Pandava Caves

About Pandava Caves

Pandava Caves is a group of five rock-cut Buddhist temples set against the Satpura ranges, and one of the first stops on most Pachmarhi itineraries. The caves were cut in the ninth century, and the chambers are adorned with sculptures and carvings.

The name comes from mythology rather than archaeology. The tradition is that the five chambers were given to the five Pandavas as shelter during their exile, which is why they carry their name even though the excavation is Buddhist in origin. The site sits on open ground with a view out towards the hills, and it doubles as the starting point for the walk to Apsara Vihar.

The five chambers

The rock-cut cells

Five chambers are cut into the rock, each entered separately from the open ground in front. They are small and plain by the standards of larger Buddhist sites, and the appeal is the deliberate simplicity of the excavation.

Sculptures and carvings

The chambers carry sculptures and carved detail from the ninth century. The work is weathered, so look at it in raking light early or late in the day rather than under flat midday sun.

The outlook towards the Satpura

The caves stand on raised ground with the Satpura ranges behind, and the setting does a lot of the work. It is also the point from which the route to Apsara Vihar begins.

Planning your visit

The caves are close to Jaistambha and inside Pachmarhi town, which makes them one of the easiest sites to reach on the plateau.

• There are steps up to the caves; the climb is short.
• Carry a torch if you want to look closely at the carving inside.
• Combine the visit with Apsara Vihar, which is reached from near here.
• Early morning gives the best light and the fewest people.

Best time to visit

October to March is the comfortable season, and early morning or late afternoon shows the weathered carving at its best. The monsoon keeps the surrounding grass green but the light is often flat and the stone slippery.