Photo spot in Pachmarhi
Pandava Caves
Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Five ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves on a hillock, mythologised as the Pandavas' exile refuge, set in a landscaped garden.
Best time
Morning, soon after opening, for soft light and an empty garden; late afternoon for warm light on the sandstone.
Best angle
Walk back across the garden at the foot of the hill and take a wide photo of the row of cave openings, with the lawns in the foreground.
Entry fee
Nominal
Opening hours
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Pandava Caves
Morning, soon after opening, for soft light and an empty garden; late afternoon for warm light on the sandstone. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Pandava Caves
Walk back across the garden at the foot of the hill and take a wide photo of the row of cave openings, with the lawns in the foreground. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At a cave entrance
In the terraced garden
Outfit guide
What to wear at Pandava Caves
For photos at Pandava Caves, rust, cream and ochre work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Pachmarhi.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Pandava Caves.
Eat nearby
Food near Pandava Caves
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for poha jalebi nearby.
Special dishes to try
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Good to know
Local tips
Visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light on the sandstone.
Climb up to the caves for a closer look at the roughly carved pillars.
Wear comfortable shoes for the short climb up the hill.
Do not scratch or write on the rock, as the caves are a protected monument.
Look for the caves named after Draupadi and Bhim in the Pandava story.
Pair the caves with Christ Church and Bison Lodge, both a short drive away.
Spend a few minutes in the garden below for a wider view of the caves.
About the Pandava Caves
The Pandava Caves are five rock-cut caves on a low sandstone hill in Pachmarhi, about 2 km from the bus stand. Legend says the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata sheltered here during their exile, and the caves give the town its name: 'panch' means five and 'marhi' means caves or huts.
Historians link the caves to Buddhist monks, who are thought to have used them as shelters for meditation. Today they are a protected monument set in a landscaped garden, and they are one of the easiest sights to add to a day in town, along with Christ Church and Bison Lodge.
Questions
Pandava Caves — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Pandava Caves?
Morning, soon after opening, for soft light and an empty garden; late afternoon for warm light on the sandstone. Walk back across the garden at the foot of the hill and take a wide photo of the row of cave openings, with the lawns in the foreground.
Is there an entry fee at Pandava Caves?
Entry to Pandava Caves is nominal.
What are the opening hours of Pandava Caves?
Pandava Caves is open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
What should I wear at Pandava Caves?
Rust, cream and ochre photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Pandava Caves get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, soon after opening, for soft light and an empty garden; late afternoon for warm light on the sandstone.
What food should I try near Pandava Caves?
Try poha jalebi at spots close by.
What are the Pandava Caves famous for?
The Pandava Caves are five ancient rock-cut caves that, according to legend, sheltered the Pandava brothers during their exile. They give Pachmarhi its name, from 'panch' (five) and 'marhi' (caves).
Who built the Pandava Caves?
Legend credits the Pandavas of the Mahabharata, but historians link the caves to Buddhist monks, who are thought to have used them for meditation.
How do I reach the Pandava Caves?
The caves are about 2 km from the Pachmarhi bus stand, on a low hill in town. A short climb leads from the garden at the base up to the caves.
How much time do I need at the Pandava Caves?
About 30–45 minutes is enough to walk up, look inside the caves and take photos from the garden.