A walk through the silent hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri
The rocks of the twin hills of Khandagiri & Udaygiri were painstakingly hand carved and tunneled, to create this unique stone cut ancient residence for Jain monks. Not only are these caves a testimony to the architectural genius of ancient India, but they also bear messages of love, compassion, and religious tolerance.
The origin of the rock cut caves of Udaygiri and Khandagiri dates back to the 1st or 2nd Century BC. The caves were built by King Kharavela of the Meghavahana dynasty. The caves were excavated on the Kumari Parvat range and is divided into two parts, Udaygiri and Khandagiri. Of the original 117 caves that existed and mentioned in the records of that era, only 33 of them exist, 18 of them are in Udaygiri and 15 in Khandagiri. The major attractions are the Hathigumpha (Elephant cave) which bears the inscription of Kharavela, the Ranigumpha, Ganeshgumpha, Byaghragumpha (Tiger cave).
These caves were primarily used as living quarter for the Jain recluses. In keeping with the austerity practised by them, the caves are shorn of any creature comforts
The caves are an important treasure of history as the inscriptions, particularly Kharavela’s inscriptions on the Hathigumpha is probably the only source of recorded history of an era that is shrouded in mystery and is lost.
| What to expect | Guided walkthrough - Ancient Cave Architecture - Rock Carvings and Inscriptions - Quest of Spirituality - Forest Trails - Monks and more! |
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| What to Bring | Hat or umbrella, sunscreen, camera and comfortable walking shoes. |
| Fitness Requirement | Moderate level of fitness is required for the walk. |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Timings | Every Saturday, 6.00 am |
