Travel

Arjun Gufa – Meditation cave of Manali!

Nestled on the banks of river Beas, Arjun Gufa is believed to be a mythical natural formation in Manali. Located approximately 4 km from Manali town near Prini village, this cave is where Pandava prince Arjun meditated for years. So if you wish to explore some hidden gems near Manali and spend some peaceful time introspecting, Arjun Cave is the place you can reach by booking cabs from Chandigarh to Manali.  

Arjun Gufa: A hidden natural beauty 

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and mesmerising lush nature, Arjun Cave is one of the most peaceful places in Manali. This cave’s quietness is only disturbed by the sound of streaming water, and you must descend through an uneven path inside to reach the base. The walkway is captivating, with tall pine trees and lush green meadows, and it takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes to explore all the corners of this cave peacefully. 

Since there is no light inside the cave and you have to use a flashlight to discover the path, this task becomes adventurous, and travellers enjoy the unlit cave. Apart from spending time introspecting and admiring the stunning natural vistas, you can also indulge in adventurous activities like trekking or camping near the cave to make this experience unforgettable. 

A brief history of Arjun Gufa

Arjun Gufa is correlated with the renowned Indian Epic, ‘Mahabharata’. This cave earned its name from the distinguished warrior Arjun, one of the Pandava princes. According to ancient folklore, this is where Arjun meditated and idolised Lord Shiva and Lord Indra during his exile from Hastinapur. Pleased with his prayers and meditation, Lord Shiva gifted him the Pashupatastra and various other Divyastra to win the Mahabharata battle. 

Best time to visit Arjun Cave

The most suitable time to visit Arjun Gufa in Manali is between March and June. This time is quite agreeable to visit as there is less or no snowfall. Though the Arjun cave is open 24 hours, it is suggested to visit this place during the day and enjoy its surrounding natural beauty. In addition, the passage inside the cave is exceptionally narrow, so it is recommended not to carry weighty backpacks. 

Tips to keep in mind when touring Arjun Gufa

Here are some tips to remember while travelling to Arjun Gufa to make your trip more memorable. 

  • If stuck at some point, it is prudent to seek help from the villagers.
  • Wear proper shoes to allow a safe climb up the hill, and never mistake removing your shoes while entering the cave.
  • Carry extra flashlights and consume adequate water to remain hydrated.
  • The Arjun cave remains open 24 hours, but travellers should explore it only in the daytime.
  • Do not carry weighty backpacks inside the cave as the alley is very narrow.
  • If you have claustrophobia, it is better to reconsider the decision to enter the cave as there are no lights inside, and the passage is very thin with restricted airflow. 

Best way to reach Arjun Gufa 

Arjun Gufa is located at a distance of 5 kilometers from Manali town in the nearby village Prini. Local buses, private vehicles, and rented taxis are the most reliable transportation modes. In addition, it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Prini through the Kullu-Naggar-Manali road. Apart from cabs and buses, rented motorbikes are also convenient for reaching the village. Once at Prini, travellers have to trek up to the River Beas bank and climb up the hill for roughly 20 minutes to reach the Arjun cave entrance.

Excited much? We bet you are! So why wait? Rent a car in Chandigarh and get set to explore this hidden gem in Manali that would welcome you with its stunning natural vistas and peaceful ambience. 

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