Udayagiri and Khandagiri, Orissa

Udaygiri and Kandhagiri Caves are located on the hills that are about 6 km from capital city of Orissa, Bhubaneswar. This twins caves are famous for exotic carved sculpture friezes on the wall of caves. Twins hills are believed to be a home of Buddhist and Jain monks way back to 2nd century. Khandagiri and Udaygiri means “broken hills” and “hill of the sunrise” respectively. These two hills rise 40m above the surrounding lateritic and infertile plain. Khandagiri Caves are on a hill top that can be reached through a steep path, on the right of the caves, there is another cave known as Ananta Cave, which house some beautiful carved figures of elephants and women. It is a beautiful experience to see the whole Bhubaneswar city from the hill top. There are series of ancient Jain temples lined up on the top of the hills. “Rani Gupha or Queen’s Place” cave is two storeyed and most impressive among all. There are exquisite sculptures carved on the walls, huge pillars are also depicts religious and royal scenes. Most of the caves were the homes of Jain monks who mulled over in the caves survived an ascetic life. The cave bore no comfort, only built to give basic shelter. Ramya K. A student of history says, "There are places where you can sense the past, i had a same feeling during my visit to Udaygiri and Kandhagiri Caves. We were in a trip from our college and enjoy it fully."

Who Designed It ? Great Jain king Kharavela, modeled these caves for the dwelling of Jain monks. Located at 6 km from the main city Bhubaneswar, these caves are believed to be built around 2nd century B.C. Historically and archaeologically and historically these caves are significant as 13 year of megalithic record of rulers like Chetis' (Chedis). Kudepasiri and Vadukha are engraved on the walls and pillars of the caves.

Bollywood stalwart in Udayagiri and Khandagiri World famous actor Amitabh Bachchan echoed through dark and lonely facades of the twin caves with his sonorous voice mesmerized numerous tourists for the son-et-lumiere project at the Udaygiri Khandagiri caves.

Dhauli Giri Situated at 8 km away form Bhubaneswar, this place is special for it rock edicts of King Asoka, bore witness to the bloody war of Kalinga. Dhauli was the place where king Asoka self-reproached and embraced Buddhism. The place is excellent for picnic. Lingaraj Temple One of the famous Orissa’s temple for its symmetrical sculptures carved on its 45 m high spire, this temple is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu and shiv Linga. Four day chariot festival is very famous during the month of March-April, when Lingaraj is drawn on his chariot to Ramaswara temple. Bindusara Bindusara also known as “Ocean Drop” is a huge tank located on the north of the Lingaraja temple and believed to have the water from all the sacred rivers and lakes of India. It is said that bathing and drinking the water cure any disease of the stomach. Hundreds of pilgrims visit every day for a holy bath in this tank. Location : About 6 km from capital city of Orissa, Bhubaneswar. Best time to Visit : October - February Getting There Bhubaneswar host a series of temples and exotic tourist destination. Therefore, it is not at all problem for any traveler to roaming around. Regualr flights as well as buses, taxis and other vehicles are easily available. By Air : Bhubaneswar hosts many private airlines as well as Indian airlines. Airport is 3 km from the city and almost all the major cities in India are connected through air route. By Rail : Bhubaneswar has an excellent railway network, all the major cities are connected with Bhubaneswar. By Road : The national highway no.5 touches this capital city. The main bus stand is Barmunda that is 8 km away from the city center. From there you can take interstate bus to adjacent cities and town. Interstate bus services operate daily in between Calcutta and Puri via Bhubaneswar and Bhubaneswar to Tata Nagar (Bihar) Where to Stay : Bhubaneswar Hotels Excursion : Konark Sun Temple, Puri Beach, Gopalpur On Sea.