Bhubaneswar Trip Overview
Discover the spectacular caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri , considered to be an marvel of stone masonry. They command a unique position in rock-cut architecture, art and religion. The two hills rise abruptly from the coastal plain. You will visit this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. Believed to have been constructed by Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably in the first century BC. 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. His better-half was quite a patron of the arts, and probably was the guiding principal behind the impressive sculptural decoration and maestic architecture of the caves.
We highly suggest to hire a guide from Bhubaneswar itself so that you do not get lost into the mysterious complex of caves.
Additional Info
Duration: 10 to 12 hours
Starts: Bhubaneswar, India
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Bhubaneswar Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Discover the spectacular caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri , considered to be an marvel of stone masonry. They command a unique position in rock-cut architecture, art and religion. The two hills rise abruptly from the coastal plain. You will visit this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. Believed to have been constructed by Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably in the first century BC. 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. His better-half was quite a patron of the arts, and probably was the guiding principal behind the impressive sculptural decoration and maestic architecture of the caves.
We highly suggest to hire a guide from Bhubaneswar itself so that you do not get lost into the mysterious complex of caves.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Khandagiri Caves, Udaygiri Khandagiri Road Khandagiri Hills, Bhubaneswar 751030 India
We shall pick you from your hotel in Bhubaneswar and driven to the caves. The caves belong to the earliest groups of rock-cut shelters in Odisha. They command a unique position in rock-cut architecture, art and religion. We first visit the multiple 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.
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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Udayagiri Caves, Udaygiri Khandagiri Road Udaygiri Hills, Bhubaneswar 751003 India
After comletingthe visits of Khandagfiri, we move on to visit the Udayagiri hills caves. The largest, Cave 1, is known as Rani Gumpha or Queen’s Cave. It has fine wall friezes, recently restored pillars, and beautiful sculptures. On the lower story, you can see carved dwara palas (sentries) and side pillars crowned by animals. Above them are toranas (arches) with religious and royal couples standing with folded hands. Also see a female dancer with accompanying female musicians. In the main central wing, are themes indicating a victory march of a king. In the preserved Upper Story are six cells with two doorways each, flanked by two pilasters.
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.
Finally you are driven back to your hotel in Bhubaneswar and the tour ends
Duration: 1 hour
