Arvalem Caves — Attraction in Goa

"My visit to Arvalem caves in Goa was an absolute delight! The natural beauty and historical significance of this ancient site left me mesmerized. The caves' architecture is awe-inspiring, and the serene surroundings make it a perfect spot for exploration and relaxation. The well-preserved rock-cut structures gave a glimpse into the region's rich history. The picturesque waterfall nearby added an extra charm to the whole experience. The visit was made even better by the helpful and knowledgeable caretaker, Santosh ji, who provided interesting insights about the caves despite the continuous rain.

Legend has it that the Arvalem caves hold a fascinating connection to the epic Indian tale of Mahabharata. According to local folklore, during their 14-year exile, the Pandavas sought refuge in these very caves. The ancient rock-cut structures are believed to have served as a hiding place for the Pandavas during their tumultuous journey. This mythological significance adds an aura of mystique to the already enchanting site, captivating the imagination of visitors and lending an extraordinary dimension to their visit. Whether one follows the legend or not, there's no denying that the Arvalem caves possess an unparalleled allure that lingers on in the hearts of all who explore this historical gem. 🏕️

Deep within the Arvalem caves lie five ancient lingams, adorned with Brahmi inscriptions dating back to the 6th century. These exquisitely carved lingams, symbols of Lord Shiva, stand as a testament to the region's rich religious heritage and architectural finesse. Each lingam bears inscriptions in the ancient Brahmi script, which offer valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of the bygone era. As you walk through the serene chambers, the presence of these sacred artifacts fosters a sense of profound spirituality and connects visitors with the ancient roots of Indian culture. The preservation of these remarkable artifacts not only showcases the historical importance of the caves but also invites visitors to contemplate the spiritual significance they hold for countless generations. 🙏🏽

I highly recommend this off-beat, spirituality astounding ancient place to anyone visiting Goa, as it offers a unique blend of history and nature. A must-visit destination that exceeded all my...

Location: Rudreshwar Colony, Sanquelim, North Goa Timing: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM When to Go: November to March

These caves are one of the must-visit hidden places in Goa where mystery, stories, speculations, history, and natural beauty revolve....

These caves were built in the 6th century and depicted mixed architecture. Arvalem Caves are also known as Pandavas Caves because of their five separate compartments.....

Three of the compartments have shrines, but the middle one has Shivling. But some believe that caves belong to Buddhists because of the presence of the Buddha Statue near the place. Moreover, one of these rock caves has inscriptions of the Sanskrit and Brahmi languages dating back to the 7th century. Apart from all the origin stories, one thing is sure the mysterious aura and natural setting add the best moments to your trip. Popularly known as the Pandava Caves, these caves have derived their name from the five Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata. As the legend has it, the Pandavas sought refuge in these caves during their exile. The presence of five compartments and Shivlingas in the cave complex provides relevance of this fact. However, the caves have also been claimed to be of Buddhist origin due to presence of a huge statue of Buddha near the place. The architectural style of the caves also speaks loud of the Buddhist possession. The opinions regarding the origin of the caves have been ambivalent from years.

The architecture of the caves is simple yet appealing. The walls are plain with no paintings on them. The rock structure has been cut into laterite stone. The mysterious look of the caves has been attracting the tourists over long years. The presence of the famous Rudreshwar temple and a waterfall in its vicinity, makes this place a must...

Apart from the admirable beaches and waterfalls, Goa is also one of the most sought after destinations for heritage architectures. Goa is an ancient state and so is the architecture found here. A beautiful example of the historical monuments present in Goa is the Arvalem Caves or the “Pandava Caves”. Located in the Bicholim town of North Goa, these caves are ancient rock cut caves that give us a chance to steep into the mythological tales. The origin of these caves dates back to the 6th century.

Popularly known as the Pandava Caves, these caves have derived their name from the five Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata. As the legend has it, the Pandavas sought refuge in these caves during their exile. The presence of five compartments and Shivlingas in the cave complex provides relevance of this fact. However, the caves have also been claimed to be of Buddhist origin due to presence of a huge statue of Buddha near the place. The architectural style of the caves also speaks loud of the Buddhist possession. The opinions regarding the origin of the caves have been ambivalent from years.

The architecture of the caves is simple yet appealing. The walls are plain with no paintings on them. The rock structure has been cut into laterite stone. The mysterious look of the caves has been attracting the tourists over long years. The presence of the famous Rudreshwar temple and a waterfall in its vicinity, makes this place a must...