Amazing Khapra Kodiya Caves – Buddhist Caves Junagadh, Gujarat, India

Khapra Kodiya Caves - Buddhist Caves Junagadh

Khapra Kodiya Caves - Buddhist Caves JunagadhRead all about the Khapra Kodiya Caves, Uparkot caves, and the Baba Pyare caves, which together form the Buddhist caves group of Junagadh, India.

Khapra Kodiya Caves - Buddhist Caves Junagadh

Khapra Kodiya Caves – Buddhist Caves Junagadh

The Khapra Kodiya Caves in Junagadh, Gujarat, India are a legacy of Buddhism in the region. The Khapra Kodiya Caves that are part of a group of Buddhist caves in Junagadh is another mute witness to the spread of Buddhism in India. The genesis of Buddhism was in Lumbini as Buddha was born there. However, Buddhism sprouted in and around the kingdom of Magadha, present-day Bihar, and later spread across India, Sri Lanka, and South East Asia.

Here we talk about the Khapra Kodiya Caves, Junagadh, Uparkot caves, and the Baba Pyare caves, which together form the Buddhist caves group of Junagadh.

Khapra Kodiya Caves | Buddhist Caves Junagadh, Gujarat, India

Junagadh in Gujarat has a fascinating history that dates back to the Gupta Period and even beyond. In more recent times it was ruled by the Babi dynasty before Indian independence. Descendants of one branch of the Bani dynasty are there in Balasinor, Gujarat

On our trip to Gujarat, we reached the historic city of Junagadh to explore its treasures. We had already been awed by the presence of Asiatic Lions at the Gir National Park, the serenity of Somnath, and the mystique of Bhalka Tirth where the Krishna Avatar came to an end, before reaching Junagadh.

There are many attractions and places to see in Junagadh and one of the most fascinating of these is the Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups which consists of the Buddhist Caves of Khapra Kodiya, Buddhist Caves of Uparkot, and the Baba Pyare Caves.

Buddhist Caves of Khapra Kodiya in Junagadh, Gujarat, India | Khapra Kodiya Ni Gufa

The Khapra Kodyiya caves are reached through narrow lanes on the outskirts of Junagadh. These are not caves in the real sense but are actually chambers that have been chiseled in rock. The Khapra Kodiya caves are considered to be one of the important of the Buddhist cave groups of Junagadh. The chambers hewn into the rock are quite large and are believed to have been the living quarters of Buddhist monks.

Khapra Kodiya Caves Junagadh, Gujarat
Entrance to Khapra Kodiya Caves – Images of Khapra Kodiya Caves
An iron gate encloses the Khapra Khodiya caves which are under the Archaeology Survey of India. Inside can be seen the shape of rocks blackened and eroded by time, that appear stacked together in a heap.

Khapra Kodiya Caves Junagadh, Gujarat
Khapra Kodiya Caves – Images of Khapra Kodiya Caves
But as you go nearer you can see columns supporting roofs, hewn into the face of the rock. Steps lead up to the chambers, which are plain and filled with a musty smell. The chambers are absolutely plain and there is no ornamentation of any sort, apart from the plain pillars that support the roof.

Inside Khapra Kodiya Caves Junagadh, Gujarat
Inside Khapra Kodiya Caves Junagadh, Gujarat – – Images of Khapra Kodiya Caves
The chambers or rooms, as can be seen, have been hewn into the rock face in an east-west longitudinal ridge. We observed that the central portion was unusually narrow. The main sections of the Khapra Kodiya caves are the western wing which is oblong shaped and dotted with a grid-like pattern of water tanks, which must have been the source of water supply to the place.

The other section is L-shaped and is believed to have been the residential section where the Buddhist monks stayed. Though the Khapra Kodiya caves are bereft of any decorative element, vague remnants of scribblings and cursive letters on the walls have helped in dating the caves.

Khapra Kodiya Caves, Junagadh – History

Khapra Kodiya Caves
Khapra Kodiya Caves – Images of Khapra Kodiya Caves
Not much is known about the history of the Khapra Kodiya Caves apart from the fact that they were living quarters for Buddhist monks. The caves were discovered by a British archaeologist named James Burgess in the 19th century. James Burgess was the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India between 1886 to 1889 and has published many books including one titled, ‘Temples of Somnath, Junagadh, and Girnar,” in 1870.

Based on available evidence the Khapra Khodiya caves are estimated to have been built sometime between the 3rd and 4th century AD.

Khapra Kodiya Caves, Junagadh – Best Time To Visit

The summers are very hot and temperatures high in Junagadh. The best time to visit the Khapra Kodiya Caves and Junagadh is during the winter months between October to February.

Buddhist Caves | Uparkot Caves | Junagadh Caves

Buddhist Caves Uparkot, Junagadh
Buddhist Caves Uparkot, Junagadh

Uparkot is the old fort of Junagadh. It has a history dating back to the time of Chandragupta Maurya when the original fort was built. Today Uparkot houses within its ramparts many gems of history including the remains of a palace, step-wells, and more. The Buddhist Caves which are considered to be the most important of the Buddhist Caves Group of Junagadh lies within the ramparts of the Uparkot fort.

Top of Buddhist Caves Junagadh
Top of Buddhist Caves Junagadh

The Buddhist caves are subterranean and are below the surface. From the top one can only see just a flat rock surface interspersed with strange-looking clefts. The chambers have been hewn from the rock in three tiers, thus creating three storeys that are open to the sky, however, only two storeys have a regular floor.

Upper chamber of Buddhist Caves
The upper chamber of Buddhist Caves

Winding stairs lead down to the first level. The first level has a pond surrounded on three sides by corridors or verandahs.

Exquisite Pillars In Buddhist Caves
Exquisite Pillars in Buddhist Caves

The most beautiful and important of storeys is the bottom-most level. It has corridors and pillars. The pillars are exquisite. Though they have been eroded by time and the forces of nature and are a shadow of their original self, they still retain a part of their original grandeur. The base, shaft, and capitals of the carved pillars have exquisite decorative elements. The artistic style of these pillars has elements of Graeco-Scythian architecture as well as the Satavahana style.

The Buddhist caves date back to the 2nd Century and were the resting place of Buddhist monks. There was an elaborate and ingenious water supply system. The pond on the first level got filled with rainwater as it was open to the sky. An intricate system of vertical drains and cisterns on the rock surface also ensured water supply to the pond. Apart from ensuring water-supply, this system also ensured that the chambers were kept cool.

Baba Pyare Caves

Baba Pyare Caves Junagadh
Baba Pyare Caves Junagadh

The Baba Pyare caves are in a slightly better condition than the Khapra Kodiya caves. They too date back to the 2nd Century. It is believed that these caves were first used by Buddhist monks and at a later period by Jain monks. The inscriptions and artwork found in the caves attest to this fact. The Baba Pyare caves have a total of 13 caves that are arranged across three floors.

FAQ Khapra Kodiya Caves And Buddhist Caves Group

  • What are the Khapra Kodiya Caves, Junagadh – Timings

The entrance to the Khapra Kodiya caves is a ticketed entry and timings are from 7 AM to 6 PM.

  • Khapra Kodiya Caves – What you should know

One should not expect some grand spectacle at the Khapra Kodiya caves, as it is pretty plain and has historical value.

  • What else is there to see in Uparkot apart from Buddhist caves

Uparkot has many historical places apart from the Buddhist caves. These are the Ranakdevi Mahal or Jumma Masjid, Adi-Kadi Vav, and Navaghan Kuvo, among others.

How To Get To Junagadh For Visiting The Buddhist Cave Group

  • Junagadh is a city in the western Indian state of Gujarat
  • Junagadh is well connected by rail and road to other parts of the state and India
  • The nearest airports to Junagadh are in Rajkot and Porbandar which are at a distance of about 100 kilometers
  • One can fly to Ahmedabad and travel by train or bus to Junagadh

If you are planning a trip to Junagadh, you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here.  If you are thinking of a road trip to Junagadh from anywhere in India check out the rental car and bus options.

Where to Stay In Junagadh

There are different options for accommodation in Junagadh.

For your Junagadh accommodation If you are looking for the best hotels in Junagadh to book, you can do that right here. You can book your hotel in Junagadh through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline conveniently right here! You could also opt for booking an Airbnb in Junagadh.

Click to book the best hotels in Junagadh
Click to book the best Airbnb in Junagadh 

Junagadh Tourism

Junagadh has many places of interest. There are many famous monuments, pilgrimage places, as well as natural wonders like the Gir National Park near Junagadh.

You can plan your Junagadh itinerary and book your  Junagadh trips, right here.  So go ahead and book online places to see in and around Junagadh and experience popular activities in Junagadh and cover attractions in Junagadh. If you are planning to do a road trip from Ahmedabad then you can opt for this trip from Ahmedabad to Rajkot and Junagarh.

Click here to know more and book Best Attractions in Junagadh

Have the Buddhist caves of Junagadh piqued your interest? If you have already been there, do let us know your thoughts about them. We look forward to your feedback. Connect with us through any of our social media channels or through email, and if you like our feed, do not forget to subscribe to this blog.

Pinit
Pinit

Khapra Kodiya Caves - Buddhist Caves Junagadh

Do You Love Traveling?

Do you want to know how to travel the world? We have put together a very useful travel resources page with the best travel tips. Go check it out now.

Thanks for visiting our site Voyager – imvoyager.com and taking the time to read this post!

If you wish to collaborate/work with us then reach us at [email protected]

We’d love it if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends.
Follow our journey on our social media channels:
Facebook   Twitter   Instagram  Pinterest  YouTube

If you found this article interesting and enjoyed reading it, join our community and subscribe to Voyager's blog to receive great content delivered right to your inbox.
Loading

60+ Million Users Trust TripAdvisor With Their Travel Plans. Shouldn’t You?Amazing Khapra Kodiya Caves - Buddhist Caves Junagadh, Gujarat, IndiaTripAdvisor

Qureka Lite

20 thoughts on “Amazing Khapra Kodiya Caves – Buddhist Caves Junagadh, Gujarat, India”

  1. How way cool guys. I love cave sites because you step into different worlds as you delve deeper into terra firm, in these hollows. From the smell, to the chill, to the close-ness of it all, caves feel gritty, real and quite fascinating. Good job as always 🙂

  2. Wow this is making me really want to visit India! I love the idea of exploring temples and walking through historic sites. Adding these to my bucket list!

  3. Such a great article! I’ve explored caves in Thailand that were very plain. The Khapra Kodiya Caves remind me more of the ruins found in Bath or in Italy with a little Roman flair in the pillars. Thanks for sharing!

  4. A well planned, and plenty of caves. It is very airy, water tanks, drainage, hall etc. A must visit place. Great thoughts.

  5. Shreemayee Chattopadhyay

    I haven’t been to Junagadh though. Your review is so lively that it gives a good virtual tour. Thanks for this.

  6. I’m fascinated by the pictorial depiction of caves at Junagadh, Gujarat and the amazing history behind it. Indeed beautiful travel destination.

  7. Though I stay in Ahmedabad,I haven’t been to Junagarh yet. Your virtual tour is making me feel excited . I will plan a visit after the situation gets normal.

  8. This is one of thos places that i wish i knew, when i was in Gujarat. I had heard about Junagad, but wasn’t aware about these caves.
    PS – This was before I got into travel full time, and was ignorant about such places.

    TBH Gujarat has a lot of such hidden gems, that a lot of people aren’t aware off !
    All I knew about Gujarat back then was Gir forest, the Rann of Katch and the Sabarmati Ashram, but Gujarat is way more than that.

  9. This has been in my wish list for long. You post has always been a visual tour for all of us. Love how you jotted down every single detail about the place. Lovely pictures.

  10. Wow, this is fascinating! I love traveling back in time and exploring ancient caves and ruins. I can’t wait to visit India and this is sure to be on my itinerary.

  11. I’d love to visit Khapra Kodiya Caves, what fascinating history! Any site that’s remained pretty much intact since 3rd/4th century has a magical appeal to me. I like that you also include other things to do in the area, very helpful.

  12. India has always been our topic of discussion when it comes to where we want to travel to. Of course, the year we planned on traveling there turns out to be this year. The year when no one can go anywhere. We’re hoping to make it happen in 2021 and would love to check out this region for sure <3

  13. Buddhism in Junagarh is unheard of! Thanks for this riveting post, which not only highlights the Buddhist essence and history in the caves, but also helps us touch base with the rich cultural and historical significance of these monuments in a country as diverse as ours. I’d love to check out the Graeco-Scythian architecture. I’ve also been to Gir and Somnath! Loved the safari and Lion spotting @Gir, Kutchh too was amazing. Gujarat is very rich culturally.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top