Pandavleni Caves

Pandavleni Caves (Trirashmi Buddhist Caves) near Nashik are a group of 24 rock-cut Buddhist caves carved between the 3rd century BCE and 2nd century CE by the Hinayana Buddhist sect. The caves were used as monastery retreats and contain viharas (living quarters), chaitya halls (prayer halls), and water cisterns. The inscriptions found in the caves provide valuable historical information about the era and the donors who funded their construction, including references to the Satavahana dynasty. The caves are managed by the ASI and offer fine examples of early Indian rock-cut architecture alongside panoramic views of the Nashik plains.