Pitalkhora Caves - A hidden and forgotten heritage

How does it feel when you are about to step into an unexplored corner of the map and someone asks, how did you get to know about this spot? A moment when you feel rewarded for your offbeat explorations and feel proud on calling yourself “The Vagabond”.

Our cab driver was skeptical about reaching the spot. Gawtala Wildlife Sanctuary, check point operators viewed us with surprise while taking entry fees – as if as if travellers rarely take this way. Inside the sanctuary a few curious local eyes carried the same question - source of information on “PITALKHORA CAVES”. This is precisely the magic of exploring unknown.

~ 50 km. From Ellora caves in Chandikawadi village in Aurangabad district, Pitalkhora Caves is probably once in a lifetime spot. After entering the reserve forest and driving for another 500m. on a very rough road, we arrived at the point from where we had to take stairs to go down into the ravine. Around 250 well-constructed stairs were eager to take us to the Pitalkhora Caves.

Striking yellow colour of the caves resembling brass catches the eye, the moment one arrives and probably is the reason behind the name Pitalkhora, Yellow Valley in local language-  

Pital means Brass and khora means valley in local language. We have just discovered another offbeat Gem. It was the time to go inside the caves and unravel the unsolved mysteries. Caves were constructed during 2nd century BC, which makes them one of the oldest caves in India.

There are in total 14 caves;4are on one side and 10 on other side of the ravine and are approached via a steel bridge. 

As you cross the steel bridge, Elephants at the foundation of the cave no. 4 depict a grand welcome stage for a majestic monument which was under construction. Circular arches on the doors like Vedic architecture arouses curiosity about the structure.

However, all the cells are empty. For some reasons, the caves were left incomplete. Stories like labour strike or non-payment of wages is told by locales, however seeing the stones - visible fissures and cracks in the seams appear to be logical reason on leaving the construction midway. One can still see 2 gatekeepers alongside the Elephants at far-left end.

Structured like a Vihara (monastery), presence of cells inside the caves can be seen. Due to gradual erosion of the structure, whatever designs which were present are disappearing fast. Caves beyond cave no. 4 were being constructed as living spaces, incomplete cells do tell a story: 

We got company from a few visitors for few minutes; however, we were alone at the site for most of the time we spent here. Far from the humans, settlements the pin drop silence of the nature was disturbed only by chirping of the birds and movement of leaves with wind blowing. On the other side of the valley there are 4 caves. 2 of them were being constructed as prayer halls or Stupas, however left incomplete -  

Pitalkhora Caves do not feature on regular itineraries, but for those looking to spend time with themselves - the place is not less than a heaven. As afternoon was retreating, the colour of caves was turning stark yellow, proving the significance of the name "Pitalkhora" - 

Check the difference in colour with the 1st picture of this post. Had the structure been completed, it would have been another example of rock-cut architecture like Ajanta, Ellora and Karla Caves in Maharashtra and rock-cut carvings in Gwalior. 

There is no entry ticket for visitors and there are no public conveniences at site. Please carry your water and light snacks as the site is located in a very remote part. Wear good shoes and avoid venturing out of the marked walkways to avoid any encounter with insects, snakes and animals. 

Keep exploring folks...