- Udayagiri Caves - 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.
- Khandagiri Caves - 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.
- Services of an English-speaking local guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle for hotel to Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills transfer
- Bottled water provided
- Complimentary mineral water and refreshments
- Round-trip private transfer
- Enjoyable snacks included
- All-inclusive Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Situated approximately six miles from Bhubaneswar lie the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. These layers of rock-cut caves represent the Jainism’s minor contribution in the historic events of Orissa. Initiated by the influential Jain monarch Kharavela, these caves served as homes for Jain ascetics. Each unit was shared by a number of monks and provided a dry haven for meditation and prayers. They were minimally furnished and were severely straightforward. Nevertheless, their facades are elaborately adorned with carvings portraying sacred artifacts revered by Jains, courtroom sequences, regal parades, hunting ventures, and portrayals of everyday life. As you traverse through these intriguing caves, our guide will elucidate their importance.
Featured Attractions
• The Stupas
• The Monasteries
• Jain Temple
- Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
- Tour is partially wheelchair accessible.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
