A Day Tour of Dungeshwari Caves and Barabar Caves from Bodhgaya.

Bodh Gaya , India

A Day Tour of Dungeshwari Caves and Barabar Caves from Bodhgaya.

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About this experience

Discover the ancient Barabar Caves and the sacred Dungeshwari Caves on a private day trip from Bodhgaya. Explore India’s oldest rock-cut caves with a knowledgeable local guide and learn about their Buddhist and Hindu heritage.

At Dungeshwari, see where Buddha spent years in meditation before attaining enlightenment. Enjoy a comfortable journey with personalized service throughout your tour.

Available options

A Day Tour of Dungeshwari Caves and Barabar Caves from Bodhgaya.

Pickup included

What's included

Toll Tax, Parking, Fuel and Driver Allowance is included.

Private transportation

Local Guide Service is included in Barabar Caves.

Air-conditioned vehicle

Any Type of Entrance Charge is included.

Detailed itinerary

Guests will be picked up from their preferred location in Bodhgaya or Gaya such as a hotel, airport, railway station or bus stand, to begin the day tour.

Stop 2

Dungeshwari Caves, also known as the Mahakala Caves, hold great importance for Buddha followers because they are closely linked with Gautama Buddha’s path to enlightenment.

Before attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya, Buddha spent six years here practicing extreme asceticism—severe fasting and meditation. He realized that self-mortification was not the way to liberation, leading him to adopt the Middle Path between indulgence and extreme austerity. This realization became a cornerstone of Buddhism.

Inside the caves, there are shrines and statues dedicated to Buddha, symbolizing his struggle, meditation, and spiritual awakening. For devotees, visiting Dungeshwari represents honoring Buddha’s perseverance, sacrifice, and the turning point that guided him toward enlightenment.

Stop 3

After Dungeshwari, Go to Barabar Caves.

Step back over 2,200 years in history with a guided excursion from Bodhgaya to the legendary Barabar Caves India’s oldest surviving rock-cut caves from the Mauryan dynasty.

At Barabar Hills, explore the seven ancient caves carved deep into granite, famous for their astonishing mirror-like polished walls & mysterious echo effect. Discover the iconic Lomas Rishi Cave, with its beautifully carved doorway resembling a wooden hut, and visit caves like Sudama and Karan Chaupar, which still preserve Ashokan inscriptions.

Learn about the little-known but fascinating Ajivika sect, ascetics who once meditated here, and how these caves later became important for Buddhist monks. Your guide will also highlight the influence of Barabar’s architecture on later cave temples such as Ajanta & Ellora.

The serene setting of Barabar Caves surrounded by rocky hills and peaceful landscapes, makes it a perfect cultural and spiritual escape from Bodhgaya or Gaya.

Visit Dungeshwari Caves, where Buddha meditated and Barabar Caves, famed for Mauryan rock-cut art. Enjoy photography and reflection before returning to Bodhgaya or Gaya by evening.

What's not included

Any Type of Food/Drinks is not included.

Any Type of Personal Expenses is not included.

Guide Service is not in Dungeshwari Caves.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is a sacred Buddhist site where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. It's a spiritual hub with ancient temples, monasteries, and a profound sense of peace. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the focal point of pilgrimage and meditation.

Top Attractions

Mahabodhi Temple Complex

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site. It includes the Bodhi Tree, where Buddha attained enlightenment, and the Mahabodhi Temple, a magnificent structure with intricate carvings.

Religious/Historical 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Great Buddha Statue

The 80-foot tall statue of Buddha in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the largest Buddha statues in India. It is a significant landmark and a focal point for meditation and reflection.

Religious/Architectural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Vishnupad Temple

Vishnupad Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is built on the site where it is believed that Lord Vishnu left his footprints. The temple is an example of ancient Indian architecture and is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Religious/Historical 1 hour Moderate (donations welcome)

Sujata Stupa

Sujata Stupa marks the spot where Sujata, a village girl, offered a meal to the Buddha before his enlightenment. The stupa is a peaceful place for meditation and reflection.

Religious/Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Thai Monastery (Wat Thai Bodhgaya)

The Thai Monastery is a beautiful example of Thai architecture and is known for its intricate carvings and golden spires. It is a peaceful place for meditation and reflection.

Religious/Architectural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Bodh Gaya Museum

The Bodh Gaya Museum houses a collection of artifacts related to the history and culture of Bodh Gaya. It provides valuable insights into the region's rich heritage.

Museum 1 hour Moderate (entry fee applies)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Litti Chokha

A traditional Bihari dish made of roasted wheat balls (litti) served with a spicy mashed vegetable (chokha) made from roasted eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes.

Main Course Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if made with gluten-free flour)

Dal Pitha

A Bihari specialty made of lentil dumplings (pitha) cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy.

Main Course Vegetarian

Malpua

A sweet pancake made from flour, bananas, and sugar, deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian

Thukpa

A Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables, meat, or tofu, often flavored with garlic and ginger.

Main Course Vegetarian or non-vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby hills Exploring ancient ruins Meditation at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex Visiting hot springs in Rajgir Visiting monasteries and temples Attending Buddhist festivals Boating in nearby lakes Visiting during winter for pleasant weather

Best Time to Visit

October to March

The best time to visit Bodh Gaya is during the cooler months. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hindi, Bhojpuri
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30 (Indian Standard Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Bodh Gaya is generally safe for travelers, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, especially in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Gaya International Airport • 12 km from Bodh Gaya

By train

Gaya Junction

By bus

Gaya Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are affordable and cover most areas within Bodh Gaya. They can be crowded and may not have fixed schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Temple Area Market Area Residential Area

Day trips

Nalanda

65 km from Bodh Gaya • Full day

Nalanda is an ancient center of learning and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the ruins of Nalanda University, one of the world's first residential universities.

Rajgir

70 km from Bodh Gaya • Full day

Rajgir is an ancient city with a rich history and religious significance. It is known for its hot springs, ancient stupas, and the Vulture's Peak where Buddha preached.

Vaishali

80 km from Bodh Gaya • Full day

Vaishali is an ancient city known for its association with Lord Buddha and the Licchavi kingdom. It is home to several Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage sites.

Festivals

Buddha Purnima • Full moon day in May/June (varies each year) Kalachakra Initiative • Varies (typically every few years) Vesak (Vaisakhi) • April/May (varies each year)

Pro tips

Visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex early in the morning for a peaceful meditation experience and to avoid crowds
Hire a local guide or join a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the history and significance of Bodh Gaya's attractions
Try local Bihari and Tibetan cuisine at the many restaurants and street stalls in the market area
Attend a meditation retreat or teachings by Buddhist monks to immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Bodh Gaya
Explore the international monasteries in Bodh Gaya to learn about different Buddhist traditions and practices