The Pandavleni Caves, also known as the Trirashmi Caves, are a group of ancient Buddhist caves situated in Nashik, Maharashtra, India. These caves date back to the 3rd century BCE and feature intricate carvings, inscriptions, and beautiful architecture indicative of the Hinayana Buddhism era. The best time to visit these caves is during the cooler months from October to March. During this period, the weather in Nashik is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C, which is ideal for exploring the caves comfortably. The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall, making the climb to the caves slippery and treacherous, hence it is less advisable for tourists.
Visiting the Pandavleni Caves in the early hours of the day can be quite rewarding as the weather is cool and the soft sunlight brings out the beauty of the carvings and inscriptions. Festivals like the Nashik Kumbh Mela, which occurs once every twelve years, also make for a special time to visit, as one can experience an important cultural event in addition to exploring the historical site. However, this is also when Nashik sees a large influx of visitors, so accommodation and travel may require advance planning due to increased demand. Regardless of the time of year, it's always advisable to carry water and wear comfortable footwear as the caves are accessed via a hike up the hill.
