Bhubaneswar
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
Itinerary
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1
You will be picked up and driven to the caves. u00a0The caves belong to the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut shelters in Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hill). u00a0They 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. nnUdayagiri has 18 caves on its hill. u00a0The largest, Cave 1, is known as Rani Gumpha or Queen's Cave.u00a0It 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 u00a0victory march of a king. nnCave 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.
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2
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.nnThe 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.nnYou will be driven back to your hotel at the end of the tour.
What's included
- Services of English Speaking Local Guide
- Air Conditioned vehicle from Hotel to Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills and back
- Bottled water
- Bottle of mineral water & refreshment
- Round-trip private transfer
- Snacks
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
What's not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund 1+ days before departure
- 0% refund Within 1 days of departure
Good to know
- Infants are required to sit on an adultu2019s 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.