Khapra Kodia Caves

Situated in Junagadh, Gujarat, these caves are the oldest in the state as they are believed to belong to the period between 3rd and 4th century AD. The structure of these caves is quite plain when compared to other caves. The internal chambers of the wing contain divisions on the east and west which double up as perfect shelters for monks during rainy seasons. These were believed to have been constructed during Emperor Asoka’s rule. However, these caves are now practically unusable as cracks have started to develop on the walls of these caves as time progressed, thereby, causing perennial damage. It is believed that the monks who left from here to Maharashtra designed similar caves there.

Baba Pyara Caves

These caves are situated in close vicinity to Modhimath. There are four caves towards the northern group of these caves. Just to the south of this group, we can find one more group of caves. Here, there is a hall that is quite massive and a hall for chaitya. The shape of these caves is apsidal. The work on these caves, the structure of the pillars and jambs of the doors prove to be evidences of the fact that these caves could have beloved to the period of Satavahanas.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest domestic airport to Junagadh is Keshod at a distance of 40km. The connectivity is quite minimal here. Ahmedabad, the nearest international airport is well connected to other important cities in the country.

By Train

Junagadh railway station is quite a busy station that has frequent trains running to and fro from many important cities in and out of Gujarat.

By Road

Junagadh has an excellent bus service that connects most of the important places within the state and outside the state too. The buses are either operated by the government of private tour operators and offer extreme comfort to passengers at affordable rates.

Pandava Gufa

These caves are found near Saputara Hill. Another name of these caves is Aravalem Caves. It came to be commonly known as Pandava Gufa as legend has it that the Pandava kings from the Mahabharata spent a considerable time in these caves during the period when they were in hiding and prayed with great devotion to Lord Shiva. It is not only the caves that make the tourists awe-struck, even the path leading to the cave is filled with rich tribal culture and forts of Gujarat.

How to Reach

By Air

Vadodara is the nearest airport to this place, but it is still at a good 309km away.

By Train

Waghai and Billimora are the nearest railway stations to these caves

By Road

There are lots of luxury, deluxe, AC and non AC buses operated by the Government as well as private tour operators that connect this place with other major cities like Waghai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai and Vadodara.

Taranga Hills

This is a cave that is found in the Mehsana district of Gujarat. It is predominantly a Buddhist cave as it is believed to have been the abode of several Buddhist monks who lived about thousands of years ago. The sculptures, artwork and the designs on the caves too are strong evidences of the Buddhist nature of these caves. The Bodhi Vriskha, Kapavriksha and other Buddhist motifs are inscribed on these caves. These caves are also homes to some Buddhist temples like Taranmata and Dharanmata dedicated to the Goddess Tara. It was in these caves that an ancient Buddha images made from terracotta and four pictures of stone-plated Dhyani Buddha were excavated.

How to Reach

By Air

Ahmedabad airport, which is around 125km away from Taranga is the nearest to this place.

By Train

Some of the famous railway stations that are located in close vicinity to these caves are Visnagar, Unjha, Mehsana and Vijapur

By Road

Frequent and comfortable bus services to Taranga are available from Mehsana, Ahmedabad, Patan, Siddhipur and Ambaji.

Siyot Caves

These caves found in the Kutch district are very old as they are believed to have been belonged to the first century AD. It is also one of the 80 monastic sites in the country. The sanctum sanctorum of these caves is east facing and there is also an ambulatory inside the cave.

How to Reach

By Air

Bhuj is the nearest railway station to these caves.

By Train

The nearest railway station of Bhuj is well connected to all the major cities within Gujarat and outside the state as well. The train network within the state has a high frequency.

By Road

There are lots of private and government sector buses running from all the major cities in the state to Bhuj. The rates on these buses are quite reasonable and the comfort is ultimate.

Khambalida Caves

Situated in Rajkot, the Khambalida caves are a culmination of three caves. The cave in the middle is a chaitya and has a stupa that is not in use anymore. This chaitya has two majestic sculptures of Bodhisattvas – Padmapani and Vajrapani on the right and left respectively. Limestone rock is the basic ingredient with which these caves are made of. These caves belong to somewhere between the 4th and 5th century AD.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is at Rajkot which is well connected with flights to all the major cities in the country on a daily basis.

By Train

Rajkot, which is an important railway junction is the nearest to these caves. There are lots of passengers, mail, express, superfast and intercity express trains that run to and fro from Rajkot connecting it with all the important stations in the country.

By Road

There are lots of buses connecting Rajkot both within the state and outside the state too. Once inside the town, auto rickshaws are the best modes of transport.