Jayadev Vatika

The basics

Jayadev Vatika is a popular place for Bhubaneswar residents to get out in nature without having to go too far from the city. Many people just come here to stroll and admire the flowers, green spaces, and artificial waterfalls that dot the park, while others come to picnic under one of the many shaded pavilions found throughout the site. Jayadev Vatika is not a major tourist destination, but visitors on private tours of Bhubaneswar can request a stop here.

Things to know before you go

• Jayadev Vatika is a must for families with kids, as well as for nature lovers.
• There’s a small admission fee to enter the park, with an additional fee for cars and motorcycles to enter.
• On-site facilities include a cafeteria with snacks and meals, shaded picnic areas, and restrooms.

How to get there

Jayadev Vatika is located in the Khandagiri area of Bhubaneswar, just west of the airport and about a 15-minute drive from the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. It's easy to reach by taxi or auto-rickshaw from other parts of the city. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are about a 10-minute walk away.

When to get there

The best time of year to visit Jayadev Vatika is between October and March, when conditions are typically at their driest. Weekends tend to be much more crowded than weekdays, so go during the week if you can to avoid the crowds. The early evening is a great time to come for a stroll, but make sure to wear bug spray to fend off mosquitoes.

Visiting the Khandagiri and Udaygiri Caves

A short walk from Jayadev Vatika, the Khandagiri and Udaygiri Caves are among the most significant archaeological sites in Bhubaneswar, and a must-see for history buffs. These two adjacent cave temple complexes feature over 30 caves, many adorned with well-preserved religious carvings. The caves were used as dwellings and meditation spaces for Jain monks as far back as the 1st and 2nd centuries BC.