Explore Historical Caves of the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Hills from Bhubaneswar
Overview
Located about six miles from Bhubaneswar are the caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri. These multi-tiered rock-cut caves symbolise Jainism’s cameo role in Orissa’s historical drama. Commissioned by the great Jain king Kharavela, these caves were meant as dwellings for Jain monks. Each cell was lived in by several monks and provided dry shelter for meditation and prayer. They had very few amenities and were austerely plain. However, their facades are richly encrusted with sculptures depicting auspicious objects worshipped by Jains, court scenes, royal processions, hunting expeditions and scenes of daily life. Our guide will explain their significance as you explore these fascinating caves.
Highlights
• The Stupas
• The Monasteries
• Jain Temple
Highlights
• The Stupas
• The Monasteries
• Jain Temple
Inclusions
- Services of English Speaking Local Guide
- Air Conditioned vehicle from Hotel to Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills and back
- Bottle of mineral water & refreshment
- Round-trip private transfer
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Entry/Admission - Udayagiri Caves
- Entry/Admission - Khandagiri Caves
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Udayagiri Caves, Udaygiri Khandagiri Road Udaygiri Hills, Bhubaneswar 751003 India
You will be picked up and driven to the caves. The caves belong to the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut shelters in Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hill). They command a unique position in rock-cut architecture, art and religion. Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga Empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems.
Udayagiri has 18 caves on its hill. The largest, Cave 1, is known as Rani Gumpha or Queen's Cave. It has fine wall friezes, recently restored pillars, and beautiful sculptures. Also see a female dancer with accompanying female musicians. In the main central wing, are themes indicating a victory march of a king.
Cave 2, Chota Hathi Gumpha, or Small Elephant Cave, has a carving of six elephants flanking its entrance. Cave 4, Alakapuri Gumpha, contain sculptures of a lion holding a prey, in its mouth, and pillars topped by pairs of winged animals.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Khandagiri Caves, Udaygiri Khandagiri Road Khandagiri Hills, Bhubaneswar 751030 India
There are 15 caves on the Khandagiri hill. Cave 1 and 2, are known as Tatowa Gumpha or Parrot Caves, because of the figures of parrots carved on the arches of their doorways. Cave 3 is called the Ananta Gumpha or Snake Cave after the figures of twin serpents on the door arches. It is one of the most important caves on the Khandagiri hill on account of its unique motifs: figures of boys chasing animals including lions and bulls. On the back wall of the cell is carved a nandipada on a stepped pedestal flanked on either side by a set of three symbols, a triangular headed symbol, a srivatsa and a swastika, auspicious to the Jains. You will have the oppotunity to visit additional caves on this hill.
The 18th century, Jain Temple, at the top of the hill dedicated to Rishabnath, was most probably built on the site of an earlier shrine. The temple enshrines some old tirthankars and affords a panoramic view across the plains.
You will be driven back to your hotel at the end of the tour.
Duration: 2 hours
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Udayagiri Caves, Udaygiri Khandagiri Road Udaygiri Hills, Bhubaneswar 751003 India
You will be picked up and driven to the caves. The caves belong to the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut shelters in Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hill). They command a unique position in rock-cut architecture, art and religion. Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga Empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems.
Udayagiri has 18 caves on its hill. The largest, Cave 1, is known as Rani Gumpha or Queen's Cave. It has fine wall friezes, recently restored pillars, and beautiful sculptures. Also see a female dancer with accompanying female musicians. In the main central wing, are themes indicating a victory march of a king.
Cave 2, Chota Hathi Gumpha, or Small Elephant Cave, has a carving of six elephants flanking its entrance. Cave 4, Alakapuri Gumpha, contain sculptures of a lion holding a prey, in its mouth, and pillars topped by pairs of winged animals.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Khandagiri Caves, Udaygiri Khandagiri Road Khandagiri Hills, Bhubaneswar 751030 India
There are 15 caves on the Khandagiri hill. Cave 1 and 2, are known as Tatowa Gumpha or Parrot Caves, because of the figures of parrots carved on the arches of their doorways. Cave 3 is called the Ananta Gumpha or Snake Cave after the figures of twin serpents on the door arches. It is one of the most important caves on the Khandagiri hill on account of its unique motifs: figures of boys chasing animals including lions and bulls. On the back wall of the cell is carved a nandipada on a stepped pedestal flanked on either side by a set of three symbols, a triangular headed symbol, a srivatsa and a swastika, auspicious to the Jains. You will have the oppotunity to visit additional caves on this hill.
The 18th century, Jain Temple, at the top of the hill dedicated to Rishabnath, was most probably built on the site of an earlier shrine. The temple enshrines some old tirthankars and affords a panoramic view across the plains.
You will be driven back to your hotel at the end of the tour.
Duration: 2 hours
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
- Tour is partially wheelchair accessible.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved.
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Dilnaz_Bharucha
August 2021
Udaygiri caves are very beautiful. Easily accessible. There is a little to climb over small hillocks. There is a ramp as well as stairs. But not recommended for people in wheelchairs or with a bad back. The guide Mr. Pradhan did a fine job explaining the history and special nuisances of the...
Udaygiri caves are very beautiful. Easily accessible. There is a little to climb over small hillocks. There is a ramp as well as stairs. But not recommended for people in wheelchairs or with a bad back. The guide Mr. Pradhan did a fine job explaining the history and special nuisances of the place. We did not go to the temple opposite the caves. Too many steps to climb.