Udayagiri, Odisha Ruins

Udayagiri in Odisha is the site of famous rock-cut caves and shelters carved into a pair of hills on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar; together with nearby Khandagiri it forms a major early historic Jain site.

The location contains multiple carved caves and reliefs that served as monastic dwellings and devotional spaces, and it includes inscriptions and panels linked to rulers of the ancient Kalinga region.

The caves are typically visited for their sculptural decoration, carved facades and the well-known Hathigumpha inscription, which provides historical information about the period.

Located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, the Udayagiri cave complex sits on low hills that are accessible from the city and are a common short excursion for visitors to the region.

• Date and context: Part of a paired site commonly referred to together with Khandagiri, the caves are rock-cut Jain monastic shelters dating to the early centuries BCE and illustrate ancient Kalinga-period stonework.

What to See#

• Hathigumpha cave: A large multi-chamber rock-cut cave containing sculpted reliefs and inscriptions associated with Jain monastic use, and known for a prominent inscription relating to a Kalinga king.
• Rani Gumpha (Queen’s Cave): A publicly accessible carved shelter with decorated facades and interior panels depicting scenes from Jain tradition and daily life, visited as part of the cave group circuit.

Udayagiri (Udayagiri and Khandagiri complex near Bhubaneswar) is about 7-10 km from Bhubaneswar city center. From Biju Patnaik Airport or Bhubaneswar railway station, take a taxi or city bus toward the Udayagiri hill area; local signage guides visitors to the cave complex.

• Time a visit to coincide with local religious festivals if interested in seeing the caves used in ritual contexts - local calendars give the best dates.
• Bring a flashlight or use a guided tour - some caves have chambered darkness and low light levels even during the day.
• Respect the carved inscriptions and do not touch or lean on rock surfaces with frescoes or engravings.