Pandav Caves

Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh


These five ancient rock dwellings are believed to have been carved by Buddhists as early as the 4th century. The foundations of a brick Buddhist stupa have been excavated on top of them.

Legend has it they once sheltered the five Pandava brothers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh attractions

1. Jai Stambh

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This concrete pillar, erected to commemorate Indian independence, stands in the middle of a seven-way junction in the southwestern part of town.

2. Christchurch

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Looking like it has fallen straight out of a twee little English village, Pachmarhi's beautiful Gothic-revival Protestant church was built back in 1875,…

3. Apsara Vihar

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A pool underneath a small waterfall, above a canyon southeast of town, this is the best of Pachmarhi’s natural pools for swimming. It's a drive of about 1…

4. Rajat Prapat Viewpoint

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5. Handi Khoh

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Also known as Suicide Point, Handi Khoh is a viewpoint on the lip of 100m-deep, densely forested canyon, with Chauragarh visible in the distance.

6. Jata Shankar

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7. Bee Falls

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The pretty waterfall and pools at Bee Falls can almost be reached by bike (you have to walk the last quarter-kilometre or so).

8. Priyadarshini Point

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A clifftop viewpoint with Chauragarh in sight across the jungle-filled valleys. It's 5km south of the Jai Stambh, 300m off the Mahadeo road.