The twin hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, are one of the earliest examples of Jain rock-cut architecture in eastern India. The ancient names of the twin hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri are Kumari and Kumara parvatas respectively. There are total 33 rock cut caves on both the hills out of which 18 caves are excavated on Udayagiri hill, while 15 are on the Khandagiri hill. While most caves are single storied, a few are double storied, too. They were essentially dormitories for Jain monks.
How to Reach: The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are located near Bhubaneswar in Odisha, approximately seven kms from the city centre.
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By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, which has good connectivity with major Indian cities. From the airport, you can easily hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, which is about a 15-20 minute drive.
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By Rail: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS) is the main railway station, well-connected to various parts of India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or take a local bus to reach the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves. The journey by road takes around 20-30 minutes.
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By Road: Bhubaneswar is well-connected by road to other cities in Odisha and neighbouring states. You can hire a private taxi, auto-rickshaw, or take state-run (OSRTC) or private buses to reach the Udayagiri and Khandagiri area, which is located on National Highway 16.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves is during the winter months, from October to March. The weather during this period is pleasant and cool, making it comfortable for exploring the caves and the surrounding area.
Nearby Places to Visit:
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Lingaraj Temple: A prominent and ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bhubaneswar city, about six km from the caves. It’s a significant architectural and religious site.
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Nandankanan Zoological Park: A large zoo and botanical garden located about 15-20 kms from the caves. It’s known for its white tigers and diverse flora and fauna.
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Dhauli Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda): Situated on Dhauli hills, about eight kms south of Bhubaneswar, this Buddhist monument commemorates the Kalinga War and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
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Rajarani Temple: An 11th-century Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, known for its intricate carvings and architectural beauty, located around seven kilometres from the caves.
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Odisha State Museum: Located in Bhubaneswar city, this museum houses a rich collection of archaeological artefacts, sculptures, paintings, and natural history exhibits, providing insights into the state’s heritage.
