Udayagiri & Kandhigiri Caves

One of the earliest of Jain rock-cut shelters, the caves of Udayagiri dominates a prime position in eastern India in the fields of history, rock-cut architecture, art and religion.

Huge residential blocks for the Jain monks were carved out of the rocks at Khandagiri and Udayagiri in the 1st century BC, in the city of Bhubaneswar. These caves were also an excellent canvas for the detailing of various achievements of King Kharavela's reign.

There are about 18 rock- hewn apartments at Udaygiri alone, with the Hati Gumpha or Elephant Cave, bearing the well-known inscriptions of the king. Both he and his queen appear to have been great patrons of the arts.

In keeping with this patronage, the Queen's Cave is elaborately embellished with sculptural friezes and carvings of historical scenes and dancers in a variety of poses. The Ganesha Gumpha is well worth a visit. Khandagiri has also about 15 caves.