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Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves

heritage site · Odisha

State
Odisha
Type
Heritage Site

Udayagiri and Khandagiri are twin hills on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar honeycombed with rock-cut caves carved as dwellings for Jain monks, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. Udayagiri's Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave) is the most elaborate, while the hills together carry the historically important Hathigumpha inscription of the Kalinga king Kharavela. As one of India's oldest surviving examples of Jain rock-cut architecture, the site draws well over a million visitors a year and is among Odisha's most-visited heritage attractions.

Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves is known for

Jain rock-cut cavesHathigumpha inscription2nd-century BCE architectureRani Gumpha (Queen's Cave)

A short history

Carved mainly during the reign of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the 2nd century BCE as retreats for Jain ascetics, the caves and the Hathigumpha inscription remain one of the most important primary sources for the history of ancient Kalinga.

Why Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves matters

Among Odisha's most-visited heritage sites and one of India's earliest surviving examples of Jain rock-cut architecture.

How many people come

12 lakh

monument in 2025 · ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), FY2024-25 footfall

When to go

October to February, when Odisha's weather is cool and dry.

Why visit

Some of India's earliest Jain rock-cut caves, carved over two millennia ago, with the historically significant Hathigumpha inscription and sweeping views over Bhubaneswar.

Cultural notes

The caves are a rare, well-preserved window into early Jain monastic life and Kalinga-era history, predating most of India's better-known Buddhist cave sites.

How to reach

About 8 km from Bhubaneswar city centre and well connected by auto-rickshaw or taxi; Bhubaneswar's airport and railway station are the nearest major transit hubs.

Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves guide & itineraries

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