Forts & Heritage
Lenyadri Caves
Roughly 2,000-year-old Buddhist rock-cut caves in the Junnar hills, home to the Girijatmaj Ganpati - one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples.
Distance
~64 km, near Junnar
Time needed
1.5-2 hours
Plan for
A full day out
Carved into Lenyadri Hill, these caves are among the oldest historical attractions in Pune district. They date mainly between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE, and were originally Buddhist monastic caves used by monks for meditation, study and residence as part of the Deccan's ancient cave network.
The name comes from "leni", caves carved from stone, and "adri", mountain - together, caves on the mountain. They are best known today for housing the Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple, making the site a rare blend of history, spirituality and natural beauty.
Highlights
- Ancient rock-cut architecture
- Girijatmaj Ganpati, an Ashtavinayak temple
- Hill climb with valley views
- History and spirituality together
Also nearby
While you are here
Temples & SpiritualBhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
~14 km from the resort · 1-2 hours
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, wrapped in dense Sahyadri forest - a visit that is spiritual and scenic in equal measure.
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Nature & WildlifeBhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
Surrounds the temple area · 2-4 hours
One of the most beautiful forest regions in the Western Ghats - evergreen cover, waterfalls, trekking trails and the Indian Giant Squirrel that our Shekaru room is named for.
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Nature & WildlifeHanuman Lake
In the Bhimashankar forest area · 30-60 minutes
A small, quiet forest lake ringed by dense vegetation - the calm counterweight to a morning at the temple.
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