Dungeshwari Cave Temples
Dungeshwari Cave Temples
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.0
27 reviews
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13
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5
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5
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1
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3
JoyBose
Bengaluru, India377 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
The dungeshwari or pragbodhi caves are where the Buddha performed austerities for six years before he attained enlightenment. It's called so because it's also a shrine to goddess dungeshwari.
One has to climb the hill for at least thirty minutes. Beware of the monkeys lining the path. There are also lots of beggars including children, whose income might be hit badly due to lack of tourists in covid.
On the top, there are Tibetan buildings including a white stupa.
The cave entrance is quite narrow but it widens up inside. One can meditate inside the cave for a short while. The atmosphere is very peaceful inside. Outside however might have some noisy tourists and kids.
The view from the top of the hill is amazing..
The path to dungeshwari is not good, a new road from across falgu or nirajana river is being constructed. The other roundabout path is from Gaya city.
One has to climb the hill for at least thirty minutes. Beware of the monkeys lining the path. There are also lots of beggars including children, whose income might be hit badly due to lack of tourists in covid.
On the top, there are Tibetan buildings including a white stupa.
The cave entrance is quite narrow but it widens up inside. One can meditate inside the cave for a short while. The atmosphere is very peaceful inside. Outside however might have some noisy tourists and kids.
The view from the top of the hill is amazing..
The path to dungeshwari is not good, a new road from across falgu or nirajana river is being constructed. The other roundabout path is from Gaya city.
Written January 1, 2021
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.
Elena M
17 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We had the chance to meet a great local guy who run my boyfriend and I for 3 authentic days tour with his motorcycle all around Bodh Gaya. With him we had visited: Mahabodhi temple, sujata temple, sujata stupa, big banayan tree, mahakala cave, 80 feet statue, white Buddha, Thai temple, royal Bhutanese temple, Japanese temple, srilanka temple, Rajgir Nalnda, having also the possibility to visit local rural villages and to breathe the real local atmosphere out of the common tourist tours. Kumar is a young student who use the donations he gets to help the rural villages, providing them with food and water documented by the pictures he still send to us, so you know where your money goes, which we found really fair in comparison with other charlatans we met when we first arrive. It has been an unforgettable experience: the places we visited, the friendly and gentle Kumar always available and patient to any of our (sometimes crazy) requests, the exciting and adventure tours on his motorcycle, all embellished by the Dalai Lama and thousand of Buddhist monks presence. To contact Kumar: +91 88770 65876. Thank you Kumar! Thank you Bodh Gaya! Thank you Life to give us the possibility to live this amazing experience!!!
Written September 3, 2023
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.
Jigmed P
Almora District, India37 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
Get a trusted local, or your lodging manager to hire a rickshaw for you. If you are paying more than rs.500 from the vicinty of Mahabodhi temple, then you are being massively overcharged. Our driver took 3 of us there from the outer police barrier, ( 3 min. walking from Mahabodhi temple ) waited for us for more than an hour, and the returned us to the outer police barrier for rs.500, which was actually higher than local price. The caves are managed by some remarkably unfriendly Gelugpa kushos. Upon departure be prepared to be assailed by a small horde of somewhat aggressive, scowling,and persistent beggars.
Written April 28, 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.
Rob A
Olhao, Portugal780 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
...but considered to be the cave where Siddartha Gautama meditated for years before discovering the “Middle Way” and becoming the Buddha.
We went in motor bikes and I think that is perhaps the best way to get there, led by a local. There is a fairly steep climb up steps when you dismount. The cave entrance is very low, as is its ceiling but the atmosphere is of an ancient holy place.
Don’t miss the monkeys which are abundant - I did not buy the biscuits to feed them.
We went in motor bikes and I think that is perhaps the best way to get there, led by a local. There is a fairly steep climb up steps when you dismount. The cave entrance is very low, as is its ceiling but the atmosphere is of an ancient holy place.
Don’t miss the monkeys which are abundant - I did not buy the biscuits to feed them.
Written October 9, 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.
David30345
Atlanta, GA35 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
I was fortunate to have a local escort me to the cave site prior to sunrise by motorbike. Walking up the mountain to the entrance of the small cave where Buddha fasted, prayed, for more than 6 years was an influential and sacred moment. It was this place where Siddhartha, prior to his enlightenment, let himself be influenced by local ascetics to forego all of life's joys and to choose a path of suffering. I was able to enter into the cave alone in the wee hours of the dawn and contemplate the Buddha's struggles and subsequent breaking point. What made him leave and walk the distance to the now known Bodhi tree? What made him forego such extremes and begin the middle path that influences Buddhism today? It was a rare moment of peace to be able to sit in the quiet of the cave and meditate on such things. I realize this does not happen for most. When I left, buses were already delivering dozens upon dozens of people who were wanting to see the cave. There were scores of children feverishly begging from those who were walking up and down the side of the mountain. I would advise anyone who longs to see this simple but historic cave to do so in the pre-dawn hours. Only then will you have the opportunity to really experience it in peace.
Written September 12, 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.
Mahinda W
Colombo, Sri Lanka233 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
It is located about forty five minutes drive from Bodh Gaya in the state of Bihar. Dungeshwari caves are where Buddha spent six years in meditation in complete withdrawal an extreme he later renounced. There is a moderate climbing trek for the Traveller on a concrete paved route. November to February day time hike is ok as the cold climate is conducive, however in the Summer try early morning or afternoon but not very late. Beware of the motorcycle touts who offer to take you on a pillion ride across the hilly climb, they will pester you until half way avoid them, the climb is not tough as they say. The cave where Buddha meditated is approached by a narrow entrance and a must visit.
Written January 8, 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.
Pashmaky
United States52 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
It takes about 30 minutes to get to via car, and about 20 minutes to walk up to. Kind of anti-climatic really, unless you are a devout Buddhist. The village kids will follow you relentlessly in packs of 6+, so the only peace you will find is up at the monestary. I'm placing it in the "only if you have time for it" category.
On a side note, we used 'Middle Way Travels/Bookstore' - located in the town market - to book our car and totally got ripped off. He made it sound like it is such a trek, and it will take hours - simply to justify his fee. There and back took us less than 2 hours. Easy climb too. Stay away from Middle Way travels - disappointingly recommended by The Rouge Guide.
On a side note, we used 'Middle Way Travels/Bookstore' - located in the town market - to book our car and totally got ripped off. He made it sound like it is such a trek, and it will take hours - simply to justify his fee. There and back took us less than 2 hours. Easy climb too. Stay away from Middle Way travels - disappointingly recommended by The Rouge Guide.
Written October 6, 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.
cosmicseeker
Dursley, United Kingdom31 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
I feel a little sorry for India Travel bug... or maybe not on reflection. This is no 'tick the box I've been there' place. This is a place of almost undiscribable energy and precence. I was lucky enough to spend 2 hours sitting here virtually on my own after three coach loads of visitors had departed, and for me it was clearly the highlight of my Moon'th in India. It was reminiscent of the sort of energy I found when I spent the night in the cave that Moses recieved the 10 commandments (Mount Sinai/ Gebel Mosa). So, if you want something to look at may be skip it.. if you want to dedicate some time to some mediatation then I highly recommend a early morning visit
Written January 13, 2013
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.
James G
Mexico City, Mexico9 contributions
Dec 2017
We climbed the path on the hillside to the Mahakala caves (Dungeshwari cave). There are three caves. The central cave is where it is believed Siddhartha meditated.In this cave we offered candles, meditated and some made monetary donations. There is a statue of the emaciated Buddha in meditation posture. Another cave contains a golden Buddha. A statue of Hindu goddess ‘Dungeshwari' is also found in the cave temple.
Written November 6, 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.
IndiaTravelbug
India135 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
Nothing great in these caves. These are just small enclosures in the rocks. I feel it is not worthwhile to travel long distance to reach and find nothing alluring. Those who have seen Ajenta and Ellora may give it a slip. I was disappointed.
Written November 16, 2012
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.
Early morning. We found the beggars to be aggressive, and quite vocally annoyed when we did not give them money.
Written August 26, 2018
Hi, Mailwaganam. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Are there any hotels near Dungeshwari caves, we want to spent there 6 days. rather than travelling daily.
Written August 20, 2018
Hi David,
How did you get a local motorbike to bring you there? Can I hire one like hiring a rickshaw?
Based on your experience, how long time do you recommend to visit there? I wish to go for sunrise as you did, for the view and also to avoid the crowd but I have to catch flight at 10am. Is it manageable?
Written November 27, 2016
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