Some of the most beloved historical art pieces may be found in this nation with a rich cultural legacy. One of these amazing pieces of art is the Pandavleni caves in Maharashtra, which are close to Nasik. The Pandavleni Caves, one of the most popular Buddhist pilgrimage sites, are made up of 24 carved cave temples known as viharas. The Chaitya is one of the twenty-four sculpted cave temples.
Originally intended as monasteries where people could gather and converse with monks, these viharas served as prayer halls for Buddhist monks and Gautam Buddha’s followers.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Smarak, along with fast food restaurants, museums, and musical fountains, is located at the base of the Pandav Leni Caves.
This lovely cave was donated and given as a gift by the monarchs who supported Buddhism and its academics. In more recent times, it has drawn tourists. Some of the things that draw tourists to this location are the artwork and architecture of the area, as well as the inscriptions that can be discovered inside the caves.
The temples are situated on the high slopes of Trirashmi, and access to them requires hiking up the mountains and scaling stone ladders. It’s one of the locations on the Maharashtra hiking list with a name.
History of Caves
The Western Kshatrapas, Satavahanas, and Abhiras reigned over the caves when they were constructed in the early third century. The sculptures and paintings in the caves provide testament to the contributions made by the Buddhist sects of Hinayana and Mahayana.
How to reach
If someone is flying, they have to land at Gandhinagar Airport in Nasik, where they may take a cab or an auto to go straight to the Pandavleni caves. However, it is convenient for someone going by train to disembark at the Nasik Road railway station and take an auto, rickshaw, or cab.
One may get to Nasik by bus or other forms of road transportation, and from there they can take state transportation to the Pandavleni Caves.
Activities to do in and around
Along with exploring the Buddhist cave temples, visitors may also tour the Sula vineyards near the Pandavleni Caves, the Deolali Camp in Nasik, the York Winery and tasting facility, the Anjeri Hills, the Kalaram Temple, and the Jain Mandir in Nashik. They might also take a peaceful and soothing trip to the Ashoka Falls in Igatpura, where the place’s purity renews their souls.
Timings
The Pandavleni caves are accessible from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Entry Fee
Children under 15 can enter the Pandavleni caves free of charge, and on Fridays, entry is free for everyone. With the aforementioned exclusions, there is a general entry charge for the caves.
The best time to Visit Pandavleni Caves
The months of October through March are the best times to visit the Pandavleni Caves because of the weather, which is still pleasant and safe for travellers and visitors. This allows them to feel safe while trekking up the mountain, which can be a difficult and exhausting task during the summer and monsoon. It is claimed that the best time to view and take in the stunning architecture of the caves is in the morning.
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