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Explore Historical Caves of the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Hills from Bhubaneswar

Location Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
$320
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.

Overview

The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, located about six miles from Bhubaneswar, showcase the rich history of Jainism in Orissa. Commissioned by the Jain king Kharavela, these multi-tiered rock-cut caves served as dwellings for monks and feature stunning sculptures that tell stories of daily life and royal scenes.

  • 🏞️ Explore the ancient Udayagiri Caves, which are part of the earliest Jain rock-cut shelters, offering a glimpse into their architectural and artistic significance.
  • 🕉️ Visit the largest cave, Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave), known for its exquisite wall friezes and beautiful sculptures, including a female dancer and a royal victory scene.
  • 🐘 Marvel at Cave 2, Chota Hathi Gumpha (Small Elephant Cave), where six elephants grace the entrance with their impressive carvings.
  • 🦁 Discover Cave 4, Alakapuri Gumpha, featuring a striking lion sculpture and pillars adorned with pairs of winged animals.
  • 🐦 At Khandagiri Caves, explore the Tatowa Gumpha (Parrot Caves) with their unique parrot figures carved on the door arches.
  • 🐍 Experience the Ananta Gumpha (Snake Cave) which showcases intricate motifs, including twin serpents and boys chasing animals, enriching the cave's historical narrative.
  • 🏛️ Visit the 18th-century Jain Temple at the summit, dedicated to Rishabnath, offering a panoramic view and housing ancient tirthankars.
  • 🚗 Enjoy round-trip private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel to the caves, ensuring comfort throughout your journey.
  • 💧 Stay refreshed with complimentary bottled water and snacks during your exploration of these fascinating historical sites.

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1-8 Travellers
Price per person for 1-8 travellers
Pickup included
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide

  • Other
  • Snacks
  • Round-trip private transfer
  • Bottle of mineral water & refreshment
  • Bottled water
  • Air Conditioned vehicle from Hotel to Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills and back
  • Services of English Speaking Local Guide
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities

Meeting point
Bhubaneswar
We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.
Return details
Bhubaneswar
We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.

  • Udayagiri Caves
    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
    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.

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s 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.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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    Explore Historical Caves of the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Hills from Bhubaneswar

    Location Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
    $320
    This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.
    How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

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    Physical Gift Box

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