Explore Historical Caves of the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Hills from Bhubaneswar

4.5 (2 reviews) 2–3 hours Free cancellation

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2 reviews

4.5

Explore Historical Caves of the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Hills from Bhubaneswar — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Explore Historical Caves of the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Hills from Bhubaneswar, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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

Historical Tours Small Group DSA non-compliant Zombie Zombie Slice Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 2–3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 8 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: SITA World Tours

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Services of English Speaking Local Guide
Included: Air Conditioned vehicle from Hotel to Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills and back
Included: Bottled water
Included: Bottle of mineral water & refreshment
Included: Round-trip private transfer
Included: Snacks
Included: GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified

Itinerary

Udayagiri Caves

one hour Admission included

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

2 hours Admission included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar, India See on map

We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.

End point

Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar, India See on map

We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.

Pickup points

Paradise
OYO 19323 Shiv Sai Guest House
OYO 5719 Hotel Jannat Palace
Super OYO Flagship Lazystays
Hotel O Aradhya Residency
Hotel O Regal Stays
OYO 28078 Golden Villa Guest House
OYO 14665 Daydream
Casa Residency
Hotel Z International
OYO 39536 The Atithii
Hotel Seetal

and 176 more pickup points

We may pick up travelers from city center hotels / fixed point wiithin city limits. In case pick up is outside central points extra cost shall applicable subject to distance applicable.

Using your ticket

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.