Pandavleni is another slice from history worth visiting. Though not as grand as the Ajanta Caves (and therefore lesser known), Pandavleni is similar to those caves in Ajanta, Kanheri, Karla etc. Considered to be over 2000 years old ( 1 BC to 800 AD), the caves served as Viharas/monastries.
Pandavleni is about 8 km from Nashik City on the Nashik-Mumbai highway. Trekking up the hill takes about 20 minutes. The uphill climb is easy as steps are constructed.
At the base is the Dadasaheb Phalke Smarak park with recreation facilities run by the municipal corporation.
Next time if you are in Nashik, leave an evening for Pandavleni. After a dose of history and architecture, enjoy the sunset before you start the downhill journey.
While passing through Nashik I had glimpses of these structures somewhere visible from a distance high above the hills. Though this attracted me but our group was in a hurry to be back in Mumbai same day. Are there any inscriptions on the cave walls?
This one look very similar to the badami caves too …