Pandav Falls and Caves

Panna National Park · Madla · Madhya Pradesh · India

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About Pandav Falls and Caves

Pandav Falls and Caves is a scenic waterfall and cave complex located inside Panna National Park near Madla village in Panna District, Madhya Pradesh. The waterfall drops about 30 metres into a heart-shaped pool surrounded by dense forest. Ancient rock-cut caves at the base are traditionally associated with the Pandavas' exile. It is a popular nature and picnic spot near Khajuraho.

Visitors guide

Visitors can expect a forested setting inside Panna National Park with a 30-metre waterfall cascading into a clear pool, surrounded by rocky cliffs and dense teak forest. A short stairway leads down to the pool and to ancient caves and rock shelters at the base of the falls. The area offers viewpoints from the top and base, opportunities for photography, nature walks and birdwatching, and a tranquil picnic environment within the tiger reserve landscape.

Key highlights

01
30-metre waterfall falling into a heart-shaped pool
02
Ancient rock-cut caves and shelters at the base of the falls
03
Location inside Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve forest
04
Perennial spring-fed stream tributary of the Ken River
05
Scenic viewpoints from top and bottom of the falls

History of Pandav Falls and Caves

The caves are locally believed to have provided shelter to the Pandava brothers during their exile (Agyatvas) as described in the Mahabharata, giving the site its name. The rock shelters also show evidence of ancient human habitation.

Culture & Context

The site holds mythological significance due to its association with the Pandavas and is revered in local folklore. It is a culturally important natural shrine and picnic destination for visitors to the Panna-Khajuraho region.

Route

By train
By air	Nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport (HJR) about 30-35 km away with flights to Delhi and Varanasi

Keep exploring nearby

Discover more nearby attractions and build a fuller day around this stop.

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Raneh Falls

Raneh Falls is a natural waterfall and canyon on the Ken River in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, about 20 kilometres from Khajuraho. It is noted for a 5-kilometre-long, 30-metre-deep canyon of crystalline granite displaying five colours — pink, red, green, grey and white — formed by volcanic activity. The seasonal falls are active during monsoon, creating cascades over the gorge, and the site lies adjacent to the Ken Gharial Sanctuary.

Khajuraho, Madhya PradeshWaterfall

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Ken Gharial Sanctuary

Ken Gharial Sanctuary is a riverine wildlife sanctuary along the Ken River in Chhatarpur and Panna districts of Madhya Pradesh, near Rajnagar and Khajuraho. Established in 1981 to conserve the critically endangered gharial and mugger crocodile, it covers about 45 sq km at the confluence of the Ken and Khudar rivers. Notable for its rocky gorges, sandy banks and rich birdlife, it forms part of the Panna landscape and offers wildlife viewing in a natural river habitat.

Rajnagar, Madhya PradeshWildlife Sanctuary

By road	Located about 12 km from Madla Gate of Panna National Park and about 34 km from Khajuraho; accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw or private vehicle via Khajuraho-Panna Road (NH 39)

By public transport	Local buses and shared jeeps operate between Khajuraho, Panna and Madla; final stretch typically by auto-rickshaw or taxi

Nearest airport	Khajuraho Airport (HJR)

Nearest railway station	Khajuraho Railway Station

Need to know

01Things to know before you go	Located inside Panna National Park, entry is subject to forest department timings and permits Water flow is strongest during and just after monsoon (July to October) Carry drinking water and food as options inside are limited Park is generally closed during peak monsoon for core safari zones but Pandav Falls often remains accessible via Madla gate
02Rules & restrictions	Follow Panna Tiger Reserve forest regulations Do not litter; plastic is discouraged inside the park Swimming and bathing may be restricted or at own risk as per forest department notices Do not disturb wildlife or venture beyond designated visitor areas
03Safety information	Rocks near the waterfall and pool are slippery, especially in monsoon Pool depth varies; exercise caution near water Wildlife area - stay within marked trails and avoid isolated areas after dark

Facilities listed

Reported facilities to help you plan your visit.

Drinking Water
Food Stalls
Parking
Seating
Toilets