Nasik Caves

Located about 8 kilometres to the south of the centre of Nashik in Maharashtra in India, the Pandavleni Caves, also known as Pandu Caves or Nasik Caves are ancient rock-cut caves that are situated on the tableland of the Trivashmi Hills. These caves date back to the period between the 3rd century BC and 2nd century AD. The Pandavleni caves are a group of 24 caves that represent Hinayana Buddhism. The mystic caves also comprise of musical fountains, museums and various outlets of food. Multiple monasteries, shrines, water tanks, pillars, and carvings can also be found inside.

The Pandavleni Caves were built by prominent rulers of that time, such as the Satavahanas and Kshaharatas, for the Hinayana Buddhist monks.  Of all the twenty-four caves, cave numbers 3 and 10 are the most beautiful ones. The architecture of these caves is unique and impressive. The inside of these caves also consists of inscriptions which act as significant study material for researchers and scholars till this day. Cave number 15 has an inscription about the King of Western Maharashtra.

There are beautiful sculptures, chambers, unique water structures and stone ladders too built inside the cave. The Dada Saheb Phalke Smarak lies at the foot of the Pandavleni caves and showcases the work of Dadasaheb Phalke. Tourists have to climb nearly 200 steps to reach the top and enjoy the breathtaking views. People also visit this attraction frequently to enjoy trekking. At the same time, the location of the caves is a prominent holy Buddhist site. This makes the Pandavleni Caves a well-known tourist site that is visited by tourists in large numbers all year round.