Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: 2026 Guide & History
Explore Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves in Bhubaneswar with our guide covering Rani Gumpha, King Kharavela history, Hathigumpha, timings, and ticket fees.
The twin hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri on the western perimeter of Bhubaneswar comprise 33 rock-hewn caves dating back to the second and first centuries BCE. Carved into honey-colored sandstone under the patronage of Mahameghavahana Emperor Kharavela, the complex represents one of India’s earliest surviving examples of non-Buddhist rock-cut monastic architecture.
Key Takeaways
- The archaeological site encompasses 33 rock-cut sandstone caves split across Udayagiri (18 caves) and Khandagiri (15 caves).
- Dating back to the 1st century BCE, the complex served as a residential retreat for Jain ascetics during the reign of Emperor Kharavela.
- Cave 14 on Udayagiri features the famous 17-line Hathigumpha inscription etched in the ancient Brahmi script and Prakrit language.
- The monument is open daily from sunrise to sunset (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM), with entry tickets priced at ₹25 for Indian nationals and ₹300 for foreigners.
- Rani Gumpha, the largest double-storied pavilion, displays elaborate friezes depicting royal hunts, military victories, and everyday court life.
The site is divided by an arterial road, with Udayagiri (Sunrise Hill) on the right and Khandagiri (Broken Hill) on the left. The monastic shelters preserve historical inscriptions, stone relief carvings, and naturalized rainwater harvesting systems.
Architectural Significance and Monastic Design
Unlike the structural temples built in later centuries across Odisha, the caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri were excavated directly from exposed bedrock. They were designated under statutory oversight by the Archaeological Survey of India Heritage Regulations to ensure the physical preservation of these ancient Jain retreats.
Architecturally, the caves served as residential quarters (lena) for Jain monks rather than grand congregational temples. Cells feature low ceilings, sloping stone floors designed as pillows, and narrow doorways that insulated meditating ascetics from coastal heat.
Exploring these hills remains one of the foundational tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar for understanding early regional art. Friezes carved along the verandas show decorative railings, winged mythical creatures, and lotus rosettes that influenced subsequent temple sculptures.
| Site Feature | Archaeological and Structural Metric |
|---|---|
| Total Excavated Caves | 33 rock-cut cells (18 in Udayagiri, 15 in Khandagiri) |
| Historical Period | 2nd to 1st century BCE (Chedi / Mahameghavahana dynasty) |
| Primary Inscription | 17 lines in Brahmi script at Hathigumpha (Cave 14) |
| Largest Single Structure | Rani Gumpha (double-storied residential complex) |
| Sanctuary Elevation | Approximately 110 feet (33 meters) above surrounding plain |
| Operating Hours | 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (open 365 days a year) |
Jain Spiritual Heritage and the Kalinga Jina Legacy
Centuries before the spread of Buddhism in eastern India, Jainism formed the dominant religious tradition of ancient Kalinga. According to historical Jain records, Lord Rishabhanatha (the first Tirthankara) had deep associations with the hills and coastline of eastern India.
A central narrative etched into the region’s epigraphy concerns the Kalinga Jina, an idol representing the spiritual sovereignty of Kalinga. The idol was carried off by King Mahapadma Nanda of Magadha during an invasion in the 4th century BCE.
The restoration of this sacred icon became a defining geopolitical victory after the devastation of the Kalinga War history. During his 12th regnal year, Emperor Kharavela marched into northern India, defeated the rulers of Magadha, and reclaimed the Kalinga Jina for his capital city.
Jain philosophy helped shape core values of Odia culture, including vegetarianism and ascetic community arts. The halls of Udayagiri reflect this heritage of disciplined spatial design and spiritual reverence.
The Reign of Emperor Kharavela and Hathigumpha Inscription
Mahameghavahana Kharavela ruled as the supreme sovereign of Kalinga during a period of remarkable military, maritime, and infrastructural resurgence. His achievements contrast with the later monumental architecture seen at the Konark Sun Temple stone architecture.
The definitive historical ledger of his reign is the 17-line Hathigumpha Inscription Historical Record engraved inside Cave 14. Inscribed in Prakrit using early Brahmi characters, this text outlines an exact annual chronicle of his public and military campaigns.
In his fifth year of rule, Kharavela extended an ancient irrigation canal built three centuries earlier from the Tansuliya river into his royal capital. His eighth year saw military expeditions past Rajagriha to the Barabar hills, turning back invading western forces.
By his thirteenth year, having established trade links and secured the eastern seaboard, Kharavela patronized the construction of these rock retreats for monks on Kumari Parvata (Udayagiri hill).
Top Caves to Explore on Udayagiri Hill
Udayagiri contains 18 numbered caves, several of which feature sophisticated architectural elements and decorative relief bands. Detailed records of these excavations are cataloged in the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Monastic Survey.
Rani Gumpha (Cave 1) is the largest and most ornate structure in the entire complex. The double-storied courtyard features pillared cells, running verandas, and continuous sculptured narrative panels depicting royal processions, wild elephant hunts, and court musicians.
Cave 2 (Bajaghara Gumpha) and Cave 3 (Chhota Hathi Gumpha) display compact single cells with carved guardian figures. Cave 10 (Ganesha Gumpha) houses two prominent sculpted elephants flanking its entry steps, alongside panels illustrating the folk romance of Shakuntala.
Cave 14 (Hathi Gumpha) forms a spacious natural rock cavern that shelters the famous inscription of Kharavela. Nearby, Cave 12 (Bagh Gumpha) is carved in the shape of a snarling tiger with its open mouth functioning as the entry doorway.
Notable Shrines and Reliefs on Khandagiri Hill
Khandagiri Hill rises across the road with 15 numbered caves that emphasize Jain iconography and medieval pilgrimage additions. State heritage projects documented under Odisha State Heritage Conservation Initiatives safeguard these upper hillside pathways.
Cave 3 (Ananta Gumpha) features rich decorative arches containing reliefs of Gaja-Lakshmi, the Sun God Surya riding a four-horse chariot, and celestial beings carrying floral garlands. Its architectural layout marks a bridge between Maurya-era excavation and classical Odishan relief styles.
Cave 7 (Navamuni Gumpha) and Cave 8 (Barabhuji Gumpha) were converted during the Somavamshi period in the 10th and 11th centuries CE. They display detailed high-relief sculptures of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras alongside their associated female protective deities (Sasana Devis).
During the winter month of Magha, the base of the hill hosts the annual week-long Khandagiri Mela festival. The gathering brings traditional monks, opera performers, and rural craft artisans from all parts of eastern India.
Timings, Entry Fees, and Ticketing Guidelines
The archaeological complex operates throughout the year from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can combine cave exploration with tours of the historic Lingaraj Temple in Old Town to experience Bhubaneswar’s multifaceted religious history.
Tickets for Udayagiri are purchased at the computerized ASI booking counter or online via the official ASI monument portal. Entry to the Khandagiri hill caves remains free of charge for all visitors.
| Visitor Category | Entry Fee (INR) | Payment Methods and Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Citizens and SAARC / BIMSTEC | ₹25 per person | Cashless UPI, debit card, or ASI QR portal |
| Foreign Nationals | ₹300 per person | International credit cards or ASI web booking |
| Children Below 15 Years | Free Entry | Valid age proof required at the turnstile |
| Still Camera Photography | Included in ticket | Commercial film equipment requires advance permit |
Morning hours between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM offer the most comfortable temperatures and ideal lighting for inspecting stone relief panels before daytime heat peaks.
How to Reach the Caves and Sightseeing Advice
The caves are located six kilometers west of downtown Bhubaneswar along the Khandagiri-Chandaka thoroughfare. Day visitors can easily travel between the cave complexes and the wildlife reserves at Nandankanan Zoological Park by local taxi or public bus.
City buses on Mo Bus Route 10 and Route 11 connect the Bhubaneswar railway station and master canteen square with the Khandagiri square at frequent 15-minute intervals. Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs operate regularly across the urban ring road.
Travelers should wear walking shoes with rubber soles, as the stone surfaces can be slick along inclined pathways. Rhesus macaque monkeys are common on the upper slopes; visitors should keep food items and personal bags securely fastened.
The entire circuit through both hills requires two to three hours of active walking. Shaded stone benches and visitor water kiosks are available along the landscaped central entrance gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Udayagiri and Khandagiri
What are the visiting hours for Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves?
The complex remains open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM throughout the year. The morning hours between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM offer optimal natural lighting for viewing stone inscriptions.
What is the ticket price to visit the caves?
Admission to Udayagiri costs ₹25 for Indian citizens and ₹300 for international tourists, while children under 15 enter free. Khandagiri hill has no entry fee and is freely accessible to the public.
How many caves are located across the two hills?
The complex contains a total of 33 excavated rock-cut caves. Udayagiri features 18 caves, while the adjacent Khandagiri hill contains 15 caves.
What is the historical importance of the Hathigumpha inscription?
The 17-line Brahmi inscription inside Cave 14 records the royal biography and military triumphs of Emperor Kharavela. It provides foundational chronological evidence for the political history of ancient India during the first century BCE.
Which annual fairs or celebrations take place at Khandagiri?
The prominent Khandagiri Mela takes place every winter around Magha Saptami, drawing thousands of spiritual ascetics and visitors. Travelers can discover similar regional events in our directory of cultural festivals in Odisha.
