Khandagiri Caves
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Among Bhubaneswar's oldest attractions, the Khandagiri Caves are a grouping of 15 rock-cut cave temples that date back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. The caves were built by Kharavela, who was the ruler of the Meghavahana Dynasty at the time, as a refuge for Jain monks.
The basics
The Khandagiri Caves are usually visited in tandem with the adjacent Udayagiri Caves, and the two sets of caves are considered a collective attraction. Highlights of the Khandagiri Caves include the Barabhuji Gumpha, which features sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras, and the Ambika Gumpha, with its carvings of the yakshas and yakshinis (guardian spirits). Many tours of Bhubaneswar include a trip to the caves, which are often visited in conjunction with the nearby Buddhist stupa atop Dhauli Hill.
Things to know before you go
- The Khandagiri Caves are a must for travelers interested in history and archaeology.
- You'll need to purchase a ticket before entering the cave complex, and the use of video cameras costs extra.
- The caves are not wheelchair-friendly, and solid, comfortable footwear is advised.
How to get there
The Khandagiri Caves are located in the southwestern part of Bhubaneswar, about a 15-minute taxi or auto-rickshaw ride from the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. While you can go on your own, it’s much easier to join a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation from your hotel. Many tours also include the services of a guide.
When to get there
The Khandagiri Caves are open daily from morning until early evening. Visit first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and to beat the heat of the day. As with most attractions in Bhubaneswar, the best time of year to visit is between mid-October and March, when the weather is at its coolest and driest.
Visiting Dhauli Hill
Tours to the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves typically also visit Dhauli Hill, about a 30-minute drive away. The main attractions here include the hilltop Dhauli Shanti Stupa, nicknamed the "peace pagoda," and a carved "edict of Ashoka," an inscription attributed to the Emperor Ashoka that's guarded by an ancient carving of an elephant.
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