Hinayana Buddhist Caves is a group of 24 caves situated 8 km south of
Nasik. These caves can be dated back to the first century BC to the second century AD. The interior of the caves are decorated with interesting designs and sculptures. Some of the caves serve as temples and monasteries. Among those caves, Karla cave is the largest.
Cave 10, 3 and 18 are the most attractive caves. Cave 10 and 3 resemble each other in design and are viharas or monasteries, but the latter one is the oldest. Cave 18 is a shrine similar to the largest cave, Karla.
Hinayana Buddhist Caves house the statues of Buddha, Jain
Teerthankar Vrishabhdeo, the icons of Bodhisatva, Veer Manibhadraji and Ambikadevi. Those caves also once served as the meeting place for the disciples. Attractive water tanks carved out of solid rocks are items of interest.
