Udayagiri Caves

The basics

Noteworthy caves include the Hathi Gumpha (Elephant Cave), inscribed with details of King Kharavela's life, and the 2-story Rani Gumpha (Queen Cave), which is full of carvings. There is also the Vyaghra Gumpha (Tiger Cave), shaped like the head of a large cat, and the Ganesh Gumpha, where you'll find a mix of Jain and Hindu iconography. Many Bhubaneswar tours visit the caves often before or after touring the Buddhist Shanti Stupa on Dhauli Hill.

Things to know before you go

• The Udayagiri Caves are a must-visit for fans of history and archaeology.

• You'll need a ticket to visit the caves, and an additional video camera ticket if you plan to film anything (even with your phone).

• The caves are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility concerns.

• Wear sun protection and solid shoes to keep yourself safe while exploring.

How to get there

The Udayagiri Caves are situated in the southern part of Bhubaneswar, around a 15-minute taxi or auto-rickshaw ride from the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. The easiest way to get there is by joining a tour that includes round-trip transportation from your hotel. Alternatively, you can hail an auto-rickshaw or call a taxi using a ridesharing app such as Ola.

When to get there

The Udayagiri Caves are open seven days a week, from morning until evening, throughout the year. The best time of day to visit if you want to avoid crowds (and hot temperatures) is first thing in the morning. Come between mid-October and the end of March for the mildest and driest weather.

The Khandagiri Caves

On a hill next to the Udayagiri Caves, the Khandagiri Caves complex consists of 15 caves that provided Jain monks additional dwellings and places to pray and meditate. Must-sees in the complex include the Ambika Gumpha, which features intricate carvings of yakshas and yakshinis (guardian spirits), and the Barabhuji Gumpha, which has sculptural depictions of Jain Tirthankaras carved into its walls.