In continuation to our journey to Orissa, here we share about Udaygiri and Khandgiri Caves around Bhubaneshwar. I hope you enjoyed the Photo Journey from Konark Sun Temple and now excited about this new journey to Udaygiri and Khandgiri Caves.
Udaygiri and Khandgiri Caves are mix of natural and man-made caves around Kumari parwat. It seems that caves were carved for Jain monk. Udaigiri means sunrise hill. Udaipgiri has 18 caves, while Khandgiri has 15 caves.
Ranigupha (Queen Cave ) is one of the most popular caves and part of Udaygiri and this is double storied monastery.
Hathigumpha which is 14th cave in Udaygiri is specially known for it’s art sculptures and similarly Ganeshgumpha which is 10th cave.
There is a brilliant view of Bhubaneshwar from Khandgiri Caves. 3rd cave, which is known as Ananta cave has carved figures of women, elephants, athletes and geese on it.
Caves in Udaigiri include - Ranigumpha, Bajagharagumpha, Chota Hathigumpha, Alkapurigumpha, Jayavijayagumpha, Panasagumpha, Thakuranigumpha, Patalapurigumpha, Mancapurigumpha, Ganesagumpha, Jambesvaragumpha, Vyaghragumpha, Sarpagumpha, Hathigumpha, Dhanagharagumpha, Haridasagumpha, Jagammathgumpha, Rosaigumpha
Caves in Khandgiri include - Tatowa gumpha No.-1, Tatowa gumpha No.-2, Ananta gumpha, Tentuli gumpha, Khandagiri gumpha, Dhyana gumpha, Navamuni gumpha, Barabhuji gumpha, Trusula gumpha, Ambika gumpha, Lalatendukesari gumpha, Ekadasi gumpha.
More about Udaigiri and Khandgiri caves can be checked at here.
Entry Fees - There is entry ticket which costs 5 Rs per person (for Indians) and if you want to carry video camera, you need to get 25 rs ticket. For foreigners, ticket costs 100 Rs.
How to Reach – Buses don’t go close to the caves ut bus number 801 drops you to nearby bus stop. Since distance is not much auto can be booked and shared autos are also available.
Timings – Like any other ASI site, It opens after sunrise and closes around sunset time.
If you liked this post and found it helpful, I would request you to follow these things when traveling -
- Manage your waste well and don’t litter
- Use dustbins. Tell us if you went to a place and found it hard to locate a dustbin.
- Avoid bottle waters in hills. Usually you get clean water in hills and water bottles create lot of mess in our ecosystem.
- Say big no to plastic and avoid those unhealthy snacks packed in plastic bags. Rather buy fruits.
- Don't play loud blaring music in forests of jungle camps. You are a guest in that ecosystem and disturbing the locals (humans and animals) is not polite
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