BUDDHIST
C AV E S
With their artistry and monumental structures
dating back as far as 1 AD, the Buddhist caves
of Junagadh are a reflection of a time gone by.
Easily accessible from Ahmedabad by road or rail,
these caves are believed to have existed during
Emperor Ashoka’s reign, when foreign spiritual
influences were said to prevail in India. The oldest
of the lot and comparatively the simplest, in terms
of relief structures, are the Khapra Kodiya Caves,
which were largely basic in construction, carved out
of living rock, and L-shaped, with just enough room
for seating (www.gujarattourism.com ; entry: ` 15,
free entry for children up to 15).
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: To check out the
distinctive pattern of the manmade enclosures
carved out for residential purposes of Buddhist
monks, who chose to lead a life of abstinence,
unlike other naturally-occurring caves. If history
is your area of expertise, this is definitely a place
to be visited!
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