Gujarat’s Buddhist legacy might not always make the mainstream travel radar, but it quietly cradles some of the most intriguing relics of early Buddhist influence in western India. With its ancient caves, monastic remains, rock-cut architecture and Ashokan edicts, Gujarat offers a rewarding trail for history lovers and mindful explorers alike.
Here's a destination-wise guide to the Buddhist circuit across the state.
Just outside Junagadh town, a large boulder bears Emperor Ashoka’s edicts—14 moral precepts inscribed in Brahmi script around 250 BCE. These proclamations advocate compassion, truthfulness and respect for all traditions, offering a rare, tangible link to India’s most celebrated Buddhist emperor.
Things to Do
Walk around the pavilion to read the complete set of edicts carved in stone.
Reflect on Ashoka’s vision of dhamma (righteous conduct) as you wander the peaceful surroundings.
Combine with a visit to nearby Girnar Hill trails for panoramic views.
How to Reach
By Air: Fly into Rajkot Airport (approx. 100 km away) and continue by taxi or bus to Junagadh.
By Rail: Alight at Junagadh Railway Station, then take a local auto or taxi to the site.
By Road: Regular state and private buses connect Junagadh with Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Mumbai; the edicts pavilion is a short taxi ride from the city centre.
Carved directly into a 45 m‑high cliff, the Baba Pyare Caves (1st–2nd century CE) comprise 13 chambers across three levels. Built in Satavahana style, these halls once formed a vibrant rock‑cut monastery.
Things to Do
Climb the stone steps from Adi Kadi step‑well to the cave entrance.
Wander through the chaitya (prayer) hall and monk cells, noting the slender pillars.
Observe the fusion of Buddhist motifs with regional architectural details.
How to Reach
By Air: Land at Rajkot Airport, proceed by road to Junagadh, then hire a local auto to the step‑well base.
By Rail: From Junagadh Railway Station, take an auto to Uparkot Fort and follow signs to Baba Pyare Caves.
By Road: State and private buses serve Junagadh; the caves lie within the fort complex, accessible on foot from the main gate.
Within Uparkot Fort’s ancient ramparts lie the Khapra Kodiya Caves—rock‑cut cells hewn in the 3rd–4th century CE to house Buddhist monks. These austere chambers, once adjacent to a now‑vanished lake, exemplify early monastic simplicity.
Things to Do
Explore the rectangular and L‑shaped chambers carved into the hill.
Note the waterproofing techniques used by monks; some cells still bear traces of stucco.
Take photographs of the stark interiors, best lit in late afternoon sunlight.
How to Reach
By Air: Land at Rajkot Airport; hire a taxi or board a bus to Junagadh, then take a local auto to Uparkot Fort.
By Rail: Reach Junagadh by train; Uparkot Fort is a 2 km walk or a short auto‑rickshaw ride from the station.
By Road: State transport and private coaches run frequently; Uparkot Fort lies on the outskirts of Junagadh town.
Dating to 319 BCE, Uparkot Fort is one of India’s oldest surviving hill forts. Beyond its impressive ramparts, the site conceals Buddhist cave cells, intricate step‑wells and relics of successive dynasties, all recounting Junagadh’s role as a cultural crossroads.
Things to Do
Descend into Adi Kadi Vav, a 41 m‑deep circular step‑well carved from living rock.
Explore Navghan Kuvo, a spiral‑ramp well with over 50 m of intricate masonry.
Hunt for hidden Buddhist cells tucked beneath the ramparts.
How to Reach
By Air: Fly to Rajkot, then travel by road to Junagadh; the fort is signposted on the city outskirts.
By Rail: Junagadh station is 3 km from the fort; autos and cycle‑rickshaws await outside.
By Road: Frequent bus services connect Junagadh with regional hubs; parking and taxis are available at the fort entrance.
Located near Gondal in Rajkot district, the Khambhalida Caves date back to the 4th-5th century CE and are carved out of limestone rocks. These Buddhist caves are believed to be associated with the Hinayana sect.
Things to Do
Observe the three rock-cut caves featuring a central stupa.
Admire the sculptural panels of Bodhisattva figures.
Enjoy the tranquil village setting around the caves.
How to Reach
By Air: Rajkot Airport is around 65 km away.
By Rail: Gondal and Rajkot railway stations are the nearest.
By Road: Easily accessible by road from Rajkot and Gondal.
The Talaja Caves, perched atop a hill near the Shatrunjaya River, offer panoramic views and insight into Buddhist monastic life from around the 2nd century BCE. These rock-cut caves later transitioned to Jain use, adding to their layered history.
Things to Do
Climb up to see 30 rock-cut caves, some containing Buddhist stupas.
Look for early signs of Buddhist architecture in the carvings.
Take in scenic views of the river and countryside.
How to Reach
By Air: Bhavnagar Airport is the closest, about 50 km away.
By Rail: Bhavnagar has a well-connected railway station.
By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Bhavnagar and nearby towns.
The Siyot Caves in Kutch, dating back to the 1st century CE, are believed to have once housed Buddhist monks and later Shaivite followers. They are located near the Indo-Pak border in the Lakhpat Taluka.
Things to Do
Examine the main cave with a sanctum and ambulatory path.
View the smaller caves and nearby shrines.
Explore nearby sites associated with ancient trade routes.
How to Reach
By Air: Bhuj Airport is the nearest, about 110 km away.
By Rail: Bhuj Railway Station is the closest major railhead.
By Road: Can be accessed via road from Bhuj and Lakhpat.
Vadnagar is home to the remains of a Buddhist monastery and stupas that date back to the 2nd century CE. Excavations have revealed cells used by monks and evidence of a flourishing Buddhist settlement.
Things to Do
Explore the excavated monastery with monk cells.
Visit the Taranga Hills nearby for additional heritage walks.
Learn about the archaeological finds from local museums.
How to Reach
By Air: Ahmedabad Airport is the nearest, around 110 km away.
By Rail: Vadnagar has a functioning railway station.
By Road: Accessible by road from Mehsana and Ahmedabad.
Dev Ni Mori near Shamlaji yielded the relics of a stupa that once enshrined the remains of Buddha, dating to the 3rd-4th century CE. It is considered a sacred archaeological site for Buddhists.
Things to Do
See the excavated stupa base and remains.
Visit the Shamlaji Temple nearby for an extended spiritual tour.
Observe the blend of Buddhist and Hindu cultural elements in the region.
How to Reach
By Air: Ahmedabad Airport is approximately 150 km away.
By Rail: Nearest station is at Himmatnagar.
By Road: Shamlaji is well-connected via road from Ahmedabad and Udaipur.
The best time to explore Gujarat’s Buddhist circuit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for walking, trekking, and sightseeing across archaeological sites.
