32 Best Heritage Sites & Historical Places near Ahmedabad (2024)

Often called the Jaisalmer of Gujarat, Bhuj is one of the places to visit in Gujarat, and can be visited along with Kutch tour packages. It is situated about 78 km from Kutch, 232 km from Rajkot, and 334 km from Ahmedabad.

Located in the western part of India, Bhuj is the most important city in the Kutch region of Gujarat and also the capital of the former princely state of Kutch. Bhuj is a treat to the eyes of visitors as it offers everything from white desert to beautiful temples and from wildlife sanctuaries to the cultural landscape as part of Bhuj packages.

Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Bhujia Hill Fort, Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal Palace, Hiralakshmi Memorial Craft Park, Kutch Fossil Park, Tapkeshwari Temple, and Rudramata Dam are some of the top tourist places in Bhuj. It also has the oldest museum in the state of Gujarat. Apart from the tourist places, Bhuj is also very famous for its traditional handicrafts and embroidery.

...read more

Mandu is an ancient fort city located in the present-day Mandav area of the Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. Also called Mandavgad, it is one of the popular places to visit in Madhya Pradesh and among the must-include places in India tour packages. It is about 98 km from Indore, and 286 km from Bhopal.

Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Mandu or Mandavgad , the epitome of architectural excellence,is one of the prominent places to visit near Indore. The city sits over a plateau and is surrounded by walls of stones and dotted with 12 gateways. The beauty of Mandu is visible in its palaces, monuments, and widespread lawns, among the prime attractions of Mandu packages.

Dotted with palaces, mosques, tombs, and gardens, Mandu was a pleasure resort under the Mughal empire and is a testament to the romance between Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Jahaz Mahal, Rani Roopmati Pavillion, Hindola Mahal, Hoshang Shah's Tomb, Baz Bahadur's Palace, Hathi Mahal, Bagh Caves, Jami Masjid, Rewa Kund, etc., are some of the major and top tourist places in Mandu.

...read more

Porbandar is a beautiful coastal city located in the Indian state of Gujarat. About 183 km from Rajkot, and 399 km from Ahmedabad, it is one of the popular places to visit in Gujarat.

Located along the banks of the Asmavati River, Porbandar is an important city in India's history being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The city of Porbandar is dotted with numerous religious places and historical buildings which stand as a reminder of the glorious bygone era. The most fascinating feature of Porbandar holiday packages is the haveli where Gandhiji was born which has now been converted into a temple called Kirti Mandir.

Sudama Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Shri Hari Mandir, Chowpatty Beach, Porbandar Bird Sanctuary, Ghumli, Huzoor Palace, and Darbargarh Fort are some of the top tourist places in Porbandar.

...read more

With the Thar Desert on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other side, Rann of Kutch is a spellbinding marvel of sand and salt. About 80 km from Bhuj, and 413 km from Ahmedabad, it is one of the top places to visit in India, and among the must include places in Gujarat packages.

It lies between the Gulf of Kutch and the Indus River in Pakistan and comprises flatlands of salty clay located about 15 meters above sea level. A large part of the Kutch, commonly known as the Great Rann of Kutch, submerges in water during the rainy season and becomes dry during the winter season. Spread over an area of 7500 sq. km, the Great Rann of Kutch, formed of salt marshes, is considered one of the largest salt deserts in the world and among the most popular tourist places in Kutch.

Besides, one can also visit Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Narayan Sarovar & Sanctuary, Kalo Dungar, Siyot Caves, Chhari Dandh Bird Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, etc. as part of Kutch tour packages. It can be visited along with Bhuj tour packages.

...read more

At a distance of 21 km from Ahmedabad Junction, Adalaj Stepwell, also called Adalaj ni Vav is a stepwell located in the village of Adalaj near Ahmedabad city of Gujarat. It is one of the famous places of heritage in Gujarat, and among the must-include places in Ahmedabad tour packages.

Also known as Rudabai Stepwell, Adalaj Stepwell was built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, wife of Vaghela chief, Veer Singh. According to history, the construction of stepwell was started by King Rana Veer Singh and he died in a war with King Mahmud Begada unfortunately. Begada fell for the beauty of the widowed Queen Rudabai and asked her to marry him. The Queen agreed to marry Begada on the condition that he completes the construction of the stepwell that was started by her husband. He agreed and started the construction again. When the well got completed, Rani Rudabai jumped into the vav and committed suicide.

Regarded as one of the major Ahmedabad tourist places, the stepwell is built in the Solanki style of architecture with Islamic influence. It consists of five storeys, each of which is uniquely designed with beautiful carvings all over the walls and columns. The structure was built along the North-South axis with the entrance from the south. The stepwell is one of its kinds in Gujarat as it has three entrance ...

...read more

At a distance of 6 km from Ghogha and 30 km from Bhavnagar, Piram Bet is a small island in the Gulf of Cambay, Gujarat. Also called Piram Island, it is one of the beautiful islands on the coastline of Gujarat and among the best places to visit during your Bhavnagar trip.

The Piram Bet Island is covering over an area of about 186 acres. History says that the island was under Muslim soldiers of Delhi Sultanate in the early 14th century and was captured by Mokhadaji Gohil, the Gohil chief of Umrala in 1325 CE. He made the island as his headquarters, built a fort and levied toll from all ships passing up the Gulf of Cambay. He became a noted pirate in Gulf. His demands came to the knowledge of the emperor Muhammad bin Tughlaq who was then quelling a revolt in Gujarat. He killed Mokhadaji in 1347 CE and destroyed the fort of Piram Island. The island fell into obscurity after the destruction of the fort. Later in 1729, Mulla Muhammad Ali, a merchant from Surat, built a fort on Piram Bet with an intention to establish himself as an independent chief. Subsequently, it falls under the royal family of Bhavnagar State who had built a bastion on the south west corner of the island to keep watch on the maritime activities.

The British built the 24m high circular masonry lighthouse tower on the bastion in 1864 CE. The lighthouse and quarters are now owned by Directorate General of Lighthouse and Lightships, Government of India which was the only settlement on the island and was ...

...read more

At a distance of 42 km from Nalsarovar and 79 km from Ahmedabad, Lothal is an excavated site situated Bhal region in Dholka of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Lothal is one of the prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization and among the best historical sites in Gujarat.

Literally called 'Mound of the Dead', this ancient and desolate ruined city of Lothal provides a fascinating insight into the life of the Harappan culture and the Indus Valley Civilization. The origin and history of Lothal can be dated back to 2400 BC. Discovered in the year 1954, Lothal is one of the primary sites of Archaeological Survey of India. The excavation work here began in 1955 and was continued till 1960.

Like other cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, Lothal too had an excellent architecture and town planning. Excavations have revealed that the town was divided into two parts. The upper part or the acropolis was where the ruler and other important people of the city lived while the lower part was meant for the common people. The entire city had a scientific drainage system, well laid-out, paved roads and a bath for every house, some of which were double storied and built on mud platforms.

The most architecturally sophisticated part of Lothal was its dockyard, which provided berthing facilities for the ships. Constructed from kiln-fired bricks, the dock comprised a basin 214 m long, 36 m wide, and 13 m deep. A 13 m wide channel on the northern side was included to facilitate ...

...read more

At a distance of 17 km from Porbandar Railway Station, Jambavan Cave is an ancient cave located at Ranavav near Porbandar city of Gujarat. Situated near Saurashtra Cement Factory, it is one of the historical places in Gujarat and among the most visited tourist places in Porbandar.

Also known as Jambavant Cave or Jambuvant ki Gufa, this cave was the resting place of the warrior Jambuvan, who had his own special role in both the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Krishna and Jambuvan fought for the Syamantaka jewel for 28 days. Legend says that Satrajit was the proud possessor of a precious gem named Syamantaka which had mystic powers. Once his brother Prasena went out in the forests for hunting wearing the jewel and was attacked by a lion to obtain Syamantaka. Later, the lion gets killed by Jambuvan who takes the precious stone from him and gives it to her daughter. On the other side, Satrajit accuses Lord Krishna for killing his brother just to gain the gem. On hearing this, Lord Krishna goes on the lookout of the actual killer and finally finds Jambuvan with whom he battles for 28 days. Recognizing Lord Krishna and his powers, Jambuvan withdraws from the fight and gives the gem and his daughter to the Lord.

Jambuvan Cave has over 50 Shivalingas which are formed naturally. The main shivalinga is inside a natural cave. Water drops from the ceiling of the cave trickle down over the linga in a continuous downpour, ...

...read more

At a distance of 25 km from Bhuj Railway Station, Kera Shiva Temple is an old Hindu temple situated in Kera village near Bhuj city in Gujarat. Also known as Lakheshwara temple of Kerakot, it is one of the ancient temples in Kutch and among the popular Bhuj Tourist Places.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kera Shiva Temple was built during the reign of the Solanki dynasty in the later part of the 10th century. The Solankis, referred to as the 'Chalukyas of Gujarat' were patrons of many important temples in the area. Shiva Temple at Kera is one of the many temples built by the Solanki rulers. The major part of the temple got destroyed in the earthquake of 1819 and the Bhuj earthquake of 2001 but the temple's spire, inner sanctum and the sculptures are still in an attractive condition.

The shrine is built of red stones in Solanki architectural style. The interior of the temple is square in shape and the walls of the temple are around 3 feet thick. The presiding deity is in the form of Linga at the sanctum. The shrine has a pradakshina path with two open cut-stone perforated windows. The spire of the temple has eight triangle-shaped sculptures in the form of chaitya windows on each face of the spire. There are miniature spires at the corners of the temple. The external portions of the spires are well-adorned with elegantly carved images. Only the northern part of the original hall or Mandapa is there as of now which has few well-carved sculptures. Several stone sculptures of ...

...read more

At a distance of 42 km from Porbandar, Ghumli is a small village located near Porbandar, Gujarat. Known for its archeological ruins, it is one of the popular places of heritage in Gujarat and among the prime tourist destinations to visit near Porbandar.

Earlier known as Bhumli, Ghumli was the capital of Saindhava dynasty which ruled western Saurashtra from the middle of the 8th century to the middle of the 10th century. Later in the 12th century, Ghumli was declared as the second capital by Rana Shiyaji of Jethwa dynasty, who took the title of Rana of Ghumli. Ghumli remained their capital till 1313 CE when Rana Bhanji Jethwa was defeated at a war with Barmaniyaji Jadeja attacked and defeated Rana Bhanji Jethwa. He completely destroyed Ghumli and turned it into ruins.

Being the prosperous capital of Saindhava and then the Jethwa dynasty of Saurashtra, Ghumli is now an important and preserved archaeological site due to its architectural ruins. The Archaeological Survey of India and Government of India have initiated a number of efforts to restore the lost glory of the town. Built-in the 12th century by the Jethwa rulers, Navlakha Temple is dedicated to Lord Surya and is considered to be the oldest Sun Temple of Gujarat. The temple is built in Solanki style of architecture with entwining tusk of three elephants as a trade mark of the temple. As the temple was constructed at a cost of nine lakh, it was named Navlakha Temple.

Just outside the main temple, there ...

...read more

At a distance of 110 km from Great Rann of Kutch and 148 km from Bhuj, Siyot caves are the ancient rock cut caves located near Siyot village in Kutch district of Gujarat. Also referred as Kateshwar Buddhist Caves, it is one of the popular places to visit in Kutch and among the popular tourist places in Gujarat.

Dated around the first century AD, the Siyot Caves are a group of five rock-cut caves. The main cave has east facing sanctum, ambulatory and space divisions which suggests a Shiva temple from the first or second century. The cave was used by Buddhists later which can be concluded based on the seals found herein and the traces of Brahmi inscriptions. Other caves are simple single cells. The folklores suggest that Siyot Caves were among the 80 monastic sites reported by the travellers from China during the 7th century at the mouth of the Indus River. Local people believes that these caves were used by dacoits to hide things looted from people in past.

These caves are an important site to visit for those interested in inscriptions and architecture of the ancient time. The sculptures here are the center of attraction for the tourists. The excavation in 1988-89 recovered clay seals engraved with Buddha images in various mudras and seals engraved with late Brahmi and Devnagari inscriptions. Other findings were copper rings, Gadhaiya coins, terracotta Nandi with bell and chain, different types of earthen wares like Surahi. ...

...read more

At a distance of 33 km from Narayan Sarovar, 100 km from Rann of Kutch and 138 km from Bhuj, Lakhpat is an abandoned town in Kutch district of Gujarat. At the junction of Kori creek and Rann of Kutch, it is the last town situated at the western end of India, on the India - Pakistan border and among the popular places to visit in Kutch.

Lakhpat derives its name from the prosperous maritime trade which generated a daily income of One Lakh Koris, a Kutch monetary unit. According to another legend, the town was founded by Rao Lakha, so it was known as Lakhpat. Lakhpat is a fortified town with high walls, several gates and bastions made out of hard stone. The 7 km fort walls, erected in 1801 by Fateh Muhammed, are still nearly intact, and offer tremendous views out over the Rann.

Lakhpat was an important port city during the 1800s which had a population of about 15000 people. History suggests that before the earthquake, the Indus River used to flow right next to the town and connected it to the nearby sea. After the 1819 earthquake, the Indus River shifted its course and left the area barren. Most of the families, living inside its forted walls moved to other cities, but those left behind, are now living a life of hardship, and adversity.

This is also a seat of worship for Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, reportedly camped here on his journey to Mecca. The site later became a gurudwara, which holds some of Nanak's possessions. There ...

...read more

At a distance of 92 km from Rapar, 222 km from Bhuj, and 300 km from Great Rann of Kutch, Dholavira is an archaeological site at Khadir Bet in the Kutch district of Gujarat. Managed by ASI, it is the most prominent archaeological site in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization and among the must-include places in Kutch packages.

Dholavira represents the ruins of an ancient city of the Harappan civilization that was inhabited over 1,200 years from 3000 BCE through 1800 BCE. It is the larger of the two most remarkable excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization or Harappan culture in India, the other being Lothal. Locally called Kotada, the 250-acre area of Dholavira sprawls across the Khadir Island of the Great Rann of Kutch and is part of the protected Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, among the top tourist places in Kutch.

The site was unearthed by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1967 but has been systematically excavated only since 1990. The excavated site of Dholavira demonstrates the ingenuity of Harappan people to evolve a highly organized system of town planning with perfected proportions, interrelation of functional areas, street-pattern, and an efficient water conservation system that supported life for more than 1200 years against harsh hot arid climate.

Lies between two seasonal streams, ...

...read more

At a distance of 48 km from Mandvi, 51 km from Bhuj and 127 km from Rann of Kutch, Roha Fort is an ancient fort located on the outskirts of Roha village in Nakhatrana Taluk of Kutch, Gujarat. Also known as Roha Sumari Fort, it is one of the historical forts of Kutch and among the major Mandvi Tourist Places.

Located 800 feet above sea level on Roha Hill, Roha Fort is believed to have been built by Thakore Noganji. There are about 52 villages under this fort. Roha is also called Sumari Roha after the princesses from the Sumara state who took Samadhi here. After the British took control over the fort during the early 18th century several changes has been made in the fort through the approach of renovation. The British made two deep wells within the fort.

Covers an area of 16 acres, the fort appears like a temple and was mainly built with the use of stone and baked bricks. Over the years, most of the parts of the fort have destroyed from earthquake and lack of proper management. But one can see a temple at the bottom and another one at the top of a small hill. The famous poet of Gujarat, Kalapi, wrote romantic poems at Roha hill because atmosphere of Roha was peaceful and close to the nature with many peacocks and other birds which can be seen here even now.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

...read more

At a distance of 41 km from Junagadh and 66 km from Rajkot, Khambhalida Caves are the ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves situated at Khambhalida village in the Rajkot district of Gujarat. Also known as Rajkot Caves, it is one of the popular historical places to visit near Rajkot.

Dating back to the 4th or 5th century AD, the Khambhalida Caves are a group of three Buddhist caves situated at the foot of a small hill on the banks of a spring. These Caves were discovered in 1958 by P. P. Pandya, a prominent archeologist. It is said that they were carved in the limestone rocks by the Saint of Dinyan Branch of the Buddha tradition. It is also said that many Buddha Saints from Junagadh came to these caves for meditation and there is an inscription on a stone here that states Asoka might have come to this place for his meditation.

Among the three caves, the central one contains the stupa which is known as the chaitya cave. The entrance of the chaitya is flanked by two large sculptures of the Bodhisattvas. On the right is the figure of Padmapani under an Asoka-like tree with a female companion and five attendants. There is a yaksha-like dwarf on the left of it holding a basket. The figure on the left side of the entrance is probably Vajrapani and this sculpture is considered as one of the most ancient ones in India. The second such sculpture of Vajrapani came into existence 400-500 years thereafter at Cave No.2 of ...

...read more

At a distance of 49 km from Vadodara, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the ancient city of Champaner. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Gujarat, and among the prime places to visit as part of Vadodara tour packages.

Covering over an area of 1,329 hectares, Champaner - Pavagadh Archeological Park is located around the historical city of Champaner, founded by the Rajput King Vanraj Chavda in the 8th century. Due to its strategic point on the trade routes, it lured many invaders including Khalji Dynasty, Chauhan Gurjars, Solanki kings, Khichi Chauhans. Later Mahmud Begada captured the city in 1484 and rebuilt Champaner into a splendid new capital. The region faced major devastation in 1535 CE when looted by Mughal Emperor, Humayun who made Ahmedabad the capital city again to control Gujarat. This marked the start of the decline of Champaner, which slowly fell into ruins. Later, ASI had rediscovered the city with 39 standing monuments that are a beautiful confluence of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic architectural styles.

Among the prominent heritage sites near Ahmedabad, it was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2004. The heritage site is studded with prehistoric (chalcolithic) sites, a hill fortress of the early Hindu capital, ...

...read more

At a distance of 9 km from Saputara Bus Station and 80 km from Nashik, Hatgad Fort is an ancient fort located at Hatgad village in the Nashik district of Maharashtra near Saputara. Situated on Saputara - Nashik Road, it is a major trekking destination on the Gujarat - Maharashtra border and among the top historical places to visit as part of Saputara sightseeing packages.

Located at an altitude of 3,600 feet in the Sahyadri ranges, Hatgad Fort was built in the 17th century AD by the great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Regarded as one of the prominent sightseeing places in Saputara, Hatgad Fort was built as a watchtower towards the Nashik area and the inner valleys of Gujarat. Officially managed and maintained by the Archeological Department of Maharashtra, this fort is a delightful destination for history buffs as well as trekkers.

A statue of Lord Ganesha is placed on the top of the fort. One can see a tombstone, a water tank, remnants of a mansion, dilapidated fort walls, and an arch-shaped structure inside the fort. The unique feature of Hatgadh is two reservoirs, named Jamuna and Ganga, which are the source of water for the villages located in the vicinity earlier. Tourists can enjoy beautiful views of the entire valley and Suragana Village from the top of the fort.

The only way to reach the fort is through trekking ...

...read more

At a distance of 27 km from Ahwa and 35 km from Saputara Bus Station, Pandava Cave is an ancient cave located at Javtala village in Dang district of Gujarat. It is one of the places of heritage in Gujarat and among the top places to visit during Saputara Tour.

Pandava Cave or Pandav Gufa is one of the most popular historical attractions in the state of Gujarat as it is believed that Pandavas, the heros of epic Mahabharata spent some time during their exile days here. The cave is about 60 m long and 15 m wide. There is an impressive Shivling in the cave which were used by Pandavas to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. It is said that there are multiple chamber inside the cave of which the biggest one belongs to 'Bhima'.

The best way to visit the cave is from Javtala via Linga. From Javtala one needs to trek around 1.5 km to reach the cave. The trekking route is scenic and also provides glimpses of tribal villages and fort ruins. And the other option is to go to Pandava village on the route to Chinchali village and trek 2-3 km to the Pandava caves. There is no food stall available so visitors need to carry enough food and water.

End of Monsoon season is the best time because after rain, greenery spreads throughout the forest.

Timings: 7 AM - 6 PM

...read more

At a distance of 28 km from Mehsana, 35 km from Patan and 100 km from Ahmedabad, Modhera Sun Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Modhera village near Patan in Gujarat. Situated on the banks of River Pushpavati, it is one of the popular places of heritage in India, and among the must include places in Patan packages.

Dedicated to the Sun God, the Sun Temple in Modhera was built by King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty in 1026 AD, and is one of the prominent heritage sites near Ahmedabad. This temple not only reflects the architectural abilities of the Solanki rulers but also, speaks highly of the devotional zeal of the ruling dynasty at that time. As in the Sun Temple at Konark, this temple was also designed that the first rays of the Sun fall on the image of Lord Surya at the time equinoxes. The temple was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni but still the architectural grandeur does not vanish. At present, no worship is offered here and the temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014.

Built-in Maha-Gurjara style, the temple complex is divided into three parts - the main temple with a Garbha Griha and Guda Mandap, a detached Sabha Mandap, and Surya Kunda. Also known as Rama Kund, Surya Kund is a rectangular ...

...read more

At a distance of 35 km from Palitana and 55 km from Bhavnagar, Talaja is a historical town situated near Palitana in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. Located on the banks of Shatrunjaya River, it is one of the popular places to visit in Gujarat and among the must include places in Palitana Tour Packages.

Talaja is better known as the birthplace of the famous poet Narsinh Mehta. Also, it is home to some important sites for Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. The main attraction here is the ancient Buddhist Rockcut Caves on Talaja hill. The rock-cut cave group includes 30 caves among which 15 are water tanks. The Ebhala Mandapa, a large hall with four octagonal pillars is the most impressive structure of all. These caves are adorned with fine carving of Boddhisatva. The caves are around 2000 years old and require about a 15-20 minutes walk up the hill to reach them. They are of the 4th stage of Buddhist cave architecture, noticeably earlier than the famous Buddhist caves of Maharashtra.

There is a Jain temple along with a Hindu temple of Khodiar Mata atop the hill near the Buddhist Caves. This Jain temple was established by King Kumarpala during the 12th century CE. This is a holy place of the Shri Shatrunjay Panchteerthi and is part of the Shatrunjay hills. The temple was last renovated in 1815 and belongs to Shwetambar sect. of Jainism. The sanctum of the temple house 79 cm tall black colored idol of Sacha Sumatinatha Bhagwan in padmasana posture. Besides this temple, ...

...read more

At a distance of 36 km from Mandu, and 65 km from Indore, Dhar Fort is a historical fort situated in the Dhar city of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the top heritage sites near Indore, and among the must-visit places as part of Mandu holiday packages.

Dhar is an important medieval town and the erstwhile capital of Malwa Kingdom ruled by the Parmar dynasty from 800 - 1327 AD. Raja Bhoj, the most illustrious of the Parmaras shifted his capital from Ujjain to Dhar, where he established a university for Sanskrit studies, known as the Bhoja Shala. During the time of King Bhojdev (1010-1055), this fort was known as Dhar Giri Lilodyan. When Alauddin Khalji ascended the throne of Delhi, Islamic influence began to spread in Dhar, as a result of which in 1305 Ainul Mulk Multani, the general of Alauddin Khalji, attacked Malwa and killed the Parmara ruler Mahalakdev and ended the Parmar dynasty. Captured later, he renovated the fort and completed the work of fortification. In 1346, Muhammad bin Tughlaq also stayed for some time in this fort while going to Devgiri.

The Pawar dynasty captured this fort in 1732 AD and used it as a royal palace. During the Maratha struggle, Raghunath Rao's wife Anandi Bai took shelter here, and she gave birth to Peshwa Bajirao II at this place. Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, also took refuge in this fort during the war with Aurangzeb. During the Revolt of 1857, Dhar ...

...read more

At a distance of 94 km from Dhar, 102 km from Mandu, 117 km from Maheshwar, and 153 km from Indore, the Bagh Caves are ancient rock-cut caves situated along the southern slopes of the Vindhyas in Bagh town of Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh. These are among the popular heritage in Madhya Pradesh, and among the major places to visit near Indore, and Mandu.

Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments renowned for mural paintings. Like Ajanta Caves, these caves were excavated by master craftsmen on the perpendicular sandstone rock face of a hill on the far bank of a seasonal stream, the Baghni. These caves are believed to have been built during the 5-6th century CE. A copper plate inscription of 416-17 CE by Maharaja Subandhu of Mahishmati, which is identified as the modern Maheshwar, talks about a grant for this Vihara. It is called Kalyana Vihara in the inscription. It is believed that a Buddhist monk named Dataka established Bagh Caves. The caves were probably abandoned with a fall in Buddhism, by 10th CE and later these caves became the abode of tigers of the region, hence getting the name Bagh.

Of the nine Buddhist caves, only five have survived. All of them are 'viharas' or resting places of monks' monasteries having a quadrangular plan. A small chamber, usually at the back, forms the 'chaitya', the prayer hall. Of the 5 better-preserved ...

...read more