Baba Pyara Caves and Khapra Kodiya, Junagadh: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Baba Pyara Caves and Khapra Kodiya

Baba Pyara is dated to the 1st to 2nd century CE, associated with Satavahana-period influence, and has 13 rooms on three levels. Khapra Kodiya is considered the oldest of the groups, but sources give conflicting dates, from the 3rd to 4th century BCE to the 3rd to 4th century CE.

The Chinese traveller Xuanzang is said to have visited the Buddhist caves of Junagadh in the 7th century. The Uparkot caves are generally dated to the 2nd or 3rd century CE.

Useful facts

Baba Pyara Caves and Khapra Kodiya facts at a glance

Location

Near Modhimath, Junagadh

Experience type

Rock-cut Buddhist caves

Known for

13 rooms on three levels at Baba Pyara

Built

Baba Pyara 1st-2nd century CE; Khapra Kodiya older, debated

Visitor note

Ticketed ASI site; sturdy shoes needed

Why it matters

Why Baba Pyara Caves and Khapra Kodiya is worth your time

The caves are some of the earliest evidence of Buddhist monastic life in Gujarat. Cut from living rock, they were used as residences, prayer halls and meditation cells. Baba Pyara is dated to about the 1st or 2nd century CE under Satavahana-period influence, while Khapra Kodiya is older, though dating varies by source.

They add a layer to Junagadh that most visitors overlook. Alongside the Ashokan edicts, they show the region as a Buddhist centre long before the Chudasamas and nawabs. They also show how the faiths of Girnar overlapped over time.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Three storeys

   Baba Pyara's cave rooms rise through three levels in a rock face about 45 m high.

2. 02

   Chaitya hall

   The southern group has a courtyard and a prayer hall.

3. 03

   Khapra Kodiya

   The plainer, older group beside the former Sudarshan Lake.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Start at Baba Pyara, the better preserved of the two. The caves are cut into rock about 45 m high, with 13 rooms in three storeys. The northern group has four caves, and the southern group centres on a courtyard and a chaitya hall. Look for pillars and door jambs showing the style of the period, and for both Buddhist and Jain artwork.

Khapra Kodiya is the older and plainer group, along the edge of the former Sudarshan Lake, a little north of the fort. Later quarrying damaged it and only the highest level remains. You will see small cells, an L-shaped residence and a water-tank layout. Plan on a short visit.

Wear sturdy shoes, take water and a torch, and keep children close at the edges. The Uparkot caves inside the fort are part of the same heritage group, so see these after the fort for context.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Near Modhimath, south of Uparkot; Khapra Kodiya a little north of the fort

Time needed

1 to 1.5 hours for both

Best time

Morning, October to February

Walking level

Moderate

Senior comfort

Both sites have steps cut into rock and uneven floors, with limited railings. Baba Pyara's levels are the main climb. Seniors can view the exterior and the lowest rooms.

Tickets and access

Baba Pyara is a ticketed monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, and visiting hours are usually daylight. Confirm current fees and booking at the site or ASI portal.

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