Caves in Goa

Caves of Khandepar are four ancient rock-cut caves located in a jungle near Khandepar Village dating back roughly to the 12th century. They were discovered in 1970 and have two interconnected caves, while the other two are free standing. One of them is located a short distance away and the last is located opposite to the first cave. The last cave bears a pedestal which is believed to be made to hold a Shivalinga and, therefore, is considered as a meditation room.

The Arvalem caves are also known as the Pandava caves, and they are situated at Bicholim in North Goa. They are thought to be inhabited in the 6th century, and the dwellers have left their remnants there. The caves are associated with the epic Mahabharata, and it is believed that the Pandavas took refuge in the caves. The architecture of the caves is quite simple and seem to be inspired by Buddhist architecture. You can also find the famous Arvalem waterfall near these caves.

The Lamgau caves are situated in North Goa in the village of Lamgau. You need to trek to the caves through the village, or you can drive down via Bicholim. These caves are small but have a specific architectural style. It was an exceptional task for the labourers to carve out the cave from decomposed laterite which is quite brittle. The caves have been dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Rivona Caves are believed to have been inhabited during the 6th and 7th centuries by the Buddhist monks. At the caves, you will be able to see the ‘pitha’ which may have served as a seat for the teacher. The caves stand as proof that Buddhism was prominent in Goa. You need to reach Rivona and then walk to the caves. The entry gate of the caves is small but once you are inside, you will be mesmerized by the intricate work on the walls.

Narve caves are located in Naroa, which is in North Goa. These caves are quite simple, and they do have a garbhagriha, which suggests that Hindu dwellers mainly used them. Even lingas have been found which are said to belong to the Chalukya period. The top of the linga is shaped like the lion found in the Ashokan period, and it also contains writings in the Bramhi script. The caves are said to hail from the 6th century. The caves are situated in a forest which makes them an ideal spot for nature lovers.

The Konkan coast is often known for its naturally forming caves which were made habitable by human beings. Warkhand is a small village in North Goa, and the key attraction of the village is the caves. The place is made more beautiful by the presence of a spring. As the caves are in a forest, you can easily spot wildlife there. This place is also known for several different temples.

Usgao is a village in North Goa, and like many other villages of the region, it is said to have some caves in which men were believed to stay. If you visit the village, then you can talk to the local people around who will guide you through. Their narrative can be quite intriguing.

Curdi is an interesting place in Goa, as it comes to life once a year when the water level goes down. It has been lying abandoned for a while after Salaulim dam was built. The place is known for its temples and also the caves. It is a bit hard to locate these rock-cut caves. Visit Curdi during the month of May when the water recedes.

If you are planning to see some of the lesser-known parts of Goa, then do visit Aquem caves. You can visit the two chambers of the caves which have traces of human beings that once lived there. A fun fact about the cave is that people think that they contain underground tunnels which were used by the Pandavas. The Aquem caves are said to have Hindu origins.