Site Visit to Karla Caves

The site visit to Karla Caves, Lonavala, was organized for the first-year architectural students of Pillai College of Architecture. The primary objective was to provide students with a practical learning experience by studying the architectural detailing of Karla Caves. This visit was integrated with the Design Subject led by Prof. Ashwini Bhosale and Humanities subject, guided by Prof. Rupali Vaidya, aiming to help students connect architectural history with cultural and artistic perspectives as well as design principles.

Coordinated by Prof. Ashwini Bhosale, along with faculty members Prof. Sayalee Kulkarni, Prof. Nitya Pratap, and Prof. Jasmine Bhavsar, the visit aimed to provide practical exposure to ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. A total of 58 students participated, with prior arrangements including buses, consent letters from parents, a briefing about the visit objectives, and permission obtained from the college authorities.

The day began with students assembling at 7:30 a.m. on campus, and the buses departed at 8:00 AM. The group reached Karla Caves around 10:00 a.m., where students were briefed on the objectives and instructed on documenting the site using sketches and photography. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., students observed the intricate architectural features, including the Chaitya hall, Viharas, rock-cut sculptures, and carvings, while faculty members explained the historical and cultural context of the caves. Discussions were held on the construction techniques used during ancient times and their significance in modern architecture.

At 1:00 p.m., the group began descending from the site and departed at 2:00 p.m., returning to the college by 3:30 p.m. The visit was highly enriching for the students, marking their first exposure to architectural heritage outside the classroom. They gained valuable insights into the materials, techniques, and cultural relevance of rock-cut architecture and actively participated in documenting the details through sketches and photographs.

The students expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity to connect their academic studies with a historic architectural landmark. Faculty members highlighted the effectiveness of such site visits in enhancing students’ understanding of architectural concepts and recommended organizing similar visits to other significant sites to broaden their learning experience.

Thus the visit to Karla Caves provided students with their first hands-on experience of architectural heritage, allowing them to observe and document ancient rock-cut architecture. It enhanced their understanding of historical construction techniques, materials, and cultural relevance while fostering critical observation, sketching, and analytical skills essential for their architectural education. This practical exposure bridged the gap between theoretical learning and real-world applications, inspiring students to explore architecture beyond the classroom.