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Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves 

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Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves

A Relic of A Forgotten Chapter of History

About

The caves located 7KM from Bhubaneswar takes us back in time and is probably the only recorded history of era that is still shrouded in mystery. Built somewhere around the 2nd century BC by King Kharavela of the Meghavahana dynasty, widely regarded as the most powerful king in the annals of history ...

The caves located 7KM from Bhubaneswar takes us back in time and is probably the only recorded history of era that is still shrouded in mystery. Built somewhere around the 2nd century BC by King Kharavela of the Meghavahana dynasty, widely regarded as the most powerful king in the annals of history of Odisha, these ancient rock cut caves were first discovered by a young British Officer Andrew Sterling in the 19th century AD.

The caves built on the Kumari mountain range were built for the Jain monks and offered them a place to stay and meditate. Out of the one hundred and seventeen caves that were built originally only thirty-three survive till this day. Eighteen caves are located in the Udaygiri hill and fifteen in the Khandagiri hill.

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is in charge of the Udaygiri caves and it’s a ticketed monument. The major attractions of the Udaygiri caves are

Barabhuji Gumpha  - features the twelve armed Sasana Devi’s facing each other along with Tirthankar sculptures.

  • Trushula Gumpha – One can find the twenty-four Jain Teerthankar’s carved on the walls of the cave. The sculpture of Tirthankar Rishab Dev stands out.
  •  
  • Ambika Gumpha - The Yaksha and Yakshini’s of each Tirthankar is carved on the walls of the cave.

The most extraordinary achievement of these beautifully carved caves is that each cave and sculpture was painstakingly carved by hand using basic tools. The architecture and exquisite carving is of top drawer. The carvings drew references from mythology and history. One of the most poignant section of carving is the depiction of the Kalinga War, where women and teenagers are depicted fighting to save their motherland from Ashoka’s army.

The caves served as residences for the Jain monks and were equipped with water source in form a small canal which passes through every cave, an ingenious communication system through holes, a place to light the lamps and the tilted flooring which served as a head rest. Many of the caves are double storeyed and its believed that the upper chambers of the caves were used for deep meditation.

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See to Believe

Below is a visual treat of Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves. Enjoy the immersive experience and experience the 360 degree views and virtual tours which are soon going to enhance your visual journey!

Trails Covering Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves

Like what you see? Looking to have a well rounded experience in Odisha? Scroll to see a list of the choicest of curated pre-packaged tours covering the most coveted destinations in Odisha.Browse the list and see details of the trail/package which interests you most. Contact the Dept. Of Tourism recogonized Tour Operators who has published the tour and finalize your trip to Odisha today!

Getting There

  • Nearest Railway Station - Bhubaneswar
  • Nearest Airport Bhubaneswar - Bhubaneswar
  • The caves located at the outskirts of Bhubaneswar is well connected by the city bus service, alternatively one can hire an auto and cab to visit the Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves.

Insider's Stories

So why is Odisha touted as Incredible India's Best Kept Secret. What is it about the places, people , landscape, art , culture and history that entices? What makes Odisha the land of cathartic Spiritual experiences, intricate art and immortal architecture regaling many timeless tales, flair for dance and drama, pristine beaches, delectable cuisines stunning landscapes and formidable yet elegant wildlife. Don't take our word for it ; read the through the journeys and experiences of the many travel enthusiasts who have traversed and fallen in love with the land of Odisha!

HIDDEN CAVES IN BHUBANESWAR

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon , after having lunch i was laying on bed while scrolling through random videos on youtube. I came across a video about a cave in Chandaka which is too near to Bhubaneswar. So i thought i should give it a visit as it was Sunday too. I left my house at 4 pm.When i checked it on google maps it was showing it would take me an hour to reach my destination.I reached ...
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ADITYA PRAKASH SAHOO

My Odisha trip

Odisha is truly a hidden gem, a place with scenic beauty, temples, rich history, amazing food, culture and people. Being a travel blogger I’ve always wanted to visit Odisha. During my last visit in December, I covered Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark Sun Temple and Nirmaljhar. I can easily say Odisha is one of the best states I’ve visited in India.
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Apoorva Rao

5 Travel Tips To Odisha | Insider's Guide

Awesome Travel Tips By Just Vish. Insider's guide on how to maximize your experience in Odisha. Discover India's Best Kept Secret. Rich in Architectural heritage, Buddhist Sites, Arts & Crafts, Cultural Events, Cuisines , Eco Tourism Nature Camps, Museums and much more...
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Just Vish

Essentials Cheat Sheet

  •   Timings
    • 6:30 am – 7:30 pm
  •   Entry Fee
    • Free
  •   Parking
    • Available
  •   Banks & ATM
    • Bhubaneswar has branches of all the major banks & ATM’s.
  •   Hotels
    • Bhubaneswar has hotels and lodges catering to all segments of tourists. Check out the list of Accredited hotels.
  •   Where to Shop
    • If you are staying at Bhubaneswar, the city offers a lot of options for people to collect souvenirs. The Boyanika at Market building, AG Square, Utkalika at the Market Building Ashok Nagar & Ekamra Haat at Madhusudan Marg are good options     

Nearby Destinations

Wish to make the best of your trip to Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves ? Make sure your itinerary covers these below must-see destinations close to Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves.Most of these are highly coveted on every tourists bucket list and can be reached from Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves in a matter of hours. We have found 10 such places close to Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves that will maximize your Experience-Odisha!

Stay

There's a variety of options for you to stay at. From Star Rated Hotels, Eco Tour Nature Camps equipped with state of the art swiss tents and facilities to OTDC Government Hotels, Bed Breakfasts and Homestays to choose from. Browse the list below to choose your preferred accomodation.

Showing 2 of 7 Hotel(s) found

Panthanivas Bhubaneswar

Panthanivas Bhubaneswar

Panthanivas Bhubaneswar, Lewis Road, BBSR-751014

9937562181 , 06742432515

http://www.panthanivas.com

Amenities

Proximity

5 Km. Distance from Airport

3 Km. Distance from Railway Station

0 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

View On Map
Panthanivas Cuttack

Panthanivas Cuttack

Panthanivas Cuttack, At/PO-Buxi bazar, Cuttack-753001

9437273354 , 06712306916

http://www.panthanivas.com

Amenities

Proximity

36 Km. Distance from Airport

3 Km. Distance from Railway Station

0 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

View On Map

Showing 2 of 9 Nature Camp(s) found

hotelname

Chandaka Nature Camps

  • Chandaka Godibari
  • Deras

Accomodation Details

  • Double Bedded 
  • Double Bedded Type- I
  • Double Bedded Type- II
  • Double Bedded Type- III
  • Double Bedded Type- IV

 

Quick Links

hotelname

Ansupa Nature Camp

  • Ansupa

Accomodation Details

  • Double Bedded

Quick Links

Showing 2 of 40 Hotel(s) found

VITS Bhubaneswar

VITS Bhubaneswar

A19 Cuttack Puri RoadLaxmisagar

8093099969 , 06747145555

https://www.vitshotels.com/vits-bhubaneswar-hotel/

Amenities

Proximity

6 Km. Distance from Airport

2 Km. Distance from Railway Station

2 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

View On Map
The Crown

The Crown

A 1(a), Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar

7682847485 , 06743000000

http://www.thecrown.in/

Amenities

Proximity

7 Km. Distance from Airport

6 Km. Distance from Railway Station

0 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

View On Map

Showing 2 of 7 Hotel(s) found

Svanir Wilderness Ecostay

Svanir Wilderness Ecostay

Plot No 257/407 Dalua Village

9818480486

https://svanir.com

Amenities

Proximity

21 Km. Distance from Airport

23 Km. Distance from Railway Station

13 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

View On Map
Kila Dalijoda Palace

Kila Dalijoda Palace

At – Jyoti Niketan ( Rajbati) PO & Village – Mangarajpur, via Choudwar Dist - CUTTACK – 754028, Odisha.

9438667086

http://www.kiladalijoda.com

Amenities

Proximity

60 Km. Distance from Airport

50 Km. Distance from Railway Station

5 Km. Distance from Bus Stop

View On Map

Weather & Climate

Find a Tour Operators

Below is a list of Travel Agency/Tour Operators who are recognized by the Department Of Tourism and are trusted Local Specialists. Contact them today to plan a well rounded trip to Odisha and getting the best deals! Their packages cover everything from the most visited to the off-beat, from the most ancient to the most urbane, from mountains to beaches, from the wild city life to the spending nights under a cieling of stars in the actual wilderness! Click on the contact button and get a call back now!

M
M/s. Eastern Treasure India Tours Pvt. Ltd.
Address

BBSR, Odisha, India
Block No.3, 1st Floor, Aditya Tradings, (Inside SBI Old Town Branch Campus) Sriram Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751002

Contact View Trails
M
M/s. Indus Journey
Address

BBSR, Odisha, India
Flat - E/503, Block -E, Srusti Elite,Orakal, Opp- Hitech Square,Padhansahi, Bhubaneswar, Khordha, Odisha

Contact View Trails
M
M/s. Adventure Holidays & Treks
Address

BBSR, Odisha, India
Room No.F1/F3-29, Indradhanu Market Complex, IRC Village, Bhubaneswar-751015

Contact View Trails

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