Karla Buddhist Caves

Here we saw the largest & best preserved rock-cut Buddhist chaitya hall in all India carved out behind an awe-inspiring 14 metre high facade. The site dates from the 1st century CE.

There were sweeping views from here too which is just as well since the immediate surrounds of the caves are sadly neglected, marred by rubbish & rusty old scaffolding lying about in heaps. The fantastic entrance way, too, is spoiled by being partially obscured with a later, rather garish Hindu shrine. It was a less spiritual experience all round. This is a much more acessible site & there were a lot of other tourists - crowds of the noisy young Indian males we've come across so often at historic places. They like to shout at each other as much as possible - couldn't have a good time otherwise, it would seem - & harrass Western Tourists with requests for photos, inane chatter & much staring.