Rajpuri Caves in Panchgani municipality near Mahabaleshwar is a religious tourist spot in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra state of India. It is believed that the Pandavas stayed here during their exile period. These caves are also known as Karthik Caves.

Rajpuri Caves are a group of ancient caves seven kilometers from Panchgani, surrounded by ponds that have medicinal (curing) properties. Devotees visiting the Rajpuri caves believe bathing in the holy ponds protects them from all their evils and diseases. The sacred river, the Ganges, is considered to run through these ponds.

Rajpuri Caves consist of four caves, three of which are interlinked, and one is a separate cave.

Lord Karthikeya’s temple (Karthikeya is the son of Lord Shiva), constructed out of the sands from the caves, is the main temple in the region. The local goddess of Ghatjal Devi’s temple around is also there.

Panchgani is a beautiful hill station situated 1330 meters above sea level. Panchgani consists of five hills, surrounded by beautiful scenery. It is a non-polluted hill station. Panchgani is one of the most sought-after hill stations in Maharashtra state.

How Do I Go to Rajpuri Caves?

The best mode of travel is Jeep or any other four-wheel drive or other powerful vehicle. Motorbikes are available for hire at the hill station for local sightseeing. Panchgani is well connected by road to all parts of the country by the Pune – Mumbai expressway.

Pune railway station is at a distance of 118 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar. Wathar railway station, 64 kilometers away, is the nearest railway station.

Mumbai is around 250 kilometers distance from Panchgani.

Hotels Near Karthik Caves near Mahabaleshwar

Hotel Millennium Park (Millennium Park panchgani.com – remove the space between the words to look at the hotel) is a good hotel. Summer Plaza (summer plaza resort.com –  remove the spaces in between the words to look at the hotel) is another good hotel.