I recently travelled to Ekveera Aai temple and Karla Caves in Lonavala.

I’ve travelled to Lonavala often, but it was my first visit to Ekveera Aai temple and Karla Caves.

I have already posted a travel guide for Karla Caves with all the latest info for a hassle-free trip.

10 km from Lonavala, the Ekveera temple is atop a hill next to the Buddhist Karla Caves.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming after a long time, here’s all the latest information for a worry-free trip.

In this article, discover –

• Legend of Ekveera Aai temple
• Timings and tickets for the temple
• The trek to Ekveera Aai temple
• Best time to visit
• Nearby attractions
• How to reach Ekveera Aai temple?
• Travel tips

LEGEND OF EKVEERA AAI TEMPLE

There is no concrete evidence of the temple’s origin, but many believe the Pandavas built the temple.

According to legend, the Pandavas encountered the goddess Ekveera Aai during their fourteen years of exile.

Ekveera Aai was aware of the Pandavas’ skills and ethics and decided to test them.

She asked them to build her a temple overnight.

Pandavas completed the task, which pleased the goddess, and she blessed them – no one would find them during their exile.

If the legend is true, the temple is older than the Karla Caves, built between 50-70 CE.

EKVEERA AAI TEMPLE

The orange-coloured structure next to the Karla Caves is the Ekveera temple.

Earlier, two tall pillars stood outside the Karla Caves – Now, only one remains, and the current Ekveera Aai temple stands in place of the second pillar.

The temple worships Ekveera Aai, a Hindu goddess and deity of the Koli (fishermen) community.

It is a sacred temple, and devotees from far and near come to seek the blessing of Ekveera devi, especially during Navratri.

TIMINGS AND TICKETS FOR EKVEERA AAI TEMPLE

The Ekveera Aai temple is open daily from Monday to Sunday, but there is no fixed opening and closing time.

TICKETS:- Entry to the temple is free for all.

TRAVEL TIP:- The temple doesn’t follow a strict dress code, but visitors should cover their shoulders and knees before entering.

If you want to visit the Ekveera Aai temple, arrive early in the morning when there are fewer crowds.

TRAVEL TIP:- Avoid the temple during weekends and festivals because the temple gets overly crowded, and the darshan takes more than an hour.

I visited the temple during the weekday, and it took 30 minutes for darshan.

THE CLIMB TO EKVEERA TEMPLE

The Ekveera temple sits atop a hill next to the Karla Caves.

Long-winding 500 steps pave the way to the temple.

The steps have railings, which makes walking helpful during the monsoons when the stairs are extra slippery.

It takes 20 minutes to climb the steps steadily and 30-40 minutes if you stop for pictures and shopping.

The trek to the temple is beautiful.

You can see tiny houses scattered amongst the vast green fields, a dense fog concealing the hills in the distance.

If you visit during monsoons, you can see a couple of waterfalls along the way.

I would have loved to see more of the beautiful scenery, but the hundred or so shops made it impossible.

Shops and stalls stand tall on both sides of the steps, beckoning visitors near.

Here, you can buy sweets like pedhas and Kalakand, red caps with “Ekveera” on them, Puja thalis for offering at the temple, or other souvenirs.

I highly recommend sightseeing and shopping for the return journey, so you don’t have to carry bags while visiting the temple and caves.

ATTRACTIONS NEAR EKVEERA AAI TEMPLE

Karla Caves, Bhushi Dam, Lonavala Lake, Tiger Point, Rajmachi Point, Bhaja Caves, Lohagarh Fort and Visapur Fort are the must-visit attractions near Ekveera temple.

The Karla Caves are next to the temple, so you don’t have to visit them separately.

If you want to play in the water, Bhushi Dam and the waterfall near Lonavala Lake are the best places.

For trekking enthusiasts, Visapur and Lohagarh Forts are great.

Tiger Point has a reverse waterfall, and Rajmachi Point offers sprawling views of Sahyadri hills.

Bhaja Caves are 7 km from their sister caves, Karla Leni.

All attractions are open all year round, but monsoons are the best time.

HOW TO REACH EKVEERA TEMPLE?

Karla Caves and Ekveera Aai temple are 60 km from Pune and 95 km from Mumbai.

The temple is 10 km from Lonavala, which is connected to Mumbai, Pune and Nashik by road, train and air.

BY ROAD

You can travel from Pune to Karla Caves via the Mumbai – Pune expressway (61 km) or the old Mumbai – Pune Highway (59 km).

Also, both routes have similar arrival times.

The old highway is in good condition and is not as busy as the Mumbai – Pune expressway.

There are no tolls on the old highway, but the expressway charges Rs.41 toll fee.

BY TRAIN

The Lonavala train station (LNL) is the closest to Karla Caves, at 11 km.

You can take a train from Pune, Mumbai or Nashik to Lonavala train station (LNL), 11 km from Ekveera temple.

Outside the station, auto rickshaws or taxis are available for hire.

You can also take the bus to Ekveera temple from the Lonavala bus stand, 650 m from the train station.

The first bus is at 6 am from Lonavala to Ekveera Aai temple, and the last is at 7 pm from the temple to Lonavala.

BY AIR

Pune airport is the closest to Lonavala, 69 km away; Mumbai airport is 92 km away, and Nashik airport is 250 km away.

Lonavala is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, train and air.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Avoid travelling to Ekveera temple or Lonavala on weekends, especially during monsoons, as it gets too crowded and results in long traffic jams.
• Carry an extra set of clothes.
• Wear proper shoes and not heels when visiting Karla Caves because the steps to the caves are slippery from use.
• Travel light; Don’t carry heavy backpacks when visiting the caves, as it’s a 30-minute hike to the top.
• Washrooms are available at the top near the ticket counter.
• Parking lot is moderate and fills up quickly, so arrive early.
• Annually, devotees celebrate the Ekveera Aai festival during Navratri, so expect large crowds during this time.

CONCLUSION

If you want to see a different side of Lonavala or detour from the touristy Tiger Hill, Karla Caves and Ekveera Aai temple are right up your alley.

That concludes the guide to Ekveera Aai temple in Lonavala.

I hope this guide was helpful, and if I missed something or you have any queries, let me know in the comments.

I hope this ignites your wanderlust because

You don’t have to be rich to travel well.

eugene Fodor