Arvalem Caves

The Arvalem Caves, also known as the Pandava Caves, are five adjoining rock-cut chamber caves carved into laterite hills near Sanquelim in North Goa's Bicholim taluka [1]. Dating from the 5th to 7th centuries CE, these ancient chambers feature design elements resembling early Buddhist monastic structures and are believed to have been carved by Buddhist monks [1][2]. The site represents a significant example of early rock-cut architecture in western India, with each compartment providing insight into Buddhist religious practices during this period.