Ultimate Guide to a Day Trip to Kondana Village & Caves in Karjat (With Travel Tips)

Kondana is a small tribal village in Karjat, Maharashtra, and home to the historic Kondana Buddhist Caves. Surrounded by forests, rivers, and rolling hills, Kondana village and caves can be easily explored in a single day, making it a perfect destination for beginners looking for a short hike near Mumbai or Pune.

Whether you’re a history lover, nature enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful escape from city life, a day trip to Kondana village in Karjat offers a rewarding experience.

Why Visit Kondana Village & Caves?

• Ideal one-day trip from Mumbai
• Beginner-friendly hike (30–45 minutes)
• Ancient Buddhist caves
• Scenic views of Ulhas River
• Tribal village experience
• Great for monsoon and pre-monsoon travel

Our Journey to Kondana Village

Monsoon had just arrived in Mumbai. As we boarded the 6:24 am train from Dadar to Karjat, thunder echoed across the city and dark clouds loomed overhead. The excitement of exploring a new destination kept our spirits high.

Interestingly, the weather shifted dramatically once the train crossed Badlapur. The sky cleared, with only patches of grey clouds floating by, hinting that we were in for a pleasant day ahead.

Walk Along the Ulhas River

The walk from the bridge towards Kondivade village runs alongside the Ulhas River, a lifeline for agriculture in Karjat’s rural areas. While parts of the riverbank sadly show signs of pollution, there are still peaceful stretches where you can spot Little Cormorants diving for fish and drying their wings in the sun.

Occasionally, a roaring train slithering through a distant tunnel adds drama to the serene landscape.

Village Life at Kondana

Kondana is a traditional tribal hamlet, home to the Dhangar community. Houses here are made from wood, mud, and cow dung plaster. Goat rearing is common, and open grazing grounds surround the village.

Villagers still follow age-old traditions like storing firewood for the monsoon—something rarely seen in city life. Their simple lifestyle radiates contentment and warmth.

We spent time interacting with village kids—playing cricket with a bamboo bat, laughing at missed shots, and sharing mangoes plucked straight from the forest. Moments like these make the journey unforgettable.

Hike to Kondana Buddhist Caves

The trail to Kondana Caves starts from Kondana village and is well marked with arrows installed by the MBCPR (Maharashtrian Buddhist Caves Preservation & Research) team.

• Hiking time: 30–45 minutes
• Difficulty level: Easy (beginner-friendly)

You can hire a local guide or even take village kids along—they know the forest like the back of their hand.

Best Season for the Hike

Summer: Wild fruits like jamun, karvand, and mangoes

Monsoon: Waterfalls, streams, lush greenery

Pre-monsoon: Fireflies at dusk

Flora & Fauna Along the Trail

While the monsoon transforms this trail with waterfalls and flowing streams, summer unveils a different kind of magic. The Kusum trees steal the spotlight, spreading a vibrant red carpet across the forest floor. If you slow down, you might spot an Oriental garden lizard resting on sun-warmed rocks or watching you silently from a tree trunk. The Karaya or ghost tree, with its white stem and newly sprouted green leaves, creates a stunning contrast against the dry, rugged hills in the background.

Each season adds its own charm to the hike.

Exploring Kondana Buddhist Caves

Tucked away in the quiet hills of Karjat, the Kondana Caves whisper stories from a time long before roads, railways, and weekend travellers existed. Carved into the rocky hillside between the 1st century BCE and 2nd century CE, these caves belong to the early Hinayana phase of Buddhism, when faith was expressed through symbols rather than idols.

Centuries ago, Buddhist monks chose this secluded spot as their seasonal retreat. During the monsoon months, when travel became difficult, they would take shelter here—meditating, studying, and living a simple life close to nature. The hills around Kondana once lay along an important ancient trade route connecting the Konkan coast to the Deccan plateau. Merchants passing through often supported these monasteries, helping Buddhism flourish across the region.

The cave complex includes modest viharas, where monks lived, and a chaitya hall with a stupa that served as the spiritual heart of the settlement. Time, weather, and neglect have softened the details—many sculptures now stand worn and broken—but the silence within the caves still carries a sense of calm and devotion.

Today, the Kondana Caves stand as an important archaeological and historical site in the Karjat region, offering a glimpse into Maharashtra’s rich Buddhist past and the lives of monks who once inhabited these quiet hills.

Fireflies at Kondana (Pre-Monsoon Highlight)

In the weeks just before monsoon, this region comes alive with fireflies. With the help of a local guide, spend time around dusk and witness thousands of fireflies lighting up the forest—an absolutely magical experience.

How to Reach Kondana Village from Karjat Railway Station

By Auto Rickshaw – Autodrivers at Karjat station charge ₹250–₹300 to drop you directly at Kondivade village, the starting point of the hike to Kondana caves (approx. 12 km).

Budget Option – Shared Taxi – If you’re traveling solo or on a budget, walk for 10–15 minutes from Karjat station towards Shri Ram Pul (bridge). From here, shared taxis are available at ₹20 per person.

Tip: Don’t be surprised if 12 people squeeze into a 7-seater—village transport has its own charm!

Food Options Near Kondana

There are no restaurants in Kondana village, so carry your own food.

Alternatively: Samarth Krupa (📞 9579295123) Located near Yogeshwari Devi Temple

• Advance order required
• Delicious Maharashtrian agri-style food
• Veg & non-veg thalis available

Important Travel Tips

• Carry your own food and water
• No state transport buses from Karjat to Kondivade (post-lockdown)
• Shared taxis back to Karjat are available only till 5 pm
• Parking available at Kondana village
• Do not light fire or smoke inside the caves (bee attack risk)

Final Thoughts

A day trip to Kondana village and Buddhist caves in Karjat is a perfect blend of history, nature, culture, and simplicity. No matter the season, this place leaves you fulfilled by the end of the day.

If you’re looking for a peaceful hike near Mumbai, Kondana deserves a spot on your bucket list.