Pandava Caves: Ancient Rock-Cut Marvel
Explore ancient rock-cut caves in North Goa, linked to the Mahabharata's Pandava brothers and possibly with Buddhist origins.
The Pandava Caves, also known as Arvalem Caves, are ancient rock-cut caves dating back to the 6th century, located near Sanquelim in North Goa. Legend says the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata sought refuge here during their exile. The caves possibly have Buddhist origins, with simple architecture reminiscent of Ajanta and Ellora.
A brief summary to Pandava Caves
- 7XFC+287, Martires Dias Rd, Madgaon, Goa, 403601, IN
- +918322494204
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during the monsoon season (June to September) to see the nearby Arvalem Falls at their most majestic.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the Rudreshwar Temple, located near the falls and caves.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven.
- Carry water and snacks, as there are limited facilities available.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Panaji, take a bus to Mapusa, then transfer to another bus heading towards Ponda. Get off near Sanquelim or Arvalem. From Margao, take a bus directly to 'Harvale' or 'Rudreshwar Colony'. The bus fare is generally inexpensive, around ₹20-₹50. From the bus stop, you can walk or hire an auto-rickshaw to the caves.
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Taxi/Auto-Rickshaw
Hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from major towns like Panaji or Margao. A ride from Panaji takes about 45 minutes, while from Margao, it takes around 20 minutes. Negotiate the fare beforehand; it should cost around ₹300-₹500 depending on your starting point. Short distances can cost between ₹100 to ₹300.
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Walking
If you are already in Harvale or nearby, you can walk to the Pandava Caves by following the local paths from Rudreshwar Colony. Look for signage or ask locals for the best walking route.
Discover more about Pandava Caves
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