of the caves are Chaityas or prayer halls, the rest are Viharas or residential cells. The complex displays number of beautiful images of Lord Buddha in a seated and a standing pose that belong to the Mahayana period. To reach the caves, one needs to cross concrete steps, pass a beautiful waterfall set beside the caves.

Ghorawadi Caves
A small group of caves located around 25 km northwest of Pune. Also known as Ghoradeshwar caves or Shelarwadi caves are a small group of rock-cut excavations. The caves were carved out of a single rock formation around the 3rd and 4th century CE, setup at the top of a hill. The Ghorawadi caves consists of nine rooms for meditation adjoining the Chaityagriha. The caves still contain various ancient Buddhist relics. A must visit to the place when in or around Pune.

Bedse Caves
A very peaceful and delightful place located in Maval region of Pune. The caves are divided into two parts i.e. Monastery and the Prayer Hall. Bedse caves are a group of Buddhist rock-cut monuments carrying a history from the Satavahana period in the 1st century BCE. At the entrance, you will witness sculpted pillars as well as statues of elephants, bulls and lions. The ambiance of the place is serene and has divine vibes.

Bhaja Caves
A group of 22 rock cut caves located about 400 ft. above the Bhaja village in Pune. The caves date back to the 2nd century BC and are on main ancient trade route running from the Arabian Sea to the Deccan. The Bhaja caves belong to the Hinayana Buddhism sect in Maharashtra. The caves complex has a number of Stupas and comprises the Chaityagrihas and the Viharas. The Chaityagriha is the most impressive monument with an open, horse shoe-arched entrance. 

Karla Caves
The Karla caves or Karla cells are a conglomeration of ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut caves at Karli near Lonavala. The group of caves at Karla is one of the older and smaller of the many rock-cut Buddhist sites in Maharashtra; also it is one of the best-known because of the famous “Grand Chaitya” which is in cave 8. It is the largest and most completely preserved Chaitya Hall of the period, also it contains unusual amounts of fine sculpture. One of the oldest cave shrines belong to the 160BC period. 

Pandavleni Caves
The Pandavleni caves or Nasik caves is a remarkable work of art located in Nasik. The caves consist of 24 carved cave temples called Viharas and are also one of the most visited Buddhist religious center. These caves are built on the Trirasmi hill about 3004 feet above the sea and dates back to B.C.250- A.D.600. The caves have witnessed contribution by the Mahayana and the Hinayana sects of Buddhism which can be identified in the sculptures and paintings of the area.

The architecture and the fine art of the place along with the writings found in the caves are some of the main reasons that attract tourists towards this place.

Jogeshwari Caves
The Jogeshwari caves are one of the earliest Buddhist cave temples sculpture located in the Mumbai suburb of Jogeshwari. These caves belong to the last stage of the Mahayana Buddhist architecture, which was later taken over by the Hindus. 

The history of the caves date back to 520 to 550 CE. The caves are exceptionally well hidden, cut into a low hillock they are at a much lower level than their surroundings. It has many pillars and a Shivalingam at the end. The cave also has a statue and footprints of goddess Jogeshwari (Yogeshwari), whom the area is named after.

Mahakali Caves

The Mahakali caves constructed between the 1st-6th century B.C. are a medley of 19 rock-cut monuments. The caves are constructed out of basalt solid rock. Most of the caves are Viharas but one of the cave i.e. cave 9 is a Chaitya and displays figures of Buddhist mythology. The caves also known as Kondivite caves, located in the eastern suburb of Andheri in the city of Mumbai. 

Kanheri Caves
One of the very old Buddhist cave complex, houses more than 100 caves cut out of rock. Kanheri also known as Krishnagiri means Black Mountain (Krishna means black and Giri is mountain). The history of the caves dates back from the 1st century BC to 11th century AD. The cave complex contains of Buddhist sculptures and relief carvings, paintings and inscriptions. Each cave has a stone plinth that functioned as a bed. There is a congregation hall with huge stone pillar which also contains a Stupa (a Buddhist shrine). Rock-cut channels above the caves fed rainwater into cisterns, which provided the complex with water. The walls are carved with intricate reliefs of Buddha and the Bodhisattvas.

Apart from these caves, there are a number of caves that are lesser known in Maharashtra as well as in India. The history of the caves dating back to as early as 1st century BC & the architecture is very intriguing which should not be missed.