The Manmodi Caves, on Manmodi hill about 3 km south of Junnar in Pune district, Maharashtra, are one of the four groups of Buddhist rock-cut caves cut around Junnar in the Satavahana and Western Satrap era. They are best known for an unfinished chaitya (prayer-hall) with a carved arched facade, and for inscriptions that tie the site to Greek (Yavana) donors and to the satrap Nahapana. This guide covers what the Manmodi Caves are, how to reach them, what to see, and how to plan a calm half-day around them.
The Manmodi Caves are a group of Satavahana-era Buddhist rock-cut caves on Manmodi hill, about 3 km south of Junnar town in Pune district, Maharashtra. Cut between roughly the 1st century BCE and the 2nd century CE, they are famous for a carved chaitya window and early donor inscriptions. Entry is generally free.
Key takeaways
- The Manmodi Caves lie on Manmodi hill about 3 km south of Junnar, in Pune district, Maharashtra, one of the four Junnar cave groups alongside Tulja, Shivneri and Lenyadri.
- They split into three clusters – Bhutalinga (Bhuta Leni), Amba-Ambika and Bhima Shankar – several with unfinished chaitya halls, according to Fergusson and Burgess and the Archaeological Survey of Western India.
- The Bhutalinga chaitya facade carries a carved arched window with a central Shri-Lakshmi figure flanked by lotuses and elephants, in a style compared to Bharhut.
- Inscriptions here record a gift by a Yavana (Greek) donor named Chanda, and a donation by Ayama, minister of the Mahakshatrapa (Great Satrap) Nahapana, dated to the Saka year 46 (about 124 CE).
- The caves are usually reached by road from Pune (roughly 90–95 km, indicative) via Junnar; carry water, a torch and sturdy shoes, as there is no formal visitor infrastructure.
- Best visited from October to February; monsoon makes the hills green but the rock slippery and one cluster prone to flooding.
About the Manmodi Caves: quick facts
The Manmodi Caves are a complex of Buddhist rock-cut excavations on Manmodi hill, about 3 km south of Junnar town in Pune district, Maharashtra. They belong to the great cluster of caves cut around Junnar when the town sat on a trade route linking the Konkan coast with the Deccan interior.
According to Fergusson and Burgess in The Cave Temples of India (1880) and Burgess’s Archaeological Survey of Western India, the Manmodi excavations date broadly to the period of the Satavahana dynasty and the Western Satraps, roughly the 1st century BCE to the 2nd century CE. The work was never finished, and several halls remain half-cut.
Do not confuse Manmodi with the other Junnar groups. Tulja, Shivneri and Lenyadri are separate hills with their own caves; the Girijatmaj Ganesha temple that many visitors come for is at Lenyadri, not Manmodi. This guide keeps its focus on the Manmodi group.
| Fact | Detail (reconfirm before travel) |
|---|---|
| Location | Manmodi hill, about 3 km south of Junnar, Pune district, Maharashtra |
| Type | Buddhist rock-cut caves (chaitya halls, viharas, cells); some later Jain and Hindu associations |
| Period | Roughly 1st century BCE – 2nd century CE (Satavahana / Western Satrap era) |
| Groups | Bhutalinga (Bhuta Leni), Amba-Ambika, Bhima Shankar |
| Known for | Carved chaitya window facade; Yavana and Nahapana-era inscriptions |
| Entry | Generally free; no formal ticket counter reported (reconfirm) |
| Time needed | About 1.5–2 hours for the main groups |
The three Manmodi groups
The Manmodi Caves fall into three clusters along the hill – Bhutalinga, Amba-Ambika and Bhima Shankar – as described in the Archaeological Survey of Western India and summarised from Fergusson and Burgess. Each has its own character, and the carving quality varies because much of the work was left incomplete.
Bhutalinga (Bhuta Leni) group. The most westerly cluster, and the one to see first. It centres on an unfinished chaitya (apsidal Buddhist prayer-hall) whose arched facade carries the famous relief carving. A Brahmi inscription on the facade records a gift of the hall-front to the Buddhist Samgha (monastic community) by a Yavana (a term for a person of Greek or western origin) named Chanda; by its script it is dated to about 120 CE.
Amba-Ambika group. This cluster has another unfinished chaitya along with ruined cells and viharas (monastic residences). Over time some cells gained Jain associations and the name Amba-Ambika, after Ambika, the attendant deity (sasanadevi) of the Tirthankara Neminatha. Burgess noted that a rock fault lets water flood part of this group in the rains, which is one reason the work stopped.
Bhima Shankar group. Set to the south-east of the hill at a higher level, this cluster holds the inscription that dates the site most firmly. It records that Ayama, a minister of the Mahakshatrapa (Great Satrap) Nahapana, gave a mandapa (pillared hall) and a water cistern; the record uses the Saka era, year 46, which corresponds to about 124 CE.
| Group | Position | What stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Bhutalinga (Bhuta Leni) | Westerly end of the hill | Unfinished chaitya with carved facade; Yavana donor inscription |
| Amba-Ambika | Central cluster | Unfinished chaitya, viharas and cells; later Jain-linked figures |
| Bhima Shankar | South-east, higher level | Nahapana-era inscription (Saka year 46, about 124 CE) |
Manmodi within the Junnar caves
Manmodi is one of four Buddhist cave groups spread across the hills around Junnar, which together hold more than 220 rock-cut excavations, among the densest concentrations of early Buddhist caves in India. Knowing the other three helps you plan and avoids confusion, since all are often lumped together as the “Junnar caves.”
The groups sit on different hills at short distances from Junnar town. If you have a full day, you can pair Manmodi with one or two of the others. For a deeper look at the state and the city that anchor this trip, see our Maharashtra travel guide and the Pune travel guide.
| Group | Direction from Junnar | Why it differs from Manmodi |
|---|---|---|
| Manmodi | About 3 km south | Carved chaitya facade; Yavana and Nahapana inscriptions; mostly unfinished |
| Shivneri | About 3 km south-west | Caves on the hill crowned by Shivneri Fort, birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj |
| Tulja (Tulja Leni) | About 4 km west | Includes a circular chaitya; one cave now a shrine to goddess Tulja |
| Lenyadri (Ganesh Lena) | About 5 km north | About 30 caves; Cave 7 is the Girijatmaj Ganesha temple, an Ashtavinayak shrine |
Best time to visit the Manmodi Caves
The best time to visit the Manmodi Caves is October to February, when the weather is dry and cool and the rock is safe to climb. The monsoon, roughly June to September, turns the Junnar hills green and feeds the waterfalls of nearby Malshej Ghat, but it makes the cave approaches slippery and floods part of the Amba-Ambika group.
Summer, from March to May, is hot and exposed on the bare hillside, so start early if you go then. Carry water in every season, as there are no shops on the hill.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | October–February | Cool, dry, best for walking and photography; ideal for the caves |
| Summer | March–May | Hot and open; visit early morning, carry water and sun cover |
| Monsoon | June–September | Green hills and waterfalls nearby; slippery rock, some caves flood |
How to reach the Manmodi Caves
The Manmodi Caves are reached by road through Junnar town, from where Manmodi hill is about 3 km south; there is no direct rail or air link to the caves themselves. Junnar sits roughly 90–95 km north of Pune and about 150–165 km from Mumbai via the Malshej Ghat route (indicative road distances, as of September 2026 – reconfirm).
By air: The nearest airport is Pune International Airport (Lohegaon), roughly 90–100 km away (indicative). From Pune, hire a taxi or drive to Junnar, then continue to the base of Manmodi hill.
By rail: There is no station at Junnar. Pune Junction is the usual railhead for the region; plan a road transfer of about two to three hours onward to Junnar (indicative – reconfirm current services on the IRCTC/NTES portals).
By road: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses serve Junnar from Pune and from Kalyan in the Mumbai region; the Kalyan–Junnar road runs through Malshej Ghat. From Junnar town, a local auto-rickshaw or taxi reaches the foot of Manmodi hill, after which you walk up to the caves.
| From | Approx. distance to Junnar | Notes (indicative, reconfirm) |
|---|---|---|
| Pune | About 90–95 km | Drive about 2–2.5 hours; MSRTC buses and taxis available |
| Mumbai (via Malshej Ghat) | About 150–165 km | Buses from Kalyan; scenic ghat road, slow in monsoon |
| Pune Airport (Lohegaon) | About 90–100 km | Nearest airport; taxi onward to Junnar |
What to see at the caves
The highlight at the Manmodi Caves is the carved chaitya facade of the Bhutalinga group, one of the finest early cave-front reliefs in the Junnar hills. Above the hall entrance, the arched window space is divided into seven petal-shaped compartments filled with figures.
At the centre stands a female figure flanked by lotus flowers, identified with Shri or Lakshmi. Elephants stand on lotuses holding water-jars, as if bathing her, while flanking figures hold their hands in salutation. According to Fergusson and Burgess, the composition recalls the early Buddhist reliefs at Bharhut in central India, which helps date and place the carving.
Beyond the facade, look for the Brahmi donor inscription recording the Yavana Chanda’s gift; the unfinished interiors that show how a chaitya was cut from the top down; and, in the other clusters, plain monastic cells, viharas and the cisterns that stored rainwater for resident monks. The Bhima Shankar inscription of Nahapana’s minister is of great historical value even though it is modest to look at.
| Spot | Group | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Carved chaitya facade | Bhutalinga | Arched window with Shri-Lakshmi, lotuses and elephants |
| Yavana donor inscription | Bhutalinga | Brahmi record of Chanda’s gift to the Samgha |
| Unfinished chaitya and viharas | Amba-Ambika | Half-cut hall, cells, later Jain-linked figures |
| Nahapana-era inscription | Bhima Shankar | Record of Ayama’s donation, Saka year 46 (about 124 CE) |
Suggested itinerary
A half-day covers Manmodi comfortably, and a full day lets you add the other Junnar groups. Plan around daylight, as the caves have no lighting.
- Half day: Reach Junnar by mid-morning, drive to the base of Manmodi hill, walk up and spend about 1.5–2 hours across the Bhutalinga and Amba-Ambika groups, then return for lunch in Junnar.
- Full day: Start early at Manmodi, then drive to Lenyadri (about 5 km north) for the Girijatmaj Ganesha caves, and finish at Shivneri Fort for sunset and Shivaji Maharaj’s birthplace.
- Two days: Add Tulja Leni and a monsoon-season side trip to Malshej Ghat, staying overnight in Junnar or at an MTDC property in the area.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in Junnar town or treat the caves as a day trip from Pune. Junnar has simple lodges and a few mid-range hotels; the choice is limited, so book ahead on weekends and during the monsoon tourist season at Malshej Ghat.
- Budget (about ₹800–1,500 a night, indicative): Basic lodges and guesthouses in Junnar town, suitable for a night before an early cave visit.
- Mid-range (about ₹1,800–3,500, indicative): Hotels and resorts around Junnar and on the Malshej Ghat road, some with restaurants.
- Government / scenic: The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) runs a resort at Malshej Ghat; book through the official MTDC portal. Rates vary by season.
Prices are indicative planning estimates as of September 2026 – reconfirm current tariffs when you book.
Food to try
Junnar’s food is everyday Maharashtrian fare rather than a tourist cuisine, which is part of its appeal. Eat in town before or after the climb, as there is nothing on the hill.
- Pithla-bhakri (a soft gram-flour curry with millet or jowar flatbread) – the classic farm meal of this region.
- Misal pav (spiced sprout curry topped with farsan, served with a bread roll) – a hearty breakfast across western Maharashtra.
- Vada pav and poha (a fried potato patty in a bun; flattened-rice breakfast) – quick, reliable roadside food.
- Seasonal produce: Junnar taluka is known for its grapes; look for fresh fruit in season at local markets.
Budget breakdown
Manmodi is an inexpensive outing because the caves themselves are free; most of your spend is transport and food. The table below is a per-person planning estimate for a day trip, as of September 2026, assuming travel from Pune and a shared vehicle.
| Item | Indicative cost per person | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Transport (Pune–Junnar return) | ₹400–900 | Shared taxi or bus; higher if hiring a full cab |
| Local transfer to Manmodi hill | ₹100–300 | Auto-rickshaw or shared cab within Junnar |
| Food and water | ₹200–400 | Two simple meals plus snacks in Junnar |
| Caves entry | Free | No ticket counter reported at Manmodi (reconfirm) |
| Day-trip total | About ₹700–1,600 | Excludes overnight stay |
These are indicative estimates – reconfirm fares and prices before you travel.
Permits, tickets and rules
No special permit is needed to visit the Manmodi Caves; they are open ground on a hillside near Junnar, and available sources report no formal ticket counter, so entry is generally free. This differs from Lenyadri, where the Ganesha-temple cave group has managed access and climbing steps.
Treat the carvings and inscriptions as protected heritage: do not touch, chalk or scratch the reliefs, and carry out all waste. Photography for personal use is normally fine; always ask before flying a drone, as rules near protected sites and forts can restrict it. If timings, fees or any closure are posted on site, follow those, and reconfirm the current position with the Archaeological Survey of India or the local administration before you travel.
Practical tips
- Footing: The approach is an unpaved hill path with rock-cut steps in places. Wear sturdy shoes and avoid the climb in heavy rain.
- Light: Cave interiors are dark and unlit. Carry a torch or use a phone light, and visit in daylight hours.
- Water and food: There are no shops on the hill. Carry water and snacks; eat in Junnar town.
- Network and cash: Mobile coverage can be patchy on the hill. Junnar town has ATMs and accepts UPI, but keep some cash for autos and small eateries.
- Medical: For any emergency, the nearest hospitals and the sub-district hospital are in Junnar town; carry a basic first-aid kit.
- Solo and women travellers: Junnar is a small, generally calm town. As on any quiet hillside, prefer daylight visits, tell someone your plan, and consider going with a local guide or in a small group.
- Packing: Sun hat and water in summer; a light rain layer and grippy shoes in the monsoon; a warm layer for winter mornings.
Nearby places
Manmodi pairs naturally with the rest of the Junnar cluster and the Sahyadri scenery around it, so you can build a full day or a weekend without long drives.
| Place | Distance from Junnar | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Lenyadri (Ganesh Lena) caves | About 5 km north | Girijatmaj Ganesha temple in Cave 7, an Ashtavinayak shrine |
| Shivneri Fort | About 3 km | Hill fort, birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with its own caves |
| Tulja Leni caves | About 4 km west | Early circular chaitya among the Junnar groups |
| Naneghat | About 20 km north-west | Ancient trade pass with a famous Satavahana-era inscription cave |
| Malshej Ghat | On the Kalyan road | Monsoon waterfalls and Sahyadri views; MTDC resort |
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Manmodi Caves?
The Manmodi Caves are on Manmodi hill, about 3 km south of Junnar town in Pune district, Maharashtra. Junnar lies roughly 90–95 km north of Pune. The caves are one of four Buddhist cave groups around Junnar, separate from the Tulja, Shivneri and Lenyadri groups on neighbouring hills.
How old are the Manmodi Caves and who made them?
The Manmodi Caves were cut roughly between the 1st century BCE and the 2nd century CE, in the Satavahana and Western Satrap period, according to Fergusson and Burgess and the Archaeological Survey of Western India. They are Buddhist monastic caves, with donor inscriptions recording gifts by a Greek (Yavana) devotee and by a minister of the satrap Nahapana.
Is there an entry fee for the Manmodi Caves?
Entry to the Manmodi Caves is generally free. Available sources report no formal ticket counter on Manmodi hill, unlike the Lenyadri Ganesha caves nearby, which have managed access. Timings and any charges can change, so reconfirm the current position with the Archaeological Survey of India or the local administration before you visit.
What is special about the Manmodi chaitya facade?
The Bhutalinga chaitya at Manmodi has a carved arched window divided into seven petal-shaped panels, with a central female figure identified as Shri-Lakshmi flanked by lotuses and elephants holding water-jars. Fergusson and Burgess compared the relief to the early Buddhist carvings at Bharhut, making it one of the notable cave fronts in the Junnar group.
How are the Manmodi Caves different from Lenyadri and Shivneri?
The Manmodi Caves are a mostly unfinished Buddhist group known for a carved chaitya facade and early inscriptions. Lenyadri, about 5 km north, is famous for the Girijatmaj Ganesha temple (an Ashtavinayak shrine); Shivneri, about 3 km away, is the fort-topped hill where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. All belong to the wider Junnar caves.
How much time do I need, and can I combine it with other caves?
Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours for the main Manmodi groups. With a full day you can add Lenyadri and Shivneri Fort, since all lie within about 5 km of Junnar town. In the monsoon you can also detour to Malshej Ghat for waterfalls, though wet rock makes the cave approaches slippery.
Last updated and sources
The Manmodi Caves suit travellers who enjoy early history and quiet archaeology rather than built-up sights; go in the cool, dry months from October to February and pair them with the other Junnar caves. Treat the carvings gently and reconfirm travel details before you set out.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change – reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Manmodi Caves (Wikipedia, citing Fergusson & Burgess, The Cave Temples of India 1880; Burgess, Archaeological Survey of Western India; Mirashi; Brancaccio); Junnar (Wikipedia); Lenyadri (Wikipedia); Tulja Caves (Wikipedia). Distances, fares and prices are indicative planning estimates; reconfirm with MSRTC, IRCTC/NTES and the Archaeological Survey of India. Accessed September 2026.
