Khapra Kodiya Caves

Khapra Kodiya Caves are a group of ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves located north of Uparkot Fort in Junagadh, Gujarat. Dating to the 3rd-4th century BCE during Emperor Ashoka's reign, they are considered the oldest Buddhist caves in Gujarat. Carved into living rock, the caves feature plain pillared chambers, water cisterns and unfinished excavations that illustrate early rock-cut architecture and monastic use during the monsoon retreat.

Visitors can expect a small complex of plain, unfinished rock-cut caves carved into a rocky ridge. The site contains simple pillared chambers, meditation halls, water cisterns and chisel marks showing incomplete excavation. There is minimal ornamentation. The surroundings are arid and rocky with views toward Uparkot Fort. Visitors can walk through the open chambers, observe early rock-cut architectural features and explore the short trail around the caves.

Khapra Kodiya Caves are dated to the 3rd-4th century BCE during the reign of Emperor Ashoka and are regarded as the earliest Buddhist rock-cut caves in Gujarat. They were excavated for Buddhist monks as monsoon retreats (vassa). The caves are part of the Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups along with Baba Pyare and Uparkot caves and show early rock-cut architecture with plain chambers. Excavation was left incomplete, possibly due to cracks in the rock.

The caves represent early Buddhist monastic heritage in western India and illustrate the tradition of rock-cut architecture for meditation and seasonal retreat. As part of Junagadh's Buddhist cave complex, they are an important archaeological and cultural site reflecting the spread of Buddhism in Gujarat.