Pandavleni Caves Nashik
Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves offering a historical trek with panoramic views of Nashik.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds
Pandavleni Caves Nashik
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves offering a historical trek with panoramic views of Nashik.
"The best view comes after the hardest climb."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb involves over 200 steps, so sturdy footwear is essential for a comfortable trek.
💧 Carry Water & Snacks
No food or water is available at the top. Stay hydrated and energized for your exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Buddhist Carvings
Various Caves
Marvel at ancient Buddhist sculptures, inscriptions, and symbolic representations carved into the rock.
Panoramic City Views
Top of the Caves
Enjoy breathtaking views of Nashik city and the surrounding landscape after the climb.
Ancient Viharas and Chaityas
Inside the Caves
Explore the monastic quarters (viharas) and prayer halls (chaityas) used by Buddhist monks centuries ago.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Understand the Name and History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb involves over 200 steps, so sturdy footwear is essential for a comfortable trek.
💧 Carry Water & Snacks
No food or water is available at the top. Stay hydrated and energized for your exploration.
⏰ Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons.
💰 Entry Fee & Payment
Entry is ₹25 per adult. UPI is accepted, but network can be spotty.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb involves over 200 steps, so sturdy footwear is essential for a comfortable trek.
💧 Carry Water & Snacks
No food or water is available at the top. Stay hydrated and energized for your exploration.
⏰ Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons.
💰 Entry Fee & Payment
Entry is ₹25 per adult. UPI is accepted, but network can be spotty.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from the top are stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pandavleni Caves are a highly recommended historical site offering a rewarding trek and stunning city views. Visitors praise the ancient Buddhist architecture and the serene atmosphere, especially during early mornings. While the climb involves many steps, it's considered worthwhile for the historical insights and scenic beauty.
"A very good place to visit! You have to climb around 100 steps to reach the caves, and the effort is absolutely worth it. The caves are peaceful, clean, and carry a unique charm with their natural and historic feel. The view while climbing is also refreshing. A must-visit spot for those who enjoy a mix of light adventure and heritage."
Arun Khedwal
"The parking was empty when we reached on a weekday morning. It was raining slightly and the steps up is well made and not slippery. You pause beside the boards with information about the buddhist caves on your way up and down. The ticket counter is right at the top. The caves are not that well maintained. There was also a place in cave 2 I think where you could see that the carving has been chiseled off the wall. A scan code with some audio guides can be easily done to give people information about particular caves in multiple languages. Read the boards on the way to know more about the caves. Wear proper shoes in monsoon. Other times wear sandals which can be easily opened as for some caves you have to open your shoes to enter."
Atrayee Basu
"Visited Pandav Leni during the monsoon and it was a truly refreshing experience. The entire trail was surrounded by lush greenery and cool mist, making the uphill climb pleasant and scenic. The ancient Buddhist caves are well-preserved and offer a glimpse into rich historical art and architecture. Monsoon adds a magical charm to the place with clouds floating around and panoramic views of Nashik city from the top. The steps are well-maintained, but can get slippery—so wear good shoes. Perfect spot for a peaceful trek, history, and nature. Highly recommend visiting during the rainy season for the best experience."
VISHAL GORASIYA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pandavleni Caves are located about 8 km from Nashik city center on Trirashmi Hill. You can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from Nashik city. Some travelers suggest renting a bike for flexibility.
Yes, there is sufficient free parking space available for four-wheelers at the base of the hill.
From the parking area, you'll need to climb approximately 200-250 steps to reach the caves.
While direct public buses might be limited, you can take a local bus towards the Nashik-Mumbai road (NH3) and then hire an auto-rickshaw for the remaining distance.
The caves are situated approximately 8 km from the Nashik city center, making them easily accessible for a day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The caves are typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. It's advisable to check for any seasonal changes.
The entry fee for Indian adults is ₹25. Children and other categories might have different rates.
Currently, tickets are usually purchased at the counter at the top before entering the premises. UPI payment is accepted, but network can be unreliable.
Generally, there are no major restrictions, but it's a historical site, so visitors are expected to be respectful. Avoid littering.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Museum is located at the foot of the hill. While entry to the caves has a fee, information about the museum's separate entry fee should be confirmed on-site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The climb involves around 200-250 steps and typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace.
It's considered an easy to moderate trek, suitable for most fitness levels, including elders, though the steps can be tiring.
Yes, toilets are available at the ground level before the steps begin. It's advisable to use them before starting your climb.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenic views. 
You can see intricate Buddhist carvings, inscriptions, sculptures of Buddhist deities, and depictions of Buddha's life and teachings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there is no food or water available at the top of the caves. It's essential to carry your own water bottles and snacks.
You can find restaurants and eateries in Nashik city before or after your visit. The Dadasaheb Phalke Museum at the base might have some basic options.
While there isn't a designated picnic area, you can enjoy snacks you've brought with you, ensuring you clean up after yourself to maintain the site's cleanliness.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the top, the intricate carvings inside the caves, and the steps leading up offer great photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good to be respectful of the historical and religious nature of the site. Avoid using flash where it might damage ancient artwork.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and cave interiors. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and archaeological sites to preserve their integrity and for safety reasons. It's best to check local regulations.
The hours around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a warm glow on the caves and landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to spot different carvings and imagine life in ancient times. Carry plenty of water and snacks as there are no facilities at the top, and kids can get hungry and thirsty quickly. 🚶♀️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
+1 The panoramic vistas of Nashik city from the top provide stunning landscape shots. Don't miss the details of the intricate carvings and the textures of the ancient rock. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for expansive shots and a zoom lens for capturing finer details. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Pandavleni Caves
The architectural style reflects the Hinayana phase of Buddhism, characterized by symbolic representations like stupas rather than explicit idols of Buddha. The caves are adorned with intricate carvings, inscriptions in Brahmi and Devanagari scripts, and sculptures depicting Buddhist deities and teachings. The presence of ingenious water cisterns highlights the advanced engineering skills of the artisans of that era.
These caves are a testament to the spread of Buddhism in western India and the patronage it received from rulers and merchants. The inscriptions offer valuable insights into the socio-economic and cultural conditions of ancient times, making Pandavleni Caves a significant historical and archaeological site.
Trekking and Experiencing the Caves
Many visitors recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh midday sun and enjoy a more pleasant trekking experience. The atmosphere during these times is often described as refreshing and serene, with cool breezes enhancing the journey.
Once at the caves, take your time to explore the different chambers, admire the carvings, and soak in the historical ambiance. The panoramic views of Nashik city from the top are a significant reward for the climb, offering a perfect spot for reflection and photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit