Name: Ancient Remains On Both Udayagiri & Khandagiri Hills Tickets
Brand: Staybook
SKU: ancient-remains-on-both-udayagiri-khandagiri-hills-tickets

Incredible experience on the Ancient! Our guide Rehaan expertly led us through diverse landscapes and unique cultural experiences. Every day offered something new, exciting, and insightful. I'd eagerly do it all over again!

The Ancient was incredible! Our guide Hema made the experience special with engaging stories and a genuine passion for the region. Each location visited offered a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It was a seamless and insightful journey from start to finish!

The Ancient was an absolute delight! The scenery was breathtaking, the culture was intriguing, and the food was out of this world. Our guide Chandran made everything feel effortless, ensuring we got the best experience possible. The balance between guided activities and free time was perfect, and I never felt rushed. This is a trip I will always treasure!

I had the most wonderful time on the Ancient! The places we visited were breathtaking, and our guide Ubika made the trip even more special. Highly recommend!

Duration

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Air Conditioned Car

Guide

<h3>Discover the Hidden Gems of Jain &amp; Buddhist Culture in Bhubaneswar</h3><p>Step beyond the familiar and explore the rich cultural heritage of Jainism and Buddhism on the tour. This carefully curated half-day experience takes you through some of India's most fascinating historical treasures, right in the heart of Bhubaneswar. Wander through the awe-inspiring Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, once a peaceful retreat for Jain monks, and let their intricate carvings and centuries-old stories transport you back in time.</p><p><br></p><h3>Ganesha Gumpha, Khandagiri Hill</h3><p> Perched on Khandagiri Hill, ~7 km from Bhubaneswar, Ganesha Gumpha shines as the tour’s spiritual beacon, a 1st-century BCE rock-cut cave on the “Broken Hill” that captivates with its vivid Jain carvings under the May morning sun. Named for its Ganesha relief (likely a later addition), this compact chamber glows with sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras, serpents, and floral patterns, carved for monastic meditation, the air serene with ancient devotion as your guide unveils its symbolic artistry, the hill’s breeze a foil to its sacred stillness—a tranquil plunge into Jain heritage. You’ll spend ~30 minutes exploring (~0.4 km walking/climbing), its intricate reliefs anchoring this half-day’s arc. The cave’s sculpted arches, meditative aura, and hilltop setting weave a scene of timeless sanctity, its spiritual presence a star of this ancient quest. For travelers, it’s a hallowed retreat—a cave where guided steps meet Jain reverence, launching your tour with contemplative awe.</p><p><br></p><h3>Chota Hathi Gumpha, Udayagiri Hill</h3><p> Nestled on Udayagiri Hill, a short walk from Khandagiri, Chota Hathi Gumpha emerges as the tour’s archaeological gem, a modest 1st-century BCE rock-cut cave on the “Sunrise Hill” that enchants with its subtle elephant carvings and weathered simplicity under the May light. Crafted as a Jain monk’s shelter during King Kharavela’s reign, this small chamber, named “Little Elephant Cave,” features faint reliefs of elephants and guards, whispering tales of Kalinga’s artistic dawn, the air alive with history as your guide highlights its minimalist charm, the hill’s greenery a foil to its rugged stone—a reflective pivot in this half-day’s arc. You’ll spend ~20 minutes exploring (~0.3 km walking), its understated artistry enriching the tour’s ancient narrative. The cave’s eroded motifs, natural rock texture, and quiet solitude weave a scene of enduring humility, its historical aura a star of this heritage quest. For travelers, it’s a primal relic—a cave where guided steps meet Kalinga’s roots, grounding your tour with ancient depth.</p><p><br></p><h3>Vyaghra Gumpha, Udayagiri Hill</h3><p> Tucked higher on Udayagiri Hill, Vyaghra Gumpha unfolds as the tour’s sculptural treasure, a 1st-century BCE rock-cut cave whose tiger-shaped entrance and delicate carvings captivate under the May sun, offering a vivid glimpse into Jain monastic life. Known as the “Tiger Cave,” its arched façade, shaped like a tiger’s jaws, guards a small chamber with faint reliefs of Jain symbols and ascetics, reflecting the era’s reverence for nature and spirituality, the air soft with mystique as your guide shares its artistic significance, the hill’s vistas a foil to its intimate scale—a poetic close to this half-day’s arc. You’ll spend ~25 minutes exploring (~0.3 km walking/climbing), its dramatic design fitting the tour’s ancient finale. The cave’s tiger motif, sculpted details, and serene ambiance weave a scene of timeless wonder, its creative aura a star of this Jain quest. For travelers, it’s an artistic portal—a cave where guided steps meet ancient ingenuity, wrapping your tour with evocative grace.</p><p><br></p><h3>Itinerary :</h3><h3>Day 1: Exploration of Udayagiri and Khandagiri Hills (~15-20 km / 4-5 hrs)</h3><ul><li>Pickup in Bhubaneswar: Pickup from Bhubaneswar hotel in a private AC car.</li><li>Drive to Khandagiri Hill: Travel ~7-10 km to Khandagiri Hill.</li><li>Khandagiri Caves Exploration: Explore 15 caves, including Ganesha Gumpha, with summit views.</li><li>Walk to Udayagiri Hill: Cross ~0.5 km to Udayagiri Hill.</li><li>Udayagiri Caves Exploration: Discover 18 caves, including Chota Hathi Gumpha and Vyaghra Gumpha.</li><li>Beverage Break: Enjoy palm juice and rasgulla (included).</li><li>Drive Back to Bhubaneswar: Return ~7-10 km to Bhubaneswar.</li><li>Drop-Off in Bhubaneswar: Drop-off at hotel.</li></ul><h3><br></h3>

This exclusively designed half-day tour will start with your driver picking you up from your hotel at 9:00 in the morning. Visit the two adjacent hills, an abode to numerous caves. Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves were formerly known as Cuttack caves and are believed to be the place to stay for Jaina monks. Behold the stories of these caves through its unique architecture.

Udayagiri Caves

Later move to visit the Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa (White Peace Pagoda), built on Dhauli Hill located on the banks of Daya River. It also has a Buddhist shrine and is home to the enlightening story of King Ashoka. The architecture of a place, speaks about its time. Explore all the stories of these mesmerizing hills. At the end of the tour, your driver will drop you back at your hotel.

Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa

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