Barabar Caves
Barabar Caves
4.5
About
The Barabar Hill Caves are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, dating from the Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE), some with Ashokan inscriptions, located in the Makhdumpur region of Jehanabad district, Bihar, India, 24 km (15 mi) north of Gaya
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
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Nishant Choudhary
Kolkata (Calcutta), India22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2014 • Friends
Many of you would be surprised t know about the fact that these caves are oldest rock cut caves in India that are still surviving. Carved around 2500 years back , these rock cut caves are still in good shape.
The Granite finishing which you will find inside the caves is just mesmerizing. Such architectural brilliance achieved in such time is hard to believe. Hire a guide at the foothills (Provided by Bihar Tourism), he will be your handyman and will give you the history about the place and architecture. There is govt rest house and if you are planning to spend a night then please book in advance as number of rooms are less.
Carry your own snacks and water.Hire a taxi because the road transport is not present.
wear a good sport shoes as the rocks are quite slippery. Try to avoid going in summers and if you want to avoid large crowd and enjoy the serenity of the place then avoid "Shavan". An ancient Shiva temple attracts pilgrims from nearby districts.
There also a theory that these caves were made by help of Alien Science. Now it is upto you to believe. For the rest you need to check out this place.
Written 29 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vineetkumar
New Delhi, India241 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2013
Just off the Gaya-Patna road & PG train line in the midst of agricultural fields are Barabar Hills where the world famous Barabar caves are. Historically very important as this represents the advent of the rock-cut architecture in Indian civilization. Built during the Mauryan dynasty of Magadh, these caves are examples of supreme finishing, glaze and shine of which time has not manage to diminish. These caves are approx 2500 years old. Located in the foothills of the hills, for sculptors enthusiast, this also represents how Magadh was building up the civilizational tools which further expanded to different parts of the subcontinent. The final epitome of which we found in today's Ajanta & Ellora caves in Aurangabad.

Visitors can also hike to the hill top to visit a temple shrine & get the beautiful view of the hills, the Falgu river & agricultural lands around the hills.

The best time to travel is anytime other than the scorching heat of this region. Carry your own supplies as you will only find locally made snacks there. Since regular transportation is not available, its advisable to hire your own vehicle or use local mode of transportation which can drop off up till certain points & then walks. During the 'sawan' month, big fair takes place which can also be worth attending.
Written 18 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

falguni_bhat
Hyderabad, India53 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2014 • Couples
While driving from Patna to Gaya we took a detour of about 10 kms to see these caves. They are magnificent.

The drive from the main highway to the caves is a smooth ride. A narrow road winds up the hill to the foot of the caves. Parking at the base costs a whopping Rs. 60. From the base there is a well built staircase to the caves. About 50 steps I was told. It is a slightly steep climb with flimsy railings so be prepared with a good pair of shoes.

The reward of the climb is four beautiful caves and an even more beautiful scenery at the top. We visited in the late afternoon and there was a light fog all around. Very beautiful sunset experience.

The caves themselves are cut out from this huge rock. There are two chambers inside the cave. One lager outer dome and a smaller inner dome. The smooth finish, the crazy echo and some old inscriptions inside make you go wow !

The entrance to the caves is locked so make sure you climb up with the caretaker who has the keys. On the way down avoid the stairs and climb down the rock. It's granite and a bit slippery but loads of fun. We found a few porcupine spikes along the way. Apparently there are a lot of porcupines in the area, although we didn't get to see one.
Written 6 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sneardles
Kovalam, India73 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2016 • Solo
Travelled from Bodhgaya to visit these caves. Car and driver cost Rs1300, it's about fifty kms so one hundred round trip and takes between an hour and hour and half depending on road conditions, traffic and time of day. Guide cost around rs200 and very informative and caring, assisting where necessary climbing the stairs or navigating the rock climb down. You could go back via the stairs, the rock climb is the original path. The three main caves are locked with a removeabke trolley gate and you need the caretaker to open them. A gratuity is involved even if it is his job and duty. Research the caves before going. It is the age of them that is appealing. The oldest rock cut caves, into basalt that has then been highly polished. They are barrel vaults, simple and plain. The one amazing attribute apart from the technology and skill involved in the first place is the harmonic resonance with. Given the right conditions, I think you could probably even hear your heart beat echo. A deep Om or quiet Om reverberate and travel slowly diminishing. There are four caves here, two finished and two not due to water seepage in construction. About two kilometres away is another cave at Nagarjuni, complete. No gated entrance just a set of fifty one steep long steps. If you have the time, resources and interest in architectural development it is well worth the trip. Good shoes a must. It is a climb. Water and basic food available at the bottom. Beware of the parking charge. For what or why I'm no sure as it is just dirt as was the last few kilometres of the way in.
Written 5 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Footprints727663
987 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2018 • Friends
I went to Barabar Caves. The caves have huge arches and all the caves have two chambers that have been carved completely out of granite. They have an echo effect that is unique to these caves because of the way they have polished interiors. It is great place to go.
Written 15 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

subhrashis a
New Delhi, India114 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2016 • Family
It is a wonderful place that is rich in history. The guide was very helpful. The caves were donated by Ashoka to the Ajivikas 2250 years ago. The cave walls are polished. How it was polished at that time is still a mystery. The museum is in dire state... Almost non existent. Need to be upgraded.
Written 6 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Neeraj Sinha
Bengaluru, India29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2015 • Family
Being a student of history, I was aware of the Barabar caves but never had an occasion of going there. This time when I was traveling to Gaya from Patna, I made sure that I visit the Barbar caves and it was a time well spent. The caves are in a slightly desolate place and one has to ask a lot of people to reach there. One needs a private vehicle as there doesn't seem to be any public transport. The roads are also not that great. Having said that, the caves are a revelation. Built almost 2000 years ago, the glazed granite stones have still not lost their lustre. Inside the cave it is quite cool and it is a great place to meditate. There are four major caves namely Karna, Sudama, Lomas and Vishwamitra.
Written 30 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Syed_Mudassir
Bengaluru, India141 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2015 • Friends
Its one of the ancient caves that India have, very informative but need much care. Must visit if in Gaya.
Written 8 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sudhir k
Patna, India494 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2017 • Friends
There are four caves in Barabar hills- Lomhas Rishi, Karn chopar,Sudama & Vishwa jopar. It belongs to Mauryan period. First man made cave . Each cave has 2 chambers-one big & other small for meditation.Enterance of Lomhas Rishi cave is decorated with Brahmi script, Wall of caves have Maurayan polish.
Written 19 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vikash P
Thane, India31 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2015 • Solo
This place is a bit difficult to reach as there are no auto/bus services running from station or other part of the Gaya city to this place. This place is located in a naxal belt which raises the security concerns. If you are ready to still move on then you might see one of the ancient caves with true feel of what magadh empire used to be thousands of years ago. The caves have been artificially but very cleanly constructed and gives you a feel of how advanced our civil engineering standards used to be of this empire.
Written 27 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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