Nestled among the scenic hills of Uttarakhand, the Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple is a spiritual marvel that does complete justice to nature’s beauty and spirituality. This ancient limestone cave temple in the village of Bhubaneshwar of Pithoragarh district is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that this temple has 33 koti (types) of deities residing within it. A visit to the Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple is often said to be equivalent to the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. If you’re planning a Patal Bhuvaneshwar pilgrimage, this guide covers the best time to explore, how to reach, distances, and essential tips to make your Uttarakhand cave temple journey unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple
Timing your visit to Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple is important to have a pleasant experience. The best time is April-June and September-November, with pleasant weather, 15-25°C temperature. April-June is summer, with sunny days best suited for exploring the Lord Shiva cave and other attractions, while the post-monsoon period (September-November) experiences clear skies and lush greens. Do not go to the monsoon season (July-August) because heavy rainfall leads to landslides and roads become unsafe, and the cave entrance becomes slippery. Winters (December-February) can be extremely cold with temperatures reaching 0°C, and no room heaters are available in the local hotels, which can be uncomfortable.
How to Reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple
It is convenient to reach the Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple, though with a little planning due to its remote location in the state of Uttarakhand. These are the most convenient ways to get there for your Patal Bhuvaneshwar yatra:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, 224 km from there (approx. 7-8 hours by road). Taxi can be booked from the airport to Patal Bhuvaneshwar, or by bus you can go to Almora and take a taxi.
- By Train: The closest railhead is Kathgodam Railway Station, 191 km (6-7 hours). There are daily trains like the Ranikhet Express and Shatabdi Express from Kathgodam to Delhi. Hire a taxi or take a bus from there to Gangolihat and then a shared jeep to the cave temple.
- By Road: Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple has good road connections. From Delhi, it’s a 12-14 hour, 450 km road trip via Ghaziabad, Haldwani, Nainital, and Almora. Regular buses are also available from Dehradun (370 km) or Almora (110 km) to Gangolihat, 14 km short of the temple. From Gangolihat, INR 20 per head is charged for a shared cab to the cave.
The motorable road ends 500 meters short of the main entrance of the cave, hence one is prepared for a bit of a walk and a descent of 82 steps to access the Lord Shiva cave.
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Distances to Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple
The Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple is 14 km away from Gangolihat and 91 km from Pithoragarh, at an altitude of 1,350 meters above sea level. The following are significant distances from neighbouring places:
- Nainital to Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple: 160 km (5-6 hours through NH109 on Almora-Berinag road).
- Almora to Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple: 110 km (3-4 hours).
- Chaukori to Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple: 38 km (1-1.5 hours).
- Tanakpur to Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple: 210 km (6-7 hours by taxi).
The cave itself is 160 meters long and 90 feet deep with a narrow tunnel entrance to a chain of caverns, and it is an odd cave temple to explore.
What to Visit at Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple
The Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple is a spiritual marvel, initially discovered by King Rituparna in the Treta Yuga and re-discovered by Adi Shankaracharya in 1191 AD. Inside, limestone formations resemble gods like Lord Shiva, Sheshnag, Ganesha, and the winding Ganga, creating a divine atmosphere. The cave is illuminated by electricity, but the narrow passage demands gripping iron chains as support. A guide (INR 50, mandatory) takes 10-12 at a time, explaining the mythological significance, such as the idea that the cave terminates in Mount Kailash under earth. Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple working hours are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the summer and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter.
Tips to Visiting Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple
An issue-free visit to Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple requires preparation:
- Early Arrival: Visit at 7:00 AM when the cave opens to escape the crowd, especially on holidays or Mondays, as it is a favorite day for Lord Shiva devotees.
- Dress: Wear relaxed attire and tough footwear for the trek down. Wear a light jacket in June because evenings are cold (15-20°C).
- Health Precautions: The small entrance and lack of fresh air inside can be challenging. Not suitable for those with respiratory issues, severe arthritis, or old with mobility issues.
- Things to Bring: Pack a bottle of water, snacks, and medication. Photography is not allowed in the Lord Shiva cave, so cameras must be left behind.
- Accommodation Options: Budget hotels surround the Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple, but facilities are minimal. Or, stay in Chaukori (38 km) or Almora, where facilities are good.
- Local Manners: Follow the guide’s instructions, stay quiet inside, and cooperate because small groups at a time only are allowed.
Why Visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple in 2025?
Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple is an ideal blend of nature and spirituality and should be seen in 2025. June weather is good for exploring nearby places like Jageshwar Temples (115 km) or Chaukori tea gardens. The tranquil atmosphere of the cave is also suitable for meditation, with Narayan Ashram in the vicinity for a spiritual retreat. Whether on a Patal Bhuvaneshwar pilgrimage or for an out-of-the-way adventure, this Uttarakhand cave temple guarantees a divine experience among the Himalayas.
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