Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves : info and guided tour

Introduction to Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves form a remarkable archaeological complex on two neighboring hills in Bhubaneswar, in the state of Odisha. Carved into the rock, they are among the region’s major rock-cut remains and offer valuable testimony to the ancient religious art of eastern India.

The site is best known for its cavities carved directly into the cliff, with monastic cells, meditation halls, and sculpted openings. Some caves feature fine reliefs, inscriptions, and decorative motifs that illustrate the craftsmanship of the builders and the symbolic richness of the site.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri are famous for their link to Jain history, visible in several representations and features associated with this tradition. A visit makes it possible to observe individual caves with very different character, some more ornate than others, set in a landscape of stone and vegetation that enhances their presence.

Among the emblematic features are the sculpted facades, rock-cut shrines, and narrow passages opening onto the hillside. Together, these cavities make up one of Bhubaneswar’s best-known sites for understanding the evolution of rock-cut architecture and ancient religious life in the region.

Discover Bhubaneswar with a private guide

A private guide can help interpret the details of the sculptures, place the caves within Odisha’s religious history, and highlight the distinctive features of each cavity. In Bhubaneswar, this discreet guidance makes the visit clearer and richer, especially for understanding such an ancient and fragmented site.