Pandav Leni Caves aka Trirashmi Buddhist Caves are located on a hillock very close to the Nasik fly over.
 |
| Pandav Leni Caves |
 |
| That's Me |
Directions to it are easily available on google maps. Just that one has to skip the fly over to reach the caves foothill.
After visiting Chambhar Leni caves we headed to see Pandav Leni, the last installment of our Nasik trip.
 |
| Carvings at Pandav Leni Caves |
 |
| Carvings at Pandav Leni Caves |
These caves were carved out somewhere between 2nd century BC till 5th century BC. The caves were carved and donated by v arious kings that ruled Nasik.
 |
| Vihara at Pandav Leni Caves |
 |
| Pandav Leni Caves |
The caves, known as Trirashmi Buddhist Caves (also known as Pandav Caves) were carved out from the 2nd century BC till the 5th century BC as a part of donation by the Kings.
 |
| Pandav Leni Caves |
We parked the car near the foothills of the caves and then started our climb to reach the caves. There are steps built to reach the entrance of the caves. The climb via the steps is not as tiring like the one we had at Chambhar Leni Caves. You will find elderly crowd too at the caves. There is also a trekking route to reach the caves, but it quite steep and straight up.
 |
| Pandav Leni Caves |
The stairs are surrounded by a thick green cover, due to which one will not sweat while climbing up. The sound of the birds chirping on the trees is music to the ears. It took us 20 minutes to reach the entrance. There is a fee to view the caves. It is Rs.15 for locals, Rs.200 for foreigners and the timings are from 8:30 AM to 5:30M everyday. The ticket checker will scan the bar code on the ticket with is phone. Technology put to use I should say.
 |
| That's me |
The caves are numbered. On the way up, there are signboards informing about the caves. How stupid to place the information on the way up but not next to the caves. Not sure whose idea it was.
The caves are beautifully carved. The art work is just amazing. The cravings are in the league of Ajanta and Ellora Caves near Aurangabad.
 |
| Pandav Leni Caves |
There are 24 caves in all to explore here. Most of the caves are beautifully carved. It was rather difficult for me to photograph some of the cravings as it was so close that it hardly fit my phone screen. Hence I shot videos.
 |
| Pandav Leni Caves |
 |
| Statue of Buddha at Pandav Leni Caves |
Some of the caves was Vihara (a large hall), with rooms next to it. In it were three huge statues of Buddha. It was pitch black in there. I wouldn't have known about them, if Thomas had not told me about it. Clicking a photo of the Buddha was a task, as the phone flash was not strong enough.I got some blurry photos. A tip. One has to remove shoes to see this cave. One has to remove footwear to visit the best among st the caves.
 |
| Stupa at Pandav Leni Caves |
 |
| Stupa at Pandav Leni Caves |
 |
| Carvings at Pandav Leni Caves |
Bed like structures were built in the rocks for the monks to meditate. There was one high up. a staircase was needed to board it. Something very unusual in our trip to caves.
 |
| Carvings at Pandav Leni Caves |
It makes we wonder as to how these caves were constructed. ' Reverse Engineering' said Manohar. To know more about it , you need to chat with Manohar. He is a great source of information.
Some of the cave have graffiti on them, so I know some idiots were here.
 |
| Pandav Leni Caves |
 |
| View of Nasik from Pandav Leni Caves |
The Stupa, reminded me of the Stupa at Karla and Bhaje Caves, in Lonavala.
As the caves are on a height it offer a fantastic view of Nasik city. Something similar to the view from Chambhar Leni Caves.
 |
| Pandav Leni Caves |
It took us around an hour's time to see the caves. We then headed back to Mumbai.
 |
| Carvings at Pandav Leni Caves |
We stopped for some hot vada and pav vada on our way back as we had a long journey to cover.
 |
| Carvings at Pandav Leni Caves |
 |
| Carvings at Pandav Leni Caves |
I got to visit three places, Ramshej fort, Chambhar Leni Caves had finally Pandav Leni Caves. Expenses inclusive of all cost us just Rs.630 per head. Now that is reasonable for four.
 |
| Pav Vada |
People staying at Nasik these are very close. If we can travel all the way from Mumbai to visit these so can you.
Keep reading my blog for more explorations.
0 comments:
Post a Comment