Gupta Dham Caves: Wander The Serene Halls And Rocky Terrains

A large cave opening of the Gupta Dham caves, gazing out towards a scenic view of lush greenery

The Gupta Dham Caves in Bihar, situated in the Kaimur Hills, hold a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Known for their ancient Shiva temple, these caves attract pilgrims and tourists alike. Carved out of limestone, the caves feature stunning natural rock formations and are believed to be centuries old, with stories connecting them to sage Viswamitra. Every year, devotees come here, especially during the Hindu month of Shravan, to seek blessings. The peaceful atmosphere and cultural significance make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.

Location

Rock formations with layered textures surrounded by more rocks inside the Gupta Dham caves

Photo: Ksenia Kudelkina / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The Gupta Dham Caves are situated around 60 kilometres from Bhabua, the district headquarters of Kaimur, Bihar. The city of Sasaram is approximately 90 kilometres, making it accessible By Road for visitors from nearby regions. Additionally, the caves are about 180 kilometres from the city of Varanasi.

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How To Reach Gupta Dham Caves

 Image of the halls of the caves, ideal for an escape from the bustling city life

Photo: Michael Behrens / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

By Train: The nearest major railway station is Sasaram, located about 90 kilometres away from the caves. From Sasaram, taxis or local buses provide road connectivity directly to the caves.

By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, approximately 180 kilometres from Gupta Dham. After arriving in Varanasi, visitors can hire a taxi or rent a car for the journey, which takes roughly four to five hours By Road.

By Road: For those travelling By Road, the caves are accessible via state highways from nearby cities like Bhabua (60 kilometres) and Sasaram. Road trips to Gupta Dham allow travellers to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Kaimur hills.

Places To Visit Near Gupta Dham Caves

Explore the scenic region surrounding Gupta Dham Caves, which offers a plethora of extraordinary locations;

1. Mundeshwari Temple

An ancient Mundeshwari Temple, one of the ideal places for all devotees

Photo: Shivam Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

The Mundeshwari Temple, situated 60 kilometres from Gupta Dham, is one of India’s ancient functional temples, with origins tracing back to 108 AD. This venerable stone structure, devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, features an exceptional octagonal design, which is quite uncommon in Hindu temple architecture. The temple is celebrated for its carved stone idols, depicting a variety of deities, such as Lord Ganesha, Surya, and Vishnu.

Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None

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2. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary

A scenic view of a serene lake, inside the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary

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Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is around 50 kilometres from Gupta Dham and represents the largest sanctuary in Bihar, encompassing an area of 1,340 square kilometres. This sanctuary supports a diverse range of wildlife, such as leopards, sloth bears, and sambar deer, in addition to a plethora of avian species. Kaimur’s landscape varies from dense forests to cascading waterfalls and intriguing caves, which collectively create an ideal habitat for various forms of wildlife.

Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners

3. Shergarh Fort

A historic Shergarh Fort, a famous place near for all history enthusiasts

Photo: Travelling Slacker/ Wikimedia Commons

Shergarh Fort, located approximately 80 kilometres from Gupta Dham, was built during the 16th century, having been constructed during the rule of Sher Shah Suri. This historic structure is situated atop a hill, thus providing a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. The fort’s architecture, with its towering walls, gateways, and ancient water reservoirs, offers a glimpse into the military design of mediaeval India.

Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: None

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4. Bhaluni Dam

A view of a water dam surrounded by greenery, a popular tourist attraction nearby

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh/ Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Bhaluni Dam, situated approximately 70 kilometres from Gupta Dham, is a relatively well-known yet stunning destination for both relaxation and picnicking. Surrounded by dense foliage, the dam forms a reservoir that draws numerous migratory birds during the winter season. The dam provides a stunning vista of the water body against the Kaimur Hills, thereby making it a peaceful haven for visitors.

Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: None

5. Rohtasgarh Fort

A view of Rohtasgarh Fort near Gupta Dham caves, showcasing ancient architectural beauty

Photo: Indianvagabond / Wikimedia Commons

Rohtasgarh Fort, located approximately 100 kilometres from Gupta Dham, ranks among the largest hill forts in India. This fort, constructed by Raja Harishchandra during the 7th century encompasses a vast expanse and holds considerable architectural and historical importance. Although reaching the fort requires a challenging trek up the hill, it rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: None

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Where To Stay

A view of a hotel room near Gupta Dham caves offering a comfortable stay

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Accommodation near the Gupta Dham Caves is basic, with choices primarily located in Bhabua and Sasaram. Visitors can discover budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and lodges that provide essential amenities such as clean rooms, running water, and Wi-Fi in select areas. For those seeking a closer experience with nature, Bhabua offers a few guesthouses with simpler facilities, but they offer good access to nearby attractions. It is advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.

Where To Eat

A plate of litti chokha, one of the very famous local dish of Bihar

Photo: RASHMITHAKURSHARMA / WIkimeida Commons

Gupta Dham is predominantly located near the towns of Bhabua and Sasaram. Small, local eateries that provide traditional Bihari dishes, including litti chokha, sattu parathas, and dal puri. Bhabua features a limited number of family-run dhabas and basic restaurants that provide vegetarian meals cooked with seasonal ingredients. However, if one seeks a more diverse menu, Sasaram offers multi-cuisine selections in several of its larger hotels and dining establishments.

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Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit these caves is the winter stretch of the year

Photo: Philip Wahl / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The best time to visit the Gupta Dham Caves is during the winter months from October to March, when the weather remains cool and comfortable. This period also coincides with various pilgrimage events, particularly during the Hindu month of Shravan, July-August, attracting numerous devotees. Winter facilitates easier access to nearby attractions, such as the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Other Factors To Consider

Image of the inside trails of Gupta Dham caves offering a glimpse into the past

Photo: Le Tan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of The Trip

An average trip cost to the Gupta Dham Caves can be quite budget-friendly. Accommodation expenses range between ₹800 and ₹2000 each night, including both accommodation and location prices.Overall, a two-day excursion could reasonably cost between ₹3000 and ₹6000 per individual, not accounting for additional expenses such as souvenirs or extra activities.

Tips For Travellers

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  • Start your morning at an early hour to enjoy your exploration and their adjacent regions in more temperate conditions.
  • Bring necessary items such as water and snacks because the amenities in proximity to the caves are sparse.
  • Opt for comfortable, non-slip footwear, as the cave terrain can be both slippery and uneven.
  • Uphold cleanliness and refrain from disrupting the natural formations within the caves.
  • Capture the beautiful photos of Gupta Dham caves by utilising low-light settings. You might also consider bringing a tripod for more stable shots.

The Gupta Dham Caves offer a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty for those who are eager to explore Bihar’s rich heritage. TripXL can assist in simplifying your travel experience by offering convenient booking options and comprehensive travel guides. Plan your Gupta Dham adventure with TripXL today. Make sure to consider all your options before finalising your plans.

Cover Photo: Tama66 / Pixabay/ Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is not an entry fee required to explore the Gupta Dham Caves in Bihar.
The trek is moderately challenging, involving a steep ascent through wooded regions. Although young and healthy individuals may find it manageable, elderly visitors or those with certain health conditions might perceive it as strenuous. Trekking shoes, hydration, and a degree of physical fitness are recommended.
Yes, the most celebrated festival is the Maha Shivaratri, which attracts thousands of devotees who visit the caves to worship Lord Shiva. Special rituals, prayers, and offerings are performed during this time, which makes it a highly significant and crowded event at Gupta Dham.
Although camping is not officially organised, some adventurous visitors can establish temporary camps along the trekking path or near the cave area.
Yes, local guides are available and support visitors, particularly those who are not familiar with the area or are new to trekking. Hiring a guide may be advantageous because it provides insights into the history and importance of the site.

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