Udayagiri Caves Bhubaneswar
Ancient rock-cut caves showcasing Gupta-era Hindu & Jain art, with a famous Varaha sculpture and scenic hilltop views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Udayagiri Caves Bhubaneswar
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient rock-cut caves showcasing Gupta-era Hindu & Jain art, with a famous Varaha sculpture and scenic hilltop views.
"A historical marvel with stunning views, though many caves are now inaccessible."
Carry Water Bottles 💧
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Drinking water is available at the site.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing some walking and climbing to explore the caves and enjoy the views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Varaha Carving
Cave 13
A colossal sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his boar avatar, lifting the Earth. A true masterpiece of Gupta-era art.
Panoramic Hilltop Views
Top of Udayagiri Hill
Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and Bhubaneswar city. A refreshing breeze often blows here.
Intricate Rock-Cut Architecture
Various Caves
Marvel at the detailed sculptures and reliefs depicting Hindu and Jain mythology, showcasing ancient craftsmanship.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Cave Exploration
Accessing the Ancient Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Carry Water Bottles 💧
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Drinking water is available at the site.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing some walking and climbing to explore the caves and enjoy the views.
Respect the Heritage 🙏
These are ancient sites; admire the carvings and structures respectfully.
Best for History Buffs 📜
Ideal for those interested in ancient Indian art, architecture, and mythology.
Tips
from all over the internet
Carry Water Bottles 💧
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Drinking water is available at the site.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing some walking and climbing to explore the caves and enjoy the views.
Respect the Heritage 🙏
These are ancient sites; admire the carvings and structures respectfully.
Best for History Buffs 📜
Ideal for those interested in ancient Indian art, architecture, and mythology.
Limited Inside Access 🔒
Many caves are closed off; enjoy the exterior details and historical context. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Udayagiri Caves to be a historically significant site with impressive rock-cut architecture, especially the Varaha carving. The hilltop views are a major draw, offering a peaceful escape. However, many caves are inaccessible, and facilities like refreshments and toilets are lacking, leading some to feel it's a 'modern day rock installation' if not approached with historical context. +2
"Good place - the view from the top is stunning. There are remains of many statues and caves, though most are closed off now. You’ll have to see the structures from outside the grilled entrances and tiny glass windows. Best to avoid visiting on hot days, as it can get warm, though the top always has a strong, cold wind blowing.
It’s a nice spot to explore, but can be skipped if time doesn’t permit in your itinerary"
Baidurjya Deka
"The Udayagiri Caves are twenty rock-cut caves near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh primarily denoted to the Hindu gods Vishnu and Shiva from the early years 3rd century CE to 5th century CE. One cave belongs to Jainism and rests twenty to Hinduism. They are the only site that can be verifiably associated with a Gupta period monarch from its inscriptions.
Heritage Walks should be organized in that area for tourists to make more people aware of this archeological marvel. Drinking water is available at the Cave site. It takes about 1-2 hours to see all the caves. But mistly caves are Licked we C'not see from in side only 5-6 Cave we can see properly."
SURESH MITTAL
"These are ancient group of rock-cut caves from the Gupta period. The highlight is the giant Varaha carving, showing Lord Vishnu in his boar form lifting the Earth. There are 20 caves with beautiful carvings of Hindu gods, and the site offers a peaceful vibe with scenic views from the hill. It's a great spot for history and art lovers, and perfect for a short day trip filled with culture and heritage."
Chinmay Agnihotri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Udayagiri Caves are located about 3 km south of Bhubaneswar. You can easily reach them by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or a rented car. The journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes from the city center.
Yes, there is a parking lot available near the entrance of the Udayagiri Caves complex.
While direct public buses might be limited, you can take a local bus towards Khandagiri and then a short auto-rickshaw ride to the caves. Taxis and ride-sharing services are more convenient options.
Yes, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are situated on two adjacent hills, making it easy to visit both as part of the same trip.
Exploring on foot is the best way to experience the caves. Wear comfortable shoes as there's some walking and climbing involved.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entry fee is required to visit the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves. It's advisable to check the latest ticket prices and timings before your visit.
The caves are generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's best to confirm the exact timings as they can vary.
Information on online ticket booking for Udayagiri Caves is not widely available. It's usually best to purchase tickets at the site.
Many caves are now permanently closed with steel mesh doors for preservation, so you can only view them from the outside. +2
There might be different entry fees for Indian citizens and foreign nationals. Check at the ticket counter for current rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You should allocate about 1-2 hours to explore all the main caves and enjoy the views from the top.
The main attractions include the giant Varaha carving, numerous rock-cut caves with sculptures, and panoramic views from the hilltop.
Official guides may be available at the site, or you can opt for a self-guided tour using information from guidebooks or online resources.
Climbing the rock formations is generally prohibited due to safety concerns and the presence of wildlife. Stick to designated paths.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography. Capture the intricate carvings and the grand Varaha sculpture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited refreshment stalls directly at the cave site. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit in Bhubaneswar.
No, there are no restaurants within the Udayagiri Caves complex. You'll need to travel back to Bhubaneswar for dining options.
Bhubaneswar offers a wide range of Odia cuisine, as well as other Indian and international food options.
📸 📸 Photography
The Varaha carving, the detailed reliefs on the cave walls, and the panoramic views from the hilltop are excellent for photography.
Photography is generally allowed in the open areas. However, due to mesh doors, interior photography might be restricted or impossible.
The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon provide the best natural light for capturing the details and the landscape.
Focus on the textures of the rock carvings and the scale of the Varaha sculpture. Wide-angle shots can capture the hilltop views effectively.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and archaeological sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1However, parents should be aware that many caves are closed off, limiting direct interaction. The climb can be tiring for very young children, so comfortable footwear and plenty of water are essential. Consider it more of an educational walk than a playground.
🏛️ History & Archaeology Enthusiasts
While the limited access to some caves might be a drawback, the remaining accessible ones and the overall historical context provide a rich experience. The site's relatively uncommercialized nature adds to its authentic appeal.
📸 Photographers
+1The hilltop views provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Be mindful of the lighting conditions inside the partially accessible caves and the potential for harsh shadows.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Gupta-Era Artistry
+2The most celebrated feature is the giant Varaha carving, depicting Lord Vishnu in his boar incarnation rescuing the Earth. This colossal sculpture is a highlight for many visitors, showcasing the dynamic style and detailed execution characteristic of Gupta art. Beyond the Varaha, numerous other caves feature exquisite carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as Jain Tirthankaras, providing a rich visual history lesson.
While many caves are now inaccessible due to preservation efforts, the remaining open ones and the exterior details still offer a profound connection to the past. The site's historical and religious significance, coupled with its scenic location, makes it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
Exploring the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Hills
+1Visitors can explore the caves by walking along the paths that wind up the hills. The climb offers not only access to the various cave chambers but also provides increasingly stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the city of Bhubaneswar. The atmosphere on the hills is often described as peaceful, offering a respite from the urban bustle.
It's important to note that while the hills offer a natural setting, access to some of the caves is restricted. The experience is more about appreciating the historical architecture from the outside and enjoying the scenic beauty.
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