Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

ଉଦୟଗିରି ଓ ଖଣ୍ଡଗିରି ଗୁମ୍ଫା

Ancient Buddhist and Jain rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BCE, featuring intricate carvings, inscriptions, and architectural elements spread across two adjacent hills. These caves offer insights into ancient Indian religious practices and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Things to do

• Explore Udayagiri Cave 1 — Visit the largest and most ornate cave featuring a two-story structure with intricate carvings of elephants, horses, and guardian figures dating to the reign of King Kharavela.
• Climb Khandagiri Hill — Ascend the 120-step staircase to reach the summit of Khandagiri Hill, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Bhubaneswar landscape and ancient caves.
• Study Jain Inscriptions — Examine the Prakrit inscriptions carved into the cave walls that document ancient Jain monastic life and provide invaluable historical records from the 2nd century BCE.
• Visit Barabar Caves Museum — Tour the on-site museum displaying stone sculptures, pottery fragments, and artifacts excavated from the caves, illustrating the religious and daily life of ancient inhabitants.
• Walk the Interconnecting Passages — Navigate the narrow corridors and interconnected chambers between Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves that showcase the sophisticated engineering and planning of ancient craftsmen.
• Observe Elephant Carvings — Admire the detailed rock-cut relief sculptures of elephants in Udayagiri Cave 1, which are considered among the finest examples of ancient Odisha sculptural art.
• Sunset Viewing Platform — Position yourself on the upper terraces of Khandagiri Hill during late afternoon to witness the golden light illuminating the carved facades and surrounding hills.

Food to try

• Chhena Poda — A sweet dessert made from fresh cottage cheese (chhena) baked with condensed milk and jaggery, originating from nearby Odisha temples and available in local shops near the caves.
• Dalma — A traditional Odia vegetable and lentil curry cooked with turmeric and cumin, commonly served in local restaurants and temple food stalls around Bhubaneswar near the cave site.
• Pakhala Bhaat — Fermented rice soaked in water or yogurt, traditionally eaten during summers and served by local families in the Bhubaneswar area as a refreshing, cooling meal.
• Santula — A light Odia vegetable stir-fry made with mixed seasonal vegetables and minimal spices, representing simple ancient Odia cuisine available at local eateries.
• Rasagulla — Spongy balls of cottage cheese soaked in light sugar syrup, a famous Odia sweet originating from Sonepur near Bhubaneswar and widely available throughout the region.

Local customs & good to know

• Respectful Cave Exploration — Remove shoes before entering certain sacred cave chambers and avoid touching the ancient carvings and inscriptions to preserve these irreplaceable artifacts for future generations.
• Early Morning Visits — Plan your visit for early morning hours to avoid afternoon heat, enjoy cooler temperatures inside the caves, and encounter fewer crowds for a more contemplative experience.
• Local Guide Knowledge — Hire a knowledgeable local guide at the entrance who can explain the Prakrit inscriptions, historical significance, and architectural details that are difficult to interpret independently.
• Festival Season Timing — Visit during Odia festivals like Purnima or Makar Sankranti when local communities often gather for religious observances near the caves, offering deeper cultural immersion.