Photo spot in Bhubaneswar
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Twin hills of ancient rock-cut Jain monk cells (2nd c. BCE), carved with figures and inscriptions, with city views.
Best time
Early morning, when the sun reaches into the carved verandas; late afternoon for the view from Khandagiri's top.
Best angle
Stand in the courtyard of the Rani Gumpha and shoot up at both storeys, so the columns and the frieze line fill the frame.
Entry fee
₹25 (Indian) / ₹300 (foreign)
Opening hours
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
Early morning, when the sun reaches into the carved verandas; late afternoon for the view from Khandagiri's top. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
Stand in the courtyard of the Rani Gumpha and shoot up at both storeys, so the columns and the frieze line fill the frame. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
By the carved cave cells
At the hilltop viewpoint
Outfit guide
What to wear at Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
For photos at Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves, ochre, white and rust work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Bhubaneswar.
Eat nearby
Food near Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for pakhala bhata nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Start on Udayagiri, where the finest carving is, then cross the road to Khandagiri.
Arrive at opening; the rock gets hot and glaring by 11 am.
Keep food and water bottles inside a closed bag because of the monkeys.
Wear shoes with grip, as the worn steps are uneven and slippery after rain.
Look for Kharavela's inscription on the Hathi Gumpha, above the cave entrance.
Climb to the Jain temple on Khandagiri for the best view over the city.
Keep your ticket handy; it may be checked at more than one point.
Two hills of monks' cells
On the western edge of Bhubaneswar, two low sandstone hills face each other across a road. Around two thousand years ago Jain monks lived here in small cells cut into the rock, many with carved verandas. Udayagiri, the sunrise hill, has 18 caves; Khandagiri, the broken hill, has about 15.
Udayagiri first
Most of the carving is on Udayagiri. The Rani Gumpha, or Queen's Cave, is two storeys high with a courtyard and long friezes of processions, dancers and animals. The Ganesha Gumpha and the Hathi Gumpha are nearby. On the Hathi Gumpha, a long inscription records the deeds of King Kharavela, a Jain ruler of Kalinga in the 1st or 2nd century BCE. It is one of the oldest historical records in the region.
Across to Khandagiri
Khandagiri's caves are plainer, but its steps lead to a hilltop Jain temple, still in use, and views over the city. It is a steeper climb than Udayagiri.
Tickets and timing
The site is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and ticketed. Go early. The rock reflects heat by late morning, and the verandas are best lit in the first hours after opening.
Monkeys
The resident monkeys are bold. Keep food out of sight, zip bags and do not hand anything over.
Getting there
The caves are about 6 km from the Old Town and close to the Jaydev Vihar area, so they pair well with lunch at Kanika.
Questions
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves?
Early morning, when the sun reaches into the carved verandas; late afternoon for the view from Khandagiri's top. Stand in the courtyard of the Rani Gumpha and shoot up at both storeys, so the columns and the frieze line fill the frame.
Is there an entry fee at Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves?
Entry to Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves costs ₹25 (Indian) / ₹300 (foreign). Prices change, so treat that as a guide and confirm at the counter.
What are the opening hours of Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves?
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves is open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
What should I wear at Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves?
Ochre, white and rust photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the sun reaches into the carved verandas; late afternoon for the view from Khandagiri's top.
What food should I try near Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves?
Try pakhala bhata, available at nearby restaurants.
Who built the Udayagiri caves?
They were cut for Jain monks, mostly in the time of King Kharavela of Kalinga, around the 1st or 2nd century BCE.
Which is the best cave to see?
The Rani Gumpha on Udayagiri, a two-storey monastery with long carved friezes.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate. Expect uneven steps on both hills; Khandagiri is steeper. Allow about two hours for both.
Are the caves still used by Jains?
The caves are a monument now, but the temple on top of Khandagiri is in active Jain worship.