Khapra Kodia Caves
Explore the ancient Khapra Kodia Caves, Junagadh's earliest monastic settlement, offering a glimpse into 3rd-4th century BCE rock-cut architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Khapra Kodia Caves
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient Khapra Kodia Caves, Junagadh's earliest monastic settlement, offering a glimpse into 3rd-4th century BCE rock-cut architecture.
"A fascinating historical gem offering a journey back in time worth taking."
🎯 Online Entry Only
Book your tickets online by scanning the QR code before your visit. :ticket:
🚗 Convenient Parking
Free parking is available along the road near Fuliya Hanuman Temple. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Earliest Monastic Settlement
East-west ridge
Explore the oldest of Junagadh's cave groups, dating back to the 3rd-4th century BCE. These rock-cut rooms served as monk quarters.
Ancient Rock-Cut Architecture
Southern side chambers
Marvel at the 'U' shaped quadrangles carved directly into the rock, showcasing early engineering and monastic life.
Sunset Views
Cave area
Enjoy a peaceful sunset from this less crowded spot outside the main city, offering a serene end to your exploration.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for These Ancient Caves
Access and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Online Entry Only
Book your tickets online by scanning the QR code before your visit. :ticket:
🚗 Convenient Parking
Free parking is available along the road near Fuliya Hanuman Temple. :car:
🚶♂️ Quick Exploration
Allocate about 30 minutes to see these simple, ancient caves. :stopwatch:
📸 Photography Note
Professional photography and videography may not be permitted. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Online Entry Only
Book your tickets online by scanning the QR code before your visit. :ticket:
🚗 Convenient Parking
Free parking is available along the road near Fuliya Hanuman Temple. :car:
🚶♂️ Quick Exploration
Allocate about 30 minutes to see these simple, ancient caves. :stopwatch:
📸 Photography Note
Professional photography and videography may not be permitted. :camerawithflash:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Amenities are minimal, so carry water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Khapra Kodia Caves to be a fascinating glimpse into ancient monastic life, appreciating their historical significance and peaceful atmosphere. While the site is less crowded and offers a unique look at early rock-cut architecture, some reviewers note that better maintenance and clearer signage would enhance the experience.
"One can visit these caves during a visit of Uperkot Fort. These Khapra Kodiya caves exist near fuliya Hanuman temple on Fuliya Hanuman Road near Dev vadi i.e. North side of Uperkot within one Km.
Khapra Kodiya caves also known as " Buddhist Caves" around Uperkot Fort are not actually caves but three separate sites of rooms carved out of stone to be used as monk's quarter , hence the name , they are all a little over 2000 years old, give or take a couple centuries.
They were carved into living rock during the reign of Emperor Samrat Ashok and are considered the earliest monastic settlement in the area.Khapra Kodiya caves also known as " Khengar Mahal" and are damaged later quarrying & now only the highest story remains.
The Khapra Kodiya caves are among the earliest & most important three caves in Junagadh. The other two being Baba Pyare and the Buddhist caves at Uperkot. All these caves and monuments were first reported by James Burgess.
Cut into a ridge of trap rock in the east- west direction , all the chambers of this group of caves are a kind of broad " U" shaped quadrangle formed by rock excavation on the southern side.
On line tickets booking must be before visit.wheecle parking along chowk near Fuliya Hanuman Temple along the road. Time taken to see 30 minutes for these simple caves.
Proper care is not taken by the state government."
Vinodray Trambadia
"A small buddha caves. A place to see good sunset and chill for sometime. less crowded place. Its outside the main city."
Chiranjeevi R
"The Khapra Kodiya Caves in Junagadh are a fascinating historical gem. Carved into the Uperkot Fort area, these caves date back to the 3rd–4th century BCE, reflecting Buddhist architectural brilliance. The intricate rock-cut designs and water tanks offer a glimpse into ancient engineering marvels. The peaceful ambiance and historical significance make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and explorers. However, the site could benefit from better maintenance and informative signage. Still, the experience of walking through these ancient caves, surrounded by the aura of history, is unforgettable. A visit here is a journey back in time worth taking!"
Hey Mit
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Khapra Kodia Caves are located about 1 km north of Uperkot Fort, near the Fuliya Hanuman Temple. You can reach them by road from Junagadh city. Taxis or auto-rickshaws are readily available. The closest airports are Keshod, Porbandar, and Rajkot, from where you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Junagadh.
While there might not be direct buses to the caves themselves, state and private bus services connect Junagadh to various cities in Gujarat. From Junagadh, you'll need local transport to reach the caves.
Junagadh has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat. From the Junagadh railway station, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the caves.
Junagadh is accessible by road, rail, and air. The closest airports are Keshod (40 km), Porbandar (105 km), and Rajkot (103 km).
Yes, the caves are accessible by car, and there is open parking space available near the Fuliya Hanuman Temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Khapra Kodia Caves requires online payment via a QR code scan. Specific pricing details are usually available at the site or through local tourism information.
No, tickets must be purchased online by scanning a QR code. It's advisable to have your smartphone ready for payment.
While specific hours can vary, it's best to visit during daylight hours, especially in the cooler parts of the morning or late afternoon for a pleasant experience.
Khapra Kodia Caves are often visited in conjunction with Uperkot Fort. While Uperkot Fort may have its own entry procedures, the caves require separate online payment.
Information on discounts is not readily available, but it's always worth checking local tourism boards or the official ticketing portal for any applicable concessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
These caves are ancient rock-cut chambers believed to be monks' quarters, dating back to the 3rd-4th century BCE. You can explore the 'U' shaped quadrangles carved into the rock and enjoy the historical ambiance.
Most visitors find that about 30 minutes is sufficient to explore these relatively simple caves.
While a fascinating historical site, some reviews suggest that better maintenance and signage would enhance the visitor experience.
Compared to Uperkot Fort, the Khapra Kodia Caves are generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful visit, especially during off-peak hours.
While personal photography is usually allowed, professional photography or videography might be restricted. It's best to check on-site regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
The rock-cut architecture and the 'U' shaped chambers offer unique photographic opportunities. The surrounding landscape, especially during sunset, can also be picturesque. 
According to some information, professional photography or videography might not be permitted. It's advisable to confirm this on-site.
Focus on the textures of the rock, the geometric patterns of the carvings, and the play of light and shadow within the chambers. Wide-angle lenses can capture the scale of the quadrangles.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's always best to adhere to local regulations and respect the historical site.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the rock textures beautifully. Sunset offers a particularly scenic backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that amenities are limited, so bring snacks and plenty of water. The site is generally less crowded than nearby Uperkot Fort, which can be a plus for families managing young children. The short exploration time (around 30 minutes) makes it manageable for shorter attention spans.
🚶♂️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like Uperkot Fort to maximize your travel efficiency. Since it's a historical site with limited facilities, packing your own food and water will also help save costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Khapra Kodia Caves
These caves are also known by other names, including Khangar Mahal and sometimes referred to as "Buddhist Caves." Historical records and inscriptions suggest their use during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. The plainness of their design, compared to later cave complexes, points to their antiquity.
James Burgess, a notable archaeologist, was among the first to report on these caves and other monuments in the area. Despite their historical importance, some visitors note that the site could benefit from better preservation and informative signage to fully appreciate its past.
Exploring the Architecture and Layout
All chambers are cut into the living rock, oriented in an east-west direction. The simplicity of the design emphasizes their role as austere dwellings. While the original structures may have been more extensive, later quarrying has led to damage, with only the highest stories remaining in some sections.
Visitors can observe the meticulous carving that created these spaces, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient ascetics. The presence of water tanks within or near the caves also indicates the practical considerations for monastic living.
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