Arjun Gufa, Manali | Legend, Best Time & How To Reach

Arjun Gufa, Manali Overview

Arjun Gufa is considered to be a legendary natural formation in Manali. The cave is a favourite picnic spot and is also famous for the adventure of exploring the creation from inside. It is located on the left side of River Beas and is very close to beautiful Prini Village. The climb up to the cave is exciting in itself with the surrounding natural landscape so beautiful it cannot be explained in words.

The Arjun cave is a narrow path into a hill. With no light entering after a point, one has to explore and find their way into the cave through the darkness using flashlights. The uneven passage inside makes the exploration more exciting. At a little distance inside, one is required to descend to reach a base area. It takes about 45 minutes to explore the whole cave.

Must Know Before You Visit Arjun Gufa

Tips :

Most visitors remove their shoes while entering the cave.
The cave remains open 24 hours, but it is advisable that tourists explore it only in the daytime.
Do not carry heavy bags inside the cave as the passage is very narrow.
One may want to reconsider entering the cave if they have claustrophobia.

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Legend of Arjun Gufa

Arjun Gufa is mostly associated with the legendary figure, Arjun, one of the Pandava Brothers. According to a Hindu Legend, Arjun travelled to the location of Arjun Gufa and meditated for years to attain the Pashupata Astra. Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion and dedication, blessed him with the Pashupata Astra. The trek up the cave draws many enthusiasts.

The walkway goes through lush green meadows, tall pine trees and cement steps that make exploring the location an enrapturing experience. Many tourists visit Arjun Gufa to check if the legend is true and some visit just for the fun of it.

According to Hindu mythology, the Pashupata Astra was a powerful and destructive weapon which could be discharged by a bow, through words, eyes or by the mind and was never supposed to be used by less significant warriors because it could wipe out all beings in an instant. This weapon was possessed only by Arjun and no other warrior on earth.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Arjun Gufa in between March to June as the region is not extensively covered in snow and quite pleasantly cool throughout the day making it possible to explore the cave.

How To Reach Arjun Gufa

Arjun Gufa is located at a distance of 5 kilometres from the town of Manali. Local buses, rented taxis and private vehicles are the best modes of transport to reach the nearby village Prini. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Prini via the Kullu-Naggar-Manali road. Rented motorbikes are also convenient to reach the location. Once at Prini, tourists have to walk up to the left bank of River Beas and climb up the hill for about 20 minutes to reach the cave entrance.