Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Panhalekaji Caves are located around 30 KM away from Khed. There are not on NH17 aka NH66, but one has to travel on the Vakavli Karanjali Road from Khed to access these caves. At the village Fanasu. The right takes us to Panhalekaji Caves and the left to Unhavare Hot Water Springs.
After visiting the Khed caves we traveled for around 30 KM to reach the Panhalekaji Caves. The roads are very narrow and to top it, they are not in very good condition, so one has to drive slow which consumes a lot of time. The road will also test the car suspension. Directions to the caves are available on google maps. There are signboards at irregular intervals.
Finally at 5PM we were at the Cave premises. There was just one cave and a couple standing there. I asked the couple, " Is this the only Cave?" to which he replied, "Yes". "Did we travel for a hour's time just to see this one cave, not worth the time" I said to Manohar.
We met a local, who was trying to sell us some home grown bottle gourd, he was selling at a cheap price. But as cooking was not on our bucket list for the day, we didn't buy any from him. We asked him if this is the only cave here, to which he replied that there are more.
He became our guide, he showed us around the caves. The caves were beautifully carved and had carvings of Ganpati, Saraswati and even Buddha in its premises. Manohar told me that these Caves are a mix of Buddhist and Hindu influences. Manohar offered him Rs.50 for his services, without him, we would have not seen the rest of the caves.
The caves are located very near to the forest premises, there is a small rivulet near the caves. There are trees (mango trees) near the caves. But no mangoes. It was nice and calm here.
Not sure if the rivulet had any fish in it, else one could make it a picnic destination. Camping in the shade of the trees and fish for food. This place looks un inhabited, as there was no human footprint here.
Not sure if ST buses or shared rickshaws ply on this route from Dapoli or Khed. We were not able to spot any. There were hardly any people on the road to ask for directions. Private transport is the only mode of transportation.
There is no provision for food and water.
The time was now 6PM, we had Unhavare Hot Water Springs next on the agenda for the day.
 |
| Panhalekaji Caves |
 |
| Panhalekaji Caves |
After visiting the Khed caves we traveled for around 30 KM to reach the Panhalekaji Caves. The roads are very narrow and to top it, they are not in very good condition, so one has to drive slow which consumes a lot of time. The road will also test the car suspension. Directions to the caves are available on google maps. There are signboards at irregular intervals.
 |
| Panhalekaji Caves |
Finally at 5PM we were at the Cave premises. There was just one cave and a couple standing there. I asked the couple, " Is this the only Cave?" to which he replied, "Yes". "Did we travel for a hour's time just to see this one cave, not worth the time" I said to Manohar.
 |
| Panhalekaji Caves |
We met a local, who was trying to sell us some home grown bottle gourd, he was selling at a cheap price. But as cooking was not on our bucket list for the day, we didn't buy any from him. We asked him if this is the only cave here, to which he replied that there are more.
 |
| Panhalekaji Caves |
He became our guide, he showed us around the caves. The caves were beautifully carved and had carvings of Ganpati, Saraswati and even Buddha in its premises. Manohar told me that these Caves are a mix of Buddhist and Hindu influences. Manohar offered him Rs.50 for his services, without him, we would have not seen the rest of the caves.
 |
| Panhalekaji Caves |
The caves are located very near to the forest premises, there is a small rivulet near the caves. There are trees (mango trees) near the caves. But no mangoes. It was nice and calm here.
 |
| Panhalekaji Caves |
Not sure if the rivulet had any fish in it, else one could make it a picnic destination. Camping in the shade of the trees and fish for food. This place looks un inhabited, as there was no human footprint here.
 |
| Panhalekaji Caves |
Not sure if ST buses or shared rickshaws ply on this route from Dapoli or Khed. We were not able to spot any. There were hardly any people on the road to ask for directions. Private transport is the only mode of transportation.
 |
| Panhalekaji Caves |
 |
| Panhalekaji Caves |
 |
| Panhalekaji Caves |
The time was now 6PM, we had Unhavare Hot Water Springs next on the agenda for the day.
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