Refreshingly Konkan – Part I – Kuda caves

The row of caves at Kuda
The view from the top
Carvings inside one of the caves

I have just returned from a road trip to Konkan and my next few posts are going to be about the places we visited. I'll start with our first destination – Kuda Caves.

Kude is on the way to Mhasala from Mandad on the Mumbai-Goa highway. If you are proceeding from Tamhini ghat, you need to take a right turn as you hit the highway and then turn left at Indapur towards Tale or Mandad. Kuda caves is about 5-6 kms after Tale. On the way, you can see the Tale fort (we didn't go right up to the top. I believe there is nothing much over there). Kuda caves are about 2000 years old are similar to the Bhaje caves I've reviewed earlier. The origins are Buddhist, but there are some Greek carvings on the walls. The only (big) difference being that Kude overlooks the sea. The view of the sea from the caves is simply superb.

There are about 25 caves and a central prayer hall. The entrance to the prayer hall has a magnificent figurine of an elephant, which is in ruins now, unfortunately. The caves are built at two levels. The architecture is very interesting, with the caves used for dwelling supplied with a window and door each, as well as a platform that was likely used for sleeping.

There is no historical or any information displayed near the caves, neither any entrance ticket. In fact, you would be fortunate if you find a single soul around the place. Best to be careful in the area. We went there on a weekday, and the only company we had was a group of youngsters who left soon after we reached there.

My Verdict: This is an adventurous stop-over on the way to Diveagar for people who are interested in history and archeology, or want to just enjoy the view. Nothing much to write home about beyond that! Sincerely wish we Indians would show more respect for our history than we appear to.