Overview | How to Reach | Sightseeing | Hotels | Map | Photos
Pandavleni Caves or the Pandulena Caves have located high in the mountains of Trirashmi close to Nasik city Maharashtra. In spite of its proximity to the city Pandavleni Caves in Nashik actually a very quiet and peaceful place and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city of Nasik.
Pandavleni, the Buddha leni at Nashik were originally carved out as adobes for the idols worshiped by the local kings, and most of them lodge of idols of Bodhisattva and Lord Buddha. Some of its 24 caves are pretty large in size and contain numerous rock-cut chambers that were used as monasteries or Viharas by the disciples who stayed here.
History of Pandavleni Caves
Though it is named Pandavleni, it bears no connection with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Pandavleni was constructed during the period of the 1st Century B.C. to 4th Century A.D., and there is a total of 24 Buddhist caves. Pandavleni caves are not only considered as one of the most important Buddhist caves in Western India but also hold immense value for historians because of the large number of rare inscriptions found inside the caves.
Pandavleni caves also have an ancient water management system skillfully chiseled out of the solid rock as well as a number of stone curved water tanks which are also of great attraction for the visiting tourists. Inscriptions carved on the stone walls of the Pandavleni Cave no. 18 are the main interest for the tourists visiting here. The stone-cut ladders that intricately join some of Pandavleni caves areas also catch attention.
Pandavleni Caves Nashik Timings
Pandavleni caves in Nashik stay open from 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., every day and there are steps that you can easily climb to reach Pandavleni Caves from the bottom of the hill.
Best time to Visit Pandavleni Caves
Any time of the year is a good time for visiting Pandavleni in Nashik, but it is during the winter months of September to March that receive the maximum number of tourists.