Author: Chiranjeevi Reddy

There’s fresh air, the smell of trees, and an opportunity to be one with nature. Kids love animals, and adults could probably use a break from their hectic lives.

What more convincing do you need to pack up your bags and visit a national park? Whether you are traveling to Assam, a beautiful northeastern state in India, as a family with children who are looking for some fun, or as a traveler who is simply intrigued by nature and animals, a trip to Manas National Park is a must!

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a Protect Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve.

MANAS NATIONAL PARK LIES AT THE FOOTHILLS OF THE HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINS AND THE REGION IS ONE OF THE MAIN BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS OF INDIA.

Manas National Park area falls in six districts: Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup, and Darrang in the state of Assam in India.

Manas National Park History:
The name ‘Manas National Park’ (aka Manas Wildlife Sanctuary) originates from the Manas River, named after the serpent God Manasa. This river is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River, which passes through the heart of the national park.

On 1st October 1928 360 sq. km area was characterized as a wildlife sanctuary. Then again between 1951 and 1955, the forest’s area was increased to 391 sq. km.
The Manas Tiger Reserve was inaugurated in 1973. Before 1928, Manas National Park was a reserve forest called Manas Reserved Forest and North Kamrup Reserved Forest.

This wildlife sanctuary used to be utilized by the Cooch Behar Royal facility as well as the Raja of Gauripur as a hunting reserve. In 1985, Manas National Park was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2008, the area of the national park was increased to 950 sq. km.

Flora:
Manas National Park is home to 543 plant species and is a combination of sub-Himalayan Babar Terai and the broadleaf subtropical Himalayan forests make it one of the richest biodiversity in India.

There are also four major types of vegetation here at Manas National park:
East Himalayan dry and moist deciduous forests
Sub-Himalayan Light Alluvial and Semi-Evergreen forests
Low Alluvial Savanna Woodland
Assam Valley Semi-Evergreen Alluvial Grasslands

Fauna:
Home to Assam roofed turtle, wild water buffalos, and golden langur monkey, among the many rare and endangered endemic wildlife, Manas National Park offers innumerable activities to appreciate the diversity of the region.

Things to do in Manas National Park:
Jeep Safari:
Get rare sightings of exotic species that live here. The surroundings will certainly make you fall even more in love with nature.

The jeep safari comes in two shifts:
First shift Timings: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Second shift Timings: 02:00 PM – 05:00 PM

Elephant Back safari:
How exciting does this sound! Riding through the park on an elephant’s back is another interesting way to spot Manas National Park animals.

River rafting:
Here’s where you get that adrenaline rush! The 35 km ride on the slow waters of Manas River takes you through wild deciduous forests, which is home to a whole variety of birds. River Rafting at Manas National Park in Assam is a truly unforgettable experience.

Birdwatching:
It’s no surprise that an area with such rich biodiversity and diverse fauna is home to hundreds of rare species of birds. Get your binoculars out and spot these exotic birds!

Village and Tea plantations visit:
Within the premises of the sanctuary are some Bodo villages where small indigenous communities of Ghatigaon and Ragu Bil stay in harmony. Assam is famous for its tea plantations and you can see plenty of them just outside the park.

Fun Facts:
The Manas River in Assam is considered to be the largest river system in Bhutan.
In 1992, UNESCO confirmed Manas National Park as a “World Heritage Site in danger” due to heavy poaching and terrorist activities. In 2011, the park was removed from UNESCO’s list of “World Heritage Site in danger” due to its effective conservation efforts.

22 of India’s most threatened mammalian species have been under the protection of Manas National Park. There are nearly 60 mammalian species, 42 reptiles, 7 amphibians, and 500 bird species, of which 26 are threatened worldwide.

Best time to visit:
One should ideally visit Manas National Park in Assam between November and April. There is a higher probability of spotting more fauna due to pleasant weather conditions.

Timings:
Manas National Park is open for all the visitors from 06:00 am to 03:00 pm

Entry fees:
Indian nationals would be charged Rs. 50 while foreigners would be charged Rs. 500 for a half-day trip.

A full day trip would mean an entry fee of INR 200 for Indian and INR 2,000 for foreigners.
The Manas National park safari can be enjoyed upon hiring a jeep for a price of Rs. 3,000 (4 people, half-day) or Rs. 5,000 (4 people, full day).

How To Reach The Park:
Manas National Park is located in the village of Barangabari Gyati in the district of Baksa.

By Air:
The nearest airport to the park is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport located in Guwahati, around 150 km from the park. There are regular flights from major cities in India like New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bangalore. You can take a taxi from the airport to take you to the park.

By Rail:
The nearest railway station that is well-connected to all the major cities in India is in Guwahati. From Guwahati, you can take a train to Barpeta and then take a taxi to Manas National Park.

By Road:
Manas National park is very close to Guwahati. It is also accessible from Kaziranga (403 km.), Darjeeling (466 km.), Shillong (287 km.), and Siliguri (386 km.) by road.

Guwahati to Manas National Park
Many people opt to travel from Guwahati to Manas National Park or from Manas National Park to Guwahati, this is because it is only a five-hour journey and only about a 176-kilometer span.

Local Transport in Manas National Park:
Auto rickshaws, buses, and cabs are available which can take you from Barpeta or any other town to Manas National Park. To commute and visit spots inside the park book the Manas National Park jeep safari and elephant rides, mentioned above, in advance.

Time to start planning your trip! Manas National Park is an ideal getaway for friends and family. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will not want to miss. Come and explore all that Manas National Park holds for you!

Credits:
A picture says more about a place than any writer can ever hope to do. Srikakulamads would like to thank Subhadip Choudhury, for providing us with excellent photos to share with you all! You can also check out his Instagram @subhadipcimages

Our Bharat is not just about its monuments. It is also about its natural habitats that preserve some of the most unique and exquisite species.

What is it famous for?
Kaziranga national park is famous for its great one-horned rhinoceroses. What makes this park special is its uniqueness and beauty. It is the only natural habitat with that huge rhinoceros species residing together in harmony and symphony. Guess what? This place also happens to be a world UNESCO heritage site.

This park is an exotic fusion of elephant-grass meadows, swampy lagoons, and dense forests. Flanked by the Brahmaputra River on the north and Karbi Anglong hills on the south, this Assam Park is home to numerous wildlife species.

Kaziranga national park entry fee:
At Kaziranga, the entry fee is 100 rupees per person for Indian nationals while it is 650 rupees per person for foreigners.

History of Kaziranga National Park:
Here we are in the year 1904. An excursion by Lord Curzon and his wife Mary Curzon led to the birth of Kaziranga wildlife park. There were no traces of rhinos, which coerced Mary Curzon to persuade her husband to help preserve the dwindling rhino species. Time changed this region into Kaziranga National Park with an area of 430 square kilometers. In 1985, this park was recognized as a UNESCO heritage site. Today Kaziranga stands proudly as a protege for the rhino species and houses around two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros population.

Best time to visit Kaziranga National Park:
Kaziranga park doors are only open for wildlife lovers and tourists from November to April. Other months witness floods due to heavy rains and that is how the park remains off service from May to October.

Flora:
The flora of this park is divided into three parts namely alluvial inundated grasslands; tropical wet evergreen forests; and tropical semi-evergreen forests. Some exotic species like Kumbhi, Indian gooseberry, the cotton tree, and elephant Apple and Rattan Cane can be found here too!

Do not miss out the blooming water hyacinths and lilies. Aquatic flora is equally competent in its beauty and rarity!

Fauna:
Kaziranga is not just home to one-horned rhinoceroses. This park boasts many species such as tigers, leopards, Indian Wild Elephants, Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Hoolock Gibbons, Spotted Deer, Swamp Deer, Goar, Sambhar, Indian Bison, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Jackal, Pythons, Monitor

Lizards:
Kaziranga national park is a paradise for birdwatchers too! Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, White-Tailed Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Pallas’s Fishing Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle can be found in this park.

Tour guide:
This park is divided into four zones:
Burapahar Range, Ghorakati
Eastern Range, Agaratoli
Kaziranga Range, Kohora
Western Range, Bagori
Each zone here at Kaziranga has its own speciality and the varying probability of spotting species. Choose smart!

Kaziranga National Park Safari Timings:
This park offers you two Safari options.
The first option that you can opt for is the Kaziranga Elephant safari. Warning! This safari is only for the early birds.
The first shift starts at 5.30 am in the morning and the second shift at 6.30 am. Therefore, it is time to wake up before the sun! Kohora and Bagori Ranges are the only two zones accessible by Elephant safari. This safari ride lasts for an hour.

The second option is the Jeep safari that lasts for a duration of two hours. There are two shifts. The morning shift begins at 8 am while the afternoon shift commences at 2 pm. Can you guess the biggest advantage? You can travel across any of the four zones, unlike Elephant safari!

Kaziranga National Park Safari Charges:
Elephant safaris for Indians cost 900 rupees per person and 1,950 rupees per person for foreigners.

The Kaziranga national park jeep safari rates range from 3500 to 5000 rupees for Indian nationals and 7500-8000 rupees depending upon the forest range.

Places to visit nearby:
Have you got additional time on your hands? It is time to visit nearby places like Addabarie Tea Estate, Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary or Kakochang falls. These are some of the nearby tourist destinations worth visiting.

How to reach Kaziranga National Park:
Kaziranga National Park is sited in the Golaghat and Nagaon district of Assam.

By Train:
This wildlife destination is located at a distance of 75 kilometers from Furkating Railway station. Any private vehicle or public services can be availed to reach this destination.

By Air:
This wildlife park is sited 97 kilometers from Jorhat Airport and 217 km from Guwahati International Airport. Private cabs or state-owned bus services are at your service!

All you have to do is plan an expedition and reach out to the wildness of nature. It is your calling. Kaziranga National park waits to offer you an experience of a lifetime. With its biodiversity and lush greenery, we are sure that you would cherish the safari rides throughout your life.

The Kamakhya temple story is just astounding. All the legends are myths are true and alive. We introduce you to the Kamakhya temple. A temple of immense powers and glorious Kamakhya temple mystery and various miracles that will baffle you.

The Kamakhya Temple India is a famous Hindu temple that brings pride to Bharat. Kamakhya Devi is renowned as the Goddess of Desire. This shrine is located in the heart of the Nilachal hills. The ambience is quite peaceful. It is a shrine where you can immerse yourself and connect with the spiritual and religious world. Peace and tranquility of the benevolent nature enable you to reach your inner self and discover the true form of devotion.

Kamakhya Mandir History:
This Devi Mandir is devoted to Kamakhya Devi who is renowned as “The Bleeding Goddess”. There are no sources as to the origins of the temple. The history dates back to the 8th century. This temple rose to its glory under the Pala kings in the tenth century. The origins are unknown. That is why we believe that divine powers are behind the construction of this temple.

Hussein Shah’s invasion in the 1500s shattered the temple to debris and ruins. The Ahom kings took it upon themselves to reconstruct this majestic temple to its former Shakti peeth status. King Nara Narayana of Cooch Behar recreated the temple in 1665. This temple is famous for its black magic and tantric rituals. Animals are sacrificed to seek the blessings of the goddess. This temple is believed to be a center of divine power that has immense powers to repel the evil spirits and negativity.

The Legend of Kamakhya Mandir:
A tale of thousands of years has been unraveled. Goddess Sati went to her father’s yagna where her father insulted her husband, Lord Shiva. Unable to bear the slur, she leapt into the holy flames of the yagna. Lord Shiva’s anger knew no bounds as he went on a rampage around the world while carrying the burnt corpse of his wife. To save the world from the unparalleled doom, Lord Vishnu severed the body into 108 parts which are today known as the 108 Shakti peeths. It is believed that the goddess’s womb and vagina fell in this region.

Kamakhya Temple Festival – The Mystery:
Did you know that Kamakhya Devi temple is closed for three days every year? It is a unique temple in India. This temple teaches the world about the greatness of menstruation, which is a natural and biological process that makes life possible. Every year in the month of Ashaad( June or July), the Brahmaputra river near this temple turns red.

A belief that this is the time that the goddess of desire undergoes menstruation. The temple is closed down for this period and the annual fertility festival called Ambuwasi Pooja begins. The Ambubachi Mela attended by thousands of pilgrims follows this Festival. The river turning red remains a mystery to this date. Perhaps a reminiscent of the goddess does really exist here!

Kamakhya Devi Temple Timings:
08.00 am to 13.00 pm
14.30 pm to 17.30 pm
There are two entry queues. The first one is a general queue that has an influx of devotees from early 05.00 am. This takes around 3-4 hours of waiting to enter the main sanctum. In a hurry or is the time an issue? Do not worry. The second option enables easy entry to the main sanctum upon payment of 501 rupees per person!

Temple Art and Architecture:
Kamakhya temple has seven oval spires crowned by three golden pitchers. Entrances are adorned by the beautiful sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses.

Best time to visit Kamakhya Devalaya
The subtropical climate makes October to April the perfect time to visit this temple. If you want to be in time for the famous Ambubachi Festival then you would have to visit Kamakhya Mandir is in the month of June. Beware though! It gets crowded and jostling through the crowds can be hectic!

How to reach Kamakhya temple?
After reading this article you must be thinking, how to go to Kamakhya Temple? The temple is located in the capital city of Assam, Guwahati. It is 8 kilometers away from the city. Guwahati can be reached via flight from all major cities. Any private cab or taxi can be availed from the railway station or airport to reach this magical and devout destination. So we hope you take the time to escape to shine and have a great time in Kamakhya temple Guwahati Assam.

Have you ever imagined a place that is both holy and alluring in the middle of the water? If you have, then you must surely know about the existence of such a place. It is the Peacock Island, lying in the heart of Brahmaputra river cascading through Guwahati in the state of Assam.

Do you know that the world’s smallest river island is in India? Peacock island takes this credit too. This land has so many stories to be known, temples to be visited, rare animal species to be seen, and much more that delights our mind.

The biodiversity of this place is apparent. The Umananda Swamy temple is the biggest attraction of this place. There are five other temples to be visited, namely the Ganesh, Hara Gauri, Chalantika, Chandrasekhar, and Vaidyanathan.

The wildering journey in Brahmaputra’s water and the holy shrine of Shiva make this place a must-visit place in a lifetime. People can sit and relax in this sacred place, hearing the fizzling sounds of water and watching nature from the island.

Etymology of Peacock Island:
The island has different names such as Umananda Island, Peacock Island, and Urvashi Island. Do you want to realize why this place is called with different names? Here are the reasons for the origin of these names.

Umananda island:
In Assamese, Uma means “Parvathi Devi” (wife of Lord Shiva), Ananda means “happiness.” Hence, they say that Lord Shiva created this place for the happiness of his wife, Parvathi.

Peacock island:
The Britishers had given this name to this island because the plantations of this place resemble a peacock dancing with all its feathers open.

Urvashi Island:
Goddess Urvashi, who used to bring the nectar to Kamakhya, resided on the island, so it was called Urvashi island.

Tales and myths associated with Umananda Island:
It is believed that Lord Shiva immersed the ashes of Maa Sathi’s corpse and imparted this knowledge to Parvathi Devi on Peacock Island. A myth described in Kalika Purana is that Shiva incinerated Kamadeva, the Lord of love, with his third eye and turned him into ashes. It was a punishment for the offense that Kamadeva committed by disturbing Lord Shiva’s deep meditation. Therefore, this hill on which Lord Shiva’s temple exists is called Bhasmakuta or Bhasmachal(the hill of ashes).

According to popular folklore, the Brahmaputra is a servant of Lord Shiva, and he prevents the island from natural disasters. Some people also believe that this folklore is indeed the reality. Peacock Island was untouched by floods while the whole of Assam was drowning. It is prominently thought that the day this island sinks, Guwahati city would submerge into the depths of water.

Biodiversity:
Peacock Island’s vegetation is mostly filled with tamarind trees. There are also 146 other species of plants with beautiful flowers seen on the island.

Peacock Island is home to the endangered monkey species called the golden langur. These animals were considered sacred by the Himalayan people. According to popular folklore, two young people left a pair of these langurs on the island around 35 years ago. They have survived since then, increasing their number to 13. Later on, they were decreased to 5 in 2015. These species were also seen in certain parts of western Assam and foothills of Bhutan. They are one of the attractions of Peacock Island. Unfortunately, there are reports that the last langur had died in 2020.

“PEACOCK ISLAND IS A PLACE WHERE MAN AND WILDERNESS COEXIST IN PEACE AND SERENITY.“

The Umananda temple of Guwahati:
It is believed that this was where Lord Shiva met Parvathi Devi. It is one of the five pilgrimages of Kamrup, so people tend to visit this place before they visit the Kamakhya temple. The principal deity in the temple is Umananda Swamy. It is on the hill named Bhasmakuta(the hill of ashes). When the Maha Shivaratri festival or, the New moon day, falls on Monday, it is believed to be auspicious. Many people come to take blessings from Umananda Swamy in the temple on these special days.

Umananda Mandir Architecture:
Do you know that the Assamese master the art of sculpting and carving? The temple has Ganesha’s sculptures, Vishnu and his ten incarnations, Surya and other Hindu deities worshiped in the region. The temple also has idols and carvings dating back to the early medieval period.

These sculptures are examples of masterly skills and craftsmanship of Assamese people. There are a few steep steps to be climbed to enter the main shrine of the temple. This temple’s architecture mirrors the style of the post- Gupta period.

History of the temple:
Umananda Mandir was constructed in 1694 by the Bar Phukan Gadadhar Singha, while the order for construction was given by King Gadadhar Singha, the most ferocious Ahom king. The temple was then called Umananda Devaloi, which implies that it is “The Abode of Lord Shiva.”
The Mughal emperors like Jahangir and Aurangzeb sent massive grants and offerings to the temple, during their rule in Kamrup.

However, the temple suffered damage during an earthquake in 1897 and was mended by a wealthy merchant who is believed to have inscribed the Vaishnavism slogans on the temple walls.

Best time to visit:
Peacock island of Guwahati visiting should be avoided in monsoons as there is a threat of the occurrence of floods in Assam. The best time to visit Peacock Island is during winter and spring seasons i.e., from October to May, especially till February. The scenic beauty of the sunset from the temple is a sight to behold.

Entry fee:
There is no entry fee; it is free of charge.

Umananda Temple Timings:
This mystical temple is open from 5.30 am to 6.00 pm during all the days of the week.

How to reach?
One can reach the island through ferries and jets from different Ghats in Guwahati like Sukreshwar Ghat or Fancy Bazar Ghat, Uzanbazar Ferry Ghat (also known as Kachari Ghat), while the journey from the former Ghat is a bit expensive and suitable for small families and couples, the latter is as cheap. Umananda Temple ferry cost is 20 Rs per head. The journey in the water gives a fantastic feeling, especially if you are a nature lover.

Motorboats are available from 7 am to 5 pm. Guwahati is connected to all major cities through railways, roadways, and airways. So there will be no problem with transport.

By Air:
The nearest airport to Peacock Island is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which is around 22 kilometers from the Peacock Island Guwahati.

By Train:
Guwahati Railway Station is the most accessible railway station from Peacock Island. It is just 1.4 kilometers away!

There are private taxis or cabs available that run around the city. You can easily reach the Ghats and then take a ferry ride.

Nature carves immensely beautiful places. Come and explore Umananda Island, where nature’s artistic creation blends with spirituality and mythology. Revel in the beauty of Peacock Island. The shape of a dancing peacock is indeed a wonder. All you have to do is traverse and then take a ferry to Umananda Ghat situated on the banks of River Brahmaputra.

Credits:
Banu Prakash provided the Peacock island images used in this Srikakulamads article. We thank him for these fantastic shots! The second peacock island image was produced as a result of his talent. You can check out his Instagram @banuprakash.k.r

The sacred land of Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya welcomes you to embark on a spiritual journey to find enlightenment and salvation. This divine temple was constructed on the site where Gautama Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the canopy of the Peepal Tree.

This was the first place that witnessed the transformation of Gautama Siddhartha into Lord Buddha and thus is one among the four holy Buddhist sites.

Mahabodhi Temple beholds a significant number of shrines that are worshipped and revered by pilgrims and tourists alike. This temple resides on the banks of the Niranjana River. A yellow sandstone statue of Lord Buddha, encased in glass can be found inside the main shrine.

Mahabodhi Temple History:
Although the sources are unclear, it is widely believed that Mahabodhi temple came into existence in the 3rd century. King Ashoka was the ruler who brought this majestic temple into its existence and is one of the most ancient Buddhist temples. This temple witnessed its ruins in the hands of Muslim rulers in the 11th century.

Mahabodhi temple was refurbished in the Pala Sena period that was between 750- 1200 AD. However, this temple faced a lot of neglect in the forthcoming centuries. The second half of the 19th century came as a blessing.

British archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham played a remarkably heavy role in restoring this temple’s glory and it was completely restored by Burmese Buddhists in the year 1882. Mahabodhi temple was crowned as a World UNESCO heritage site in the year 2002. The Mahabodhi Temple’s history is one of pride and glory.

Temple Architecture:
Mahabodhi temple is one of the oldest structures to be made out of complete bricks, covered in stucco. The temple’s main shikhara is about 180 feet high. It has a central tower that is surrounded by four other elegant towers. These four towers are dome-shaped in the form of an umbrella. The railings depict eagles, various gods and goddesses, and lotuses. Mahabodhi temple boasts about the finesse of the Indian brickwork.

MAHABODHI TEMPLE’S ELEGANT DESIGN STANDS AS AN ARCHITECTURAL INSPIRATION FOR MANY BUDDHIST, HINDU, AND JAIN TEMPLES.

Meditating At Mahabodhi Temple Complex:
This temple has its own energy. Those who take out the time to be silent would feel the vibrancy and positivity reverberating in the atmosphere. The vibrations can reach your soul through meditation. Sit under the canopy of the trees that are alive with the chatter of the eccentric birds.

The gushing fountains in the meditation gardens augment the beauty of this temple. With monks surrounding you, you can easily lose yourself in the world of meditation. It’s a chance to forget the perils of daily life and engage yourself with the spiritual world. A lifetime experience that will change the way you perceive the world.

Bodhi Tree:
This is the ancient and sacred fig tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. The present tree is a descendant of the original tree. The Bodhi tree stands adjacent to the temple complex with its heart-shaped leaves. Bodhi Tree is the prime symbol of spirituality that depicts the journey of Lord Buddha.

Mahabodhi Mandir Timings and entry fees:
The Mahabodhi Temple timings are as follows and this complex can be visited from 5 a.m. in the morning to 9 p.m. This Buddha temple does not have an entry fee.
However, you need to pay INR 100 to carry a camera and INR 300 for a video camera.

Best time to visit:
Wondering which months would be the right time to visit this temple? We have got the answer for you. The best time to visit Mahabodhi temple Bodhgaya is between the months of November and February. The weather is cool and resplendent, which allows you to explore this temple peacefully.

We recommend you to avoid the monsoon months -July to September. The weather is quite wet and heavy rains are likely to dampen your trip plans!

How to reach Mahabodhi Temple Bodhgaya?
Mahabodhi Temple is located in Bodhgaya, Bihar.

By Flight:
The nearest airport would be Gaya airport that is also a 30-minute drive from this temple. This temple complex is sited at a distance of 11 kilometers from the airport.

By Train:
The nearest railway station that connects Bodhgaya to all the major places across the country is Gaya Junction. This station is located at a distance of 17 kilometers from this temple. Hop on a cab and you will reach this destination within half an hour.

By Road:
There are plenty of state-owned buses and private taxis running across the state. This destination is around 110 kilometers from the capital city of Patna. Mahabodhi temple is amply connected to all major cities via road. All you have to do is choose a vehicle and set off.

The Mahabodhi temple in Bihar is a serene pilgrimage destination. Explore the beauty of this temple and you might find salvation and inner peace too! Mahabodhi Temple awaits you with its peaceful ambiance. This is a journey that will help you find solace and enlightenment.
You can also learn more about the great temples of India by clicking

Bihar is one of the States of India which is well known for its glorious history, art, architecture, customs, cultural heritage, and historical monuments. Barabar rock-cut caves are one of the most famous historical monuments of Bihar.

Barabar hill caves are one of the oldest and earliest known caves of Bihar surviving from the period of 322 BCE and situated in Makhdumpur of Jehanabad district Bihar which is 24 km north of Gaya. Barabar caves are located at the twin hills of Barabar and Nagarjuni. There are 4 caves in Barabar and 3 caves in Nagarjuni. The four caves of Barabar hills are Lomas Rishi, Sudama, Karan Chaupar, Visva karma.

Lomas Rishi and Sudama caves possess the oldest Indian rock-cut architecture having an arch-like shape. It is a man-made cave having an amazing polished surface that looks not less than a machine-polished surface.

The caves of Barabar are carved out of granite and have an amazingly polished internal surface which is also called “Mauryan polish” and contains mainly two chambers. Due to this, these caves also possess some surprising and thrilling echo effects. This place is blessed with greenery & ponds and is a stunning place to visit.

Location: Barabar hill road, Barabar, Sultanpur, Bihar
Height: 124m (Barabar hills)
Architecture: Indian rock-cut
Climatic conditions :
Winters: calm and pleasant (October to March)
Summers: Hot and humid (April to June)
The season is rainy from mid-June to September.
Founder: Makkhali Gosala
Founded:322-185 BCE(during Maurya Empire)
Type of place: Pilgrimage, Religious, caves

The Barabar History:
The Barabar caves are the only surviving remains of Ajivika faith, which is quite popular and even known to be quite similar to Buddhism and Jainism.

The Barabar caves date back to the 3rd century BCE. There are no structures or embellishments present in these caves.

The inscriptions that were found in these caves give evidence that these caves belong to the Maurya period. The inscriptions on Sudama cave also tell that the caves were given by king Ashoka to Ajivika monks in 261 BCE.

The founder of Ajivika faith was a preacher whose name was ‘Makkhali Gosala’. Barabar caves were also excavated by him during the period of Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha.

These caves were used by monks of various religions like- Jains, Buddhists, and Ajivikas who often travel around the world to spread their ideas. These caves were given to them so that they could stay in them during monsoon as it was difficult to travel during that time.

Timings and Entry Fee:
The Barabar caves in Bihar are open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The time taken to visit Barabar caves would be around 3 to 4 hours. This place is best for people who love historical places, adventure seekers, photoholics, nature lovers, etc. It is a very economical trip for anyone and the most important thing is there is no entry fee to visit these caves.

Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Barbar caves is between October and March. During this time of the year, the temperature remains about 15°C to 29°C.

Traveler Tips:
The Barabar Caves are very far from any residential area and you will not find any place to stay near the caves.

There are no restaurants or great forms of water supply so it is advised to carry some food and a water bottle with you.

There is a shiva temple at the top of the hill about 300 steps away. Do not forget to visit that place.

How to reach Barabar Caves Bihar India:
You can visit Barabar caves Bihar India in many ways according to your convenience.

By Rail:
Gaya railway station is the nearest railway station to Barabar hills and is located at a distance of about 32 km. It has a network of roads connected to all major parts and cities of India.

By Air:
The closest airports to Barabar caves are Gaya airport which is 32 km and Lok Nayak Jai Prakash international airport 92 km in Patna.

By Road:
This place is situated at a distance of 47 km from Bodhgaya, 32 km from Gaya, 92 km from Patna, and 62 km from Nalanda.

Only private vehicles are allowed here, there is no government bus available. So one can easily book cabs or taxis to reach the spots.