Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves One of the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut shelters, the caves of Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hills) command a unique position in the filed of history, rock-cut architecture, art and religion. The two hills rise abruptly from the coastal plain, about six km west of Bhubaneswar.
These caves contain several important monuments of art and history.
Most impressive is Rani Gumpha (Cave 1) - a structure with two floors, adorned with exquisite stone carvings and Ganesa Gumpha (Cave 10) with its beautiful stone carvings. But also many other caves here contain beautiful ornamentation and sculptures. Thus Vyaghra Gumpha (Cave 12) has amazing entrance part, formed lika a giant head of phantastic monster.
From Bhubaneswar, Udayagiri is the hill on the right and access to its 18 caves is provided by a flight of steps. The largest and the most beautiful, Cave 1, Rani Gumpha or Queen's Cave, off the pain path to the right is double storeyed. Excavated on three sides of a quadrangle with fine wall friezes and some recently restored pillars, not exactly architectural marvel, but has some beautiful sculptures.
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