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Among one of the three caves comprising the Junagarh Caves group, Bavapyara Caves is one of the most significant archaeological sites located in Junagarh, Gujarat. These rock-cut caves offer a glimpse into the enriching spiritual and architectural heritage of the state and the country in general. Dating back to the 1st to 4th century, the main attraction of these caves is the intricate artworks of both Jainism and Buddhism that you get to witness inside. They provide a glimpse into the significance of the diverse religions that thrived in the area back in the day.
Quick Details About Bavapyara Caves
Location: Mullawada, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001
Bavapyara Caves Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Bavapyara Caves Ticket Price: ₹20 for Indians and ₹250 for foreigners
Ideal Visit Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Best Time To Visit: October to March
About Bavapyara Caves Gujarat
Photo: Dipak MANAT / Wikimedia Commons
There are three primary rock-cut caves in Junagadh, and Bavapyara Caves is one of them. According to historical evidence, the caves were reportedly carved and cut between the 2nd and 4th century AD, offering a glimpse into the early Buddhist architecture in India. Inside these caverns, you will find intricately carved stupas, chaityas and viharas too, which are quite significant of the Buddhist rock-cut caves from back in history. The name “Bavapyara” is derived from the local dialect, with “Bava” meaning monk and “Pyare” meaning beloved, reflecting the caves’ historical association with the Buddhist monastic community. An early British archaeologist, James Burgess, upon visiting these caves confirmed that the caves have been associated with the Jain faith as well.
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How To Reach
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Located centrally in Junagadh, it is easy to reach these caves conveniently from nearby regions.
By Air: For the travellers taking a flight, you can first reach Rajkot Airport, which is the nearest airport to Junagadh. From there, you’d have to hire a taxi to reach Junagadh and then the caves.
By Road: Junagadh is well-connected by road to major cities in Gujarat and neighbouring states. State-run and private buses operate regularly between Junagadh and cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Porbandar. If you are driving by yourself, National Highway 27 is the easier route to take. So, if you want to know how to reach Bavapyara Caves, choose a road journey to get there.
By Train: The nearest railhead from the caves is Junagadh Railway Station. There are taxis and auto-rickshaws available from the station to take you to the caves.
Things To Do At Bavapyara Caves
Visiting the Baba Pyare Caves offers you a glimpse into the rich history, heritage and culture associated with Junagadh in Gujarat. There are several activities that you can indulge in inside these caves.
1. Marvel At The Rock-Cut Architecture
Photo: Dipak MANAT / Wikimedia Commons
The main attraction inside the caves is their rock-cut architecture. The exquisite intricate carvings and the detailing on the walls and inside the caves are exactly what draws the attention of the tourists. As you explore the caves, you’ll come across intricately carved stupas, chaityas, and viharas. The detailed carvings on the walls and pillars depict various scenes from Buddha’s life and other religious motifs. There are inscriptions from the Jain religion and heritage across the entire cave.
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2. Photograph The Caves
Photo: Rajitha Fernado / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Given how enriching and beautiful the craftsmanship is on the walls and the pillars of the caves, taking Babapyara Caves pictures is one of the main activities that you must do inside. The early morning period is usually the best time for photographing the carvings, motifs and individual depictions from the Jain and Buddhist cultures, inside the caves.
3. Learn About The Symbols
Photo: William Neuheisel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
During the excavation of the caves, there were multiple different symbols, 11 to be precise, that were recorded by H.D. Sanklia. There seems to be a lot of mystery surrounding these recorded symbols, despite some of them being in an extremely bad state. If you are exploring the caves on a guided tour, you’ll be able to learn more about these symbols from the knowledgeable guide.
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Places To Visit Around Bavapyara Caves
Junagadh has a lot more than just caves. So, once you finish exploring these caves, you can take your time to explore a few of the nearby sightseeing spots.
1. Uparkot Fort
Photo: Hariom Raval / Wikimedia Commons
Located on the east side of Junagadh, Uparkot Fort is an ancient fort that has witnessed numerous battles and sieges over the centuries. It is known for its impressive architecture, including massive gates, bastions, and water reservoirs. Inside the fort lies numerous historical monuments like the Jama Masjid and the Navghan Kuvo Stepwell, which is why it is of such high significance, especially among history enthusiasts.
Distance From The Caves: 800 metres
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
2. Girnar Jain Temples
Photo: Sagar Morakhia / Wikimedia Commons
Along the Girnar Hills lie numerous Jain temples. It is said that there are 16 Jain temples perched along the cliff of the hill. Some of the most notable ones include Neminath Temple, Adabadji Adinatha Temple, Panchmeru Temple and Sangram Soni’s Temple. The temples are dedicated to various Tirthankaras, with the main temple dedicated to Lord Neminath. You have to embark on a steep ascent through the hill to reach these temples, making it an adventurous experience.
Distance From The Caves: 4.4 km
Timings: 24*7
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3. Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden
Photo: Jeremy Avery / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Ideal for children and wildlife enthusiasts, Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden is one of the oldest zoos in the country. Spread across a 200-hectare area, this zoo was established in 1863. The main attraction inside this zoo is the purebred Asiatic lions. You can also spot a variety of other endangered species of wildlife inside this zoo. The zoo also has a museum showcasing the region’s wildlife and a breeding centre for the Asiatic lion.
Distance From The Caves: 4.2 km
Timings: 9 AM – 12:30 PM and 3 PM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
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When planning your stay near the caves, you can find a majority of the accommodations available in Junagadh. There are quite a few affordable properties like Hotel Ravat Inn, Hotel Vaibhav and Hotel Picnic. If you are looking for luxurious hotels, some of the best options are Click Hotel, Raghav Farm and Hotel Asopalav.
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Where To Eat
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If you are hungry and looking for some delectable food to try around the attraction, then head towards the Junagadh city for good restaurants. A few of the top picks include Petals Restaurant, Geeta Lodge, The Banyan Tree, Utsav Restaurant and Patel Restaurant.
Best Time To Visit
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The caves are accessible to the public throughout the year. So, technically, you can visit them any time of the year. However, if you want to have a pleasant time exploring the entire cave, October to March is the ideal time. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C and the skies are clear with no signs of rain. You can also visit in March or April if you want to beat the crowds and have an affordable vacation around Gujarat.
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Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Julia Sakelli / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
To ensure a great time exploring the caves, keep the following pointers into consideration.
- Ensure that you are wearing sturdy and comfortable shoes for exploring the uneven terrains of the caves.
- There are little to no shops around the caves, so carry water and snacks with you.
- Avoid touching the carvings and maintain silence inside the caves.
- Having a local guide helps you explore the caves and learn about the history a lot better.
- Early morning is the best time to visit and explore the caves without heat and crowd.
Babapyara Caves is one of the leading Junagadh Caves and prominent archaeological sites offering a glimpse into the Buddhist and Jain culture in the country. Inside the cave, you get to explore the beauty of the rock-cut carvings and also find a peaceful retreat inside these caves. Junagadh promises a memorable experience, so plan your trip to the caves and immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Gujarat with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Dipak MANAT / Wikimedia Commons
