The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are twin hillocks carved with 33 rock-cut caves located 7 km west of Bhubaneswar in Khurda district, Odisha. Dating to the 1st–2nd century BCE, they were originally carved as residential retreats for Jain monks during the reign of the Kalinga Emperor Kharavela. The Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave) inscription — a 17-line Brahmi script record of Kharavela's conquests — is among the most important epigraphic records in Indian history.
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
1st-Century BCE Jain Rock-Cut Caves — Home of the Hathigumpha Inscription
History of Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
Kharavela's Royal Patronage (1st Century BCE)
The caves were commissioned by Emperor Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty around 100 BCE as monk cells for Jain ascetics. Udayagiri ("Hill of Sunrise") has 18 caves; Khandagiri ("Broken Hill") has 15. The caves feature elaborate carvings of women, elephants, geese, and lotus motifs — early examples of Odishan art.
The Hathigumpha Inscription
Carved on the overhanging rock face of Hathigumpha (Cave 14, Udayagiri), the 17-line Brahmi inscription documents Kharavela's 13-year reign — including his military campaigns against Magadha (modern Bihar) and his cultural patronage. It is one of the earliest and most complete royal records from ancient India and serves as a key source for Kalinga history.
Later Modifications & ASI Protection
The caves were modified by Buddhist and later Hindu occupants in subsequent centuries. By the medieval period they had been largely abandoned. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took the site under protection in 1906. Restoration and fencing work in the late 20th century preserved the remaining carvings from weathering and vandalism.
Significance
The caves are classified as a Centrally Protected Monument by the ASI. Hathigumpha's inscription is the earliest known record to mention the name "Kalinga" and confirms the city of "Kalinganagara" (modern Bhubaneswar area) as its capital. The site represents the crossroads of Jainism, early Buddhism, and indigenous Kalinga culture — making it a unique multi-faith heritage complex. The carvings in Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave) are among the finest examples of pre-Common Era narrative art in India.
Festivals & Events
Ekamra Utsav — March (Ashokastami Week)
Odisha Tourism's heritage festival held annually around Ashokastami (March) features cultural performances at the Udayagiri–Khandagiri open-air amphitheatre. Odissi dance recitals are performed against the cave backdrop at sunset — a atmospheric cultural experience organized by the state government.
Paryushana Parva — August/September
The most sacred Jain festival is observed by local Jain communities at Khandagiri's Jain temples (located at the hilltop). Special prayers, fasting rituals, and processions mark the 8–10 day festival. Jain pilgrims from across Odisha and neighbouring states visit during this period.
Special Highlight
Did You Know? The Hathigumpha inscription mentions that Kharavela "diverted the Tana canal" built by the Nanda dynasty 300 years earlier — making it one of the earliest references to irrigation engineering in Indian history. Rani Gumpha (Cave 1, Udayagiri) has a two-storey facade and narrative panels depicting scenes from Jain literature — carved without mortar, using only chisels on living rock.
Travel Guide to Udayagiri & Khandagiri
How to Reach
By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar — 12 km, ~20 min drive via NH 16.
By Train: Bhubaneswar Railway Station — 7 km; autos and city buses connect via Nayapalli route.
By Road: Located on NH 16 (Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Road); easily accessible by auto-rickshaw from the city centre.
Best Time to Visit
October–March is ideal — cool and dry, comfortable for climbing the hillocks. Early morning (7–9 AM) provides the best light for photography on the cave carvings. Avoid midday in April–June (exposed hilltop, intense heat). The site is open year-round, 6 AM to 6 PM.
Local Attractions
Lingaraj Temple: 7 km east — Bhubaneswar's tallest 11th-century Shiva temple.
Nandankanan Zoo: 22 km north — white tigers and Indian pangolin conservation.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa: 10 km south — Ashoka's rock edicts and Japanese Peace Pagoda.
State Museum Bhubaneswar: 5 km — Kharavela-era artefacts and Odishan sculpture collection.
Travel Tips
Entry: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners). ASI tickets available at the base of Udayagiri hillock.
The caves involve steep stone stairways — wear non-slip footwear and carry water. Udayagiri is taller and more rewarding.
Photography is permitted on the hillocks. Use a wide-angle lens for cave interiors — natural light is best before 10 AM.
Allow 2–3 hours for both hills. Hire an ASI-approved guide (₹200) for the Hathigumpha inscription interpretation.
Location Map
Image Gallery
