Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves and Kala Bhoomi Museum: A Half-Day Heritage Trail from Patia

Quick answer: The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are Jain rock-cut caves from around the 2nd to 1st century BCE, on two facing hills in west Bhubaneswar. Kala Bhoomi, the Odisha Crafts Museum at Pokhariput, is a short drive away. Together they make a good half-day trip of 3 to 4 hours from Livotel Premium Hotel in Patia.

Part 1: Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves

The caves were cut into the sandstone hills mainly during the reign of King Kharavela of Kalinga, of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, as living quarters for Jain monks. There are 33 main caves: 18 on Udayagiri and 15 on Khandagiri. The site is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Highlights on Udayagiri

• Rani Gumpha (Cave 1): the largest cave, a two-storeyed monastery around a courtyard with long carved friezes.
• Ganesha Gumpha (Cave 10): known for its carved elephants at the entrance.
• Bagh Gumpha (Cave 12): carved to look like the open mouth of a tiger.
• Hathigumpha (Cave 14): home to the famous 17-line inscription of King Kharavela, in Brahmi script and the Prakrit language. It records his reign year by year, including public works, military campaigns and gifts to Jain monks.

Highlights on Khandagiri

• Ananta Gumpha (Cave 3): with carved friezes of animals, flowers and figures.
• Navamuni and Barabhuji Gumphas (Caves 7 and 8): with carvings of Jain Tirthankaras, added much later, around the 11th century CE.
• Jain temple at the top: a Digambara Jain temple, rebuilt in the early 19th century, with wide views over the city.

Tip: there is little shade on the hills, so go in the morning or late afternoon, wear comfortable shoes and carry water.

Part 2: Kala Bhoomi, the Odisha Crafts Museum

Kala Bhoomi opened in 2018 at Silpi Vihar, Pokhariput, on a campus of about 12.7 acres. Its galleries cover the crafts of Odisha, including terracotta, traditional painting such as Pattachitra, stone and wood carving, metal crafts, natural fibre crafts, tribal crafts and handlooms. It is a good way to see where the souvenirs in the markets come from.

Timings, tickets and getting there

Fees and timings can change, so confirm before you go. Distances are approximate. The Livotel front desk can help you arrange an auto or cab for the round trip.

Make a day of it

Combine the caves with Old Town’s temples; see our guide to 20 temples in Bhubaneswar. For handlooms and crafts to take home, read our shopping guide, and for more ideas see the best places to visit in Bhubaneswar.

Livotel Premium Hotel, Plot No. LP-862, Near KIIT Stadium, Prasanti Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024
Call +91 91146 07080 · Email livotelpremiumhotel@gmail.com · Book direct

Staying near KIIT or KIMS? See our guides: hotel near KIIT University · hotel near KIMS Hospital · KIIT Stadium guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need for Udayagiri, Khandagiri and Kala Bhoomi?

Allow about 1.5 hours for the caves and 1 to 1.5 hours for Kala Bhoomi, plus travel. A half day of 3 to 4 hours from Patia is comfortable.

Who built the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves?

Most of the caves were cut around the 2nd to 1st century BCE, mainly during the reign of King Kharavela of Kalinga, as homes for Jain monks.

Is Kala Bhoomi open on Mondays?

Kala Bhoomi is usually closed on Mondays. It is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on other days; check before you go, as timings can change.