Featured Cave Complexes
Barabar Caves
Jehanabad District, Bihar
The oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, dating to the Mauryan period (322–185 BCE). The caves were used by the Ajivika sect and feature polished interior surfaces and remarkable acoustics.
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Nagarjuni Caves
Near Barabar Hills, Jehanabad District, Bihar
Located close to the Barabar Caves, these caves were dedicated by Emperor Ashoka's grandson, Dasharatha Maurya. They contain important inscriptions and were also used by the Ajivika sect.
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Kawa Dol
Rajgir, Bihar
A massive monolithic rock with caves that served as meditation chambers for Buddhist monks. The name 'Kawa Dol' means 'crow swing' due to the rock's balanced appearance.
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Son Bhandar Caves
Rajgir, Nalanda District, Bihar
These twin caves are believed to be from the 3rd–4th century CE. According to local legend, they contain hidden treasures behind a sealed doorway, giving them the name 'Son Bhandar' or 'Treasury of Gold'.
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Sitamarhi Cave
Near Rajgir, Nalanda District, Bihar
This cave is associated with the legend of Sita from the Ramayana. It is believed to be the place where Sita took refuge in the earth. The site holds significant religious importance for Hindus.
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Dungeshwari Cave Temples
Near Gaya, Bihar
Also known as Mahakala Caves, these are located about 12 km from Bodh Gaya. It is believed that Buddha spent time here practicing severe austerities before attaining enlightenment.
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Lomas Rishi Cave
Barabar Hills, Jehanabad District, Bihar
Famous for its ogee-shaped “chaitya arch” entrance, this cave is part of the Barabar complex. It was built in the Mauryan period (around 3rd century BCE) for the Ajivika sect and is one of India’s earliest examples of rock-cut architecture.
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Pipala Cave
Above Brahma Kund, Nalanda District, Bihar
A small rock-cut chamber atop the Brahma Kund hill. According to legend, Raja Jarasandha held his court here. Though its exact date is unclear, it is an important spot in Nalanda’s heritage.
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Saptaparni Cave
Vaibhavgiri Hill, Rajgir, Nalanda District, Bihar
According to Buddhist tradition, this natural limestone cave is where Buddha’s first disciples held the First Buddhist Council after his Mahaparinirvana. The chamber is small, with minor carvings and inscriptions dating to the Gupta–post-Gupta period.
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Vapiyaka (Vapiya-ka-Kubha) Cave
Nagarjuni Hills, Jehanabad District, Bihar
A small polished Ajivika cave dedicated by Dasaratha Maurya in the 3rd century BCE. It has a single chamber and vestibule, with granite walls polished to a mirror finish like the Barabar group.
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Vadathika (Vadathi-ka-Kubha) Cave
Nagarjuni Hills, Jehanabad District, Bihar
Another small Ajivika cave from the 3rd century BCE. Its polished granite interior and inscriptions identify it as part of the Barabar– Nagarjuni complex dedicated by Dasaratha Maurya.
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Gopika (Gopi-ka-Kubha) Cave
Nagarjuni Hills, Jehanabad District, Bihar
A slightly larger Ajivika cave from the 3rd century BCE, also built by Dasaratha Maurya. It has an oblong chamber with semi-circular ends, featuring fine polished interiors.
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