Patal
Bhuvaneshwar
The Narrow Descent
A thrilling crawl through a narrow tunnel leads you into a massive illuminated underground world.
Divine Formations
Every rock here has a story—from the tongue of Kalabhairav to the 1000-legged elephant, Airavat.
The Four Yugas
The cave houses four 'stones' representing the Yugas. Legend says the Kaliyuga stone is slowly rising.
The Unwritten History
The First Discovery
The cave was first discovered in the Treta Yuga by King Rituparna of the Sun Dynasty. It is said he was guided here by the King of Snakes, Sheshnag, to witness the divine assembly of gods.
Adi Shankaracharya's Entry
After being hidden for centuries, Adi Shankaracharya rediscovered the cave in 1191 AD. He established the tradition of regular worship, which is still carried out by the Bhandari family of the village.
The Kashi Connection
Vedic texts claim that an underground path from this cave leads directly to the holy city of Kashi and even to Mount Kailash, used by the Pandavas during their final journey.
Echoes of
Eternity
Sheshnag
The massive formation of the thousand-headed serpent holding the earth on its hood.
Ganesh's Severed Head
A stone formation of a lotus with a dripping water source over a small head, representing the birth of Ganesha.
Saptarishi Mandal
Seven natural stalactites representing the seven great sages of Hindu mythology.
The Road Below
From Pithoragarh
90 km / 3.5 hours. A winding mountain road through the heart of East Kumaon.
From Almora
115 km / 4.5 hours. Best traveled via Sheraghat for the best views.
By Train
Kathgodam (190 km). A full day's drive through the changing landscapes of Kumaon.
Cave Secrets
The entrance is narrow and requires a bit of a crawl, but the interior cave is massive and well-oxygenated. However, if you have severe claustrophobia, we suggest consulting with our guide first.
There is a stalagmite representing Kaliyuga. Legend says when it touches the ceiling, the world as we know it will end. It is currently just a few inches away.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the cave to maintain its sanctity. You can take photos at the temple entrance and the surrounding cedar forests.
The cave floor can be slippery and damp. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip and comfortable clothing that allows for a bit of crawling at the start.
Witness the
Unbelievable
"Ready to explore East Kumaon's greatest mystery? Let our native guides lead you into the heart of Patal."