Pandav Caves, Pachmarhi – History, Timings & Best Time to Visit
Pandava Caves are historic caves in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, which are 2 kilometers from Pachmarhi Bus Station. One of Pachmarhi’s must-see tourist destinations, it is perched atop a hillside.
One of the most popular destinations in Pachmarhi is Pandav Caves, a collection of five rock-cut temples with naturally occurring gardens and crudely carved columns and pilasters. The Pandavas are said to have found refuge in these caves during their time of exile, according to the tale. During the first century AD, Buddhist monks frequented these picturesque caverns for meditation. They are veiled in several stories from different centuries. Now that it is a protected monument, visitors come here from all across India.
The tradition states that these five caves were created for their wife, Draupadi, and each of the brothers: Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakul, Sahdeo, and Bhima. ‘Draupadi Kuti’ is the cleanest and most well-ventilated of the five caves. The darkest cave is Bhim Kothari, the cave of Bhima, the hardest of the five brothers. Beautiful carvings and sculptures still decorate these temples. Even the town’s name, “Panchmarhi,” which translates to “five caves” or “five huts,” is derived from these caves.
Travel Tips
Visitors who wish to explore Pachmarhi must get a day visit permission from the Bison Lodge Museum. Additionally, as cars from outside are not permitted here, visitors must take local jeeps.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry: Free
