Buddhist Caves
Antiquity and Historical Context: The Khapra Kodiya Caves, also known as the Khapara Kodia Caves or Khangar Mahal, are the oldest and plainest of the Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups. They are dated to the 3rd-4th century BC (or possibly early AD), making them contemporary with, or soon after, the peri od of Emperor Ashoka. These caves represent one of the earliest monastic settlements in the region, initially carved to serve as vihara (monks' quarters) and resting places during the vassa (rainy season retreat). Original Design and Decline: The caves were originally carved out of an east-west longitudinal ridge near the edge of the ancient Sudarshan Lake. They were structurally simple, featuring small rooms and unique L-shaped residences and water tanks. The complex was abandoned after many years of use because cracks in the rock allowed water to seep into the living quarters, rendering them unusable. Historical accounts suggest the monks later migrated to Maharashtra, where they developed the more elaborate cave architecture seen there. Current State of Preservation: The caves have suffered significantly due to later quarrying activity and natural erosion, and now only the highest story and a few remnants of the original structure remain. They are considerably plainer and less well-preserved than the nearby Bawa Pyara Caves and the later Uparkot Caves, yet their age makes them highly important archaeologically. Evidence of Early Buddhist Influence: The presence of these ancient caves confirms the strong and early patronage of Buddhism in the Junagadh region, linking it directly to the expansion of the faith during the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
Historical Site (Buddhist Caves)Entry Fees:
Indian Citizen/SAARC/BIMSTEC Visitor Fee: The caves are an ASI protected site. The fee is minimal, around Rs.25 to Rs.40 per person. The ticket often covers the entire Junagadh Cave Groups complex, sometimes in conjunction with Uparkot Fort.
Forei...Indian Citizen/SAARC/BIMSTEC Visitor Fee: The caves are an ASI protected site. The fee is minimal, around Rs.25 to Rs.40 per person. The ticket often covers the entire Junagadh Cave Groups complex, sometimes in conjunction with Uparkot Fort.
Foreign National Visitor Fee: The charge for foreign visitors is higher, typically ranging from Rs.200 to Rs.300 per person.
Importance of the Fee: The nominal fee is essential for the archaeological survey's work, which includes maintenance, documentation, and preventing further deterioration and unauthorized quarrying at this highly fragile, ancient site.
Video Camera Fee: Expect a small additional fee (e. g. , Rs.25) for using video equipment.Timing:
Regular Timings: The official timings are usually from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time is in the mid-morning (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM). The caves are quite exposed, and this period often provides the best direct l...Regular Timings: The official timings are usually from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time is in the mid-morning (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM). The caves are quite exposed, and this period often provides the best direct light to view the rock-cut features and their internal structure.
Avoid Midday in Summer: As an exposed rock-cut site, it gets extremely hot during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, especially in the hot months, so a morning visit is strongly recommended for comfort.Special Events:
Vassa Period Observation: While no formal public event is held, in traditional Buddhist practice, the Vassa (rainy season retreat, typically July to October) was the original purpose for these monastic dwellings. Local Buddhist or historical groups may conduct quiet, locali...Vassa Period Observation: While no formal public event is held, in traditional Buddhist practice, the Vassa (rainy season retreat, typically July to October) was the original purpose for these monastic dwellings. Local Buddhist or historical groups may conduct quiet, localized observation or study sessions during this period.
Junagadh Heritage Festival: The caves are sometimes included in guided historical lectures and trails during the city's sporadic cultural festivals, highlighting their archaeological significance and antiquity.Best Photo Spots:
The Remaining Upper Floor Cells: Capturing the horizontal repetition of the small cell doorways, using the angular, stark light to highlight the plain, functional cutting.
The Exposed Rock Face: A wide-angle shot that shows the remnants of t...The Remaining Upper Floor Cells: Capturing the horizontal repetition of the small cell doorways, using the angular, stark light to highlight the plain, functional cutting.
The Exposed Rock Face: A wide-angle shot that shows the remnants of the caves set against the exposed quarry scars, emphasizing the dual history of ancient use and later damage.
Inscribed Wall Sections: A close-up of any surviving, faint Brahmi scribbles, if visible, focusing on the evidence of the site's antiquity.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Archaeological Survey and Study: The main activity is to engage in thoughtful observation, attempting to visualize the original structure from the remaining fragments. This requires reading the historical information provided at the site or bringing a detailed guide book.
Walk the Surviving Upper Level: Carefully walk along the remaining upper story of the monastic cells, observing the layout and the small dimensions of the living quarters used by the ancient bhikkhus.
Compare with Other Caves: Plan the visit in conjunction with the nearby Bawa Pyara Caves and the Uparkot Caves to compare and contrast the evolution of rock-cut techniques, construction methods, and monastic needs over the centuries in Junagadh.
Appreciate the Isolation: The relative isolation and...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Oldest Caves of Junagadh: Their paramount fame lies in their antiquity, representing the earliest evidence of rock-cut architecture and monastic life in the Junagadh area, dating back to the 3rd century BC.
Archaeological Significance: T...The Oldest Caves of Junagadh: Their paramount fame lies in their antiquity, representing the earliest evidence of rock-cut architecture and monastic life in the Junagadh area, dating back to the 3rd century BC.
Archaeological Significance: They are crucial for academic study, providing a reference point for the evolution of rock-cut styles in western India, directly influencing later, more famous cave sites like those in Maharashtra.
Link to Emperor Ashoka's Era: The dating suggests a strong connection to the Mauryan era and the spread of Buddhism by Emperor Ashoka, solidifying Junagadh's role in the early history of the faith. -
Architecture:
Plain, Functional Architecture: The architecture is defined by its extreme simplicity and functional design, lacking the intricate carvings and ornate facades of later caves. They are merely rooms and halls carved out of the living rock for utility. The structure is based ...Plain, Functional Architecture: The architecture is defined by its extreme simplicity and functional design, lacking the intricate carvings and ornate facades of later caves. They are merely rooms and halls carved out of the living rock for utility. The structure is based on a simple layout of monastic cells (vihara).
Water Tank Innovation: A key architectural element is the presence of unique rock-cut water tanks on the western side, designed to harvest rainwater—an early example of water management integrated into the monastic design.
L-Shaped Residences: The complex is noted for having unusual L-shaped residence units, suggesting a specific, early type of monastic dwelling arrangement not commonly found in later cave groups.
Limited Surviving Structure: Due to damage from quarrying, only the top floor and some rock-cut plinths remain. The surviving structure consists of a series of small, longitudinally arranged rooms. The total area is small, carved into a narrow ridge. The architecture essentially points towards a highly utilitarian, unadorned form of rock-cut construction built for necessity and shelter rather than display. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Rajkot Airport (RAJ, 100 KMS), with onward options of private taxi or state bus to Junagadh. Keshod Airport (IXK, 40 KMS) is a regional option.
By Train: Junagadh Junction (JND) is the nearest station (5... -
Near Tourist Places:
Bawa Pyara Caves (0. 5 KMS) Uparkot Fort (1 KMS) Adi Kadi Vav (1. 5 KMS inside the fort) Navghan Kuvo (1. 6 KMS inside the fort) Mahabat Maqbara (3 KMS) Narsinh Mehta Lake (3. 5 KMS) Ashoka's Rock Edicts (4. 5 KMS) Damodar Kund (5. 5 KMS) Sakkarbaug Zoo (6 KMS) Durbar Hall Museum (5 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: Wear a hat and carry plenty of water, as there is minimal shade. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven, rocky surfaces. Be aware of the presence of thorny shrubs or uneven ground around the damaged lower levels.
Packing:...
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