Is the Khandagiri climb difficult?

It involves a steep flight of steps to the summit temple; manageable for most visitors in reasonable health but worth pacing, especially in warm weather.

What is at the top of Khandagiri hill?

An active Jain temple still in use for worship, along with panoramic views over Bhubaneswar.

Should I visit Khandagiri and Udayagiri together?

Yes, they face each other across the road and are almost always visited as a single outing.

monument

Khandagiri Caves

Bhubaneswar

WhatsApp Us +91 7008588317

Khandagiri, facing Udayagiri across the road, is the second of the twin Jain rock-cut cave hills near Bhubaneswar. Its caves are generally smaller and simpler than Udayagiri's, but the summit holds an active Jain temple and offers a wide view over the city.

Because it requires a steeper climb than Udayagiri, Khandagiri is often visited more selectively, but the summit temple and view make the additional effort worthwhile for travellers with reasonable mobility.

History and context

Like Udayagiri, the caves at Khandagiri date to the 2nd century BCE and were used by Jain monks; later renovations and additions, including the summit temple, reflect continued Jain use of the site into more recent centuries.

Why visit

City views from the hilltop, among the better vantage points in Bhubaneswar
An active Jain temple at the summit, still in worship
A natural pairing with Udayagiri directly across the road

Things to see

Ananta Gumpha carvings
Summit Jain temple
Panoramic view of Bhubaneswar from the top

How to reach

About 7 km from Bhubaneswar city centre, directly across the road from Udayagiri

Travel tips

The summit climb involves a steep flight of steps — pace yourself and carry water
Combine with Udayagiri as one outing since both are covered by proximity and a shared ticket area

Plan your journey

Tour packages including Khandagiri Caves

Carved elephant guardian at the Udayagiri caves

2 Days / 1 Night

heritage · culture

Bhubaneswar Heritage Tour

Bhubaneswar

Lingaraj Temple exterior and Old Town walk
Mukteshwar and Rajarani temples
Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves

value itineraryView itinerary

Lingaraj Temple spire against a clear morning sky in Bhubaneswar

8 Days / 7 Nights

heritage · culture · pilgrimage

Odisha Culture & Heritage Tour

Bhubaneswar — Puri — Konark — Cuttack — Raghurajpur — Pipili

Lingaraj, Mukteshwar and Rajarani temples in Bhubaneswar
Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves
Konark Sun Temple with a licensed guide

comfort itineraryView itinerary

The Lingaraj Temple tower rising above the old town of Bhubaneswar

6 Days / 5 Nights

heritage · culture · pilgrimage

Odisha Temple & Culture Circuit

Bhubaneswar — Cuttack — Puri — Konark — Raghurajpur — Pipili

Chronological Kalinga temple walk through the Bhubaneswar old town
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Jain rock-cut caves
Dhauli's Ashokan rock edicts and Shanti Stupa

comfort itineraryView itinerary

Low sunlight raking across the carved stone wheel at Konark Sun Temple

7 Days / 6 Nights

photography · culture · heritage

Odisha Photography Journey

Bhubaneswar — Konark — Puri — Raghurajpur — Chilika — Mangalajodi

Sunrise at the Konark Sun Temple before tour groups arrive
Blue-hour temple architecture in the Bhubaneswar old town
Puri's fishing fleet and morning beach activity

premium itineraryView itinerary

Read before you go

Travel guides for this trip

Destinations · 8 min read

Bhubaneswar Travel Guide: The Temple City

Bhubaneswar, Odisha's capital, holds one of India's densest concentrations of surviving temples, headlined by the 11th-century Lingaraj Temple.

FAQs