Explore Historical Caves of the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Hills from Bhubaneswar

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.
NOTE: (Expect More People on Ground / Monuments / Public Places During the Tour). You will have Private tour Guide during the Sightseeing Tour.

Highlights
• The Stupas
• The Monasteries
• Jain Temple

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.

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.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
• Tour is partially wheelchair accessible.
• A moderate amount of walking is involved.

• 1-8 Travellers
  Add
  Price per person for 1-8 travellers
  Pickup included

• 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

• Food and drinks, unless specified

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• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
• Please note: entrance tickets and transport included. This voucher will not be accepted if presented directly at the venue.

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by SITA World Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Kolkata.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 2 valid reviews on TRIPADVISOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.