Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves on the outskirts of Odishas capital, Bhubaneswar and about six km west of Bhubaneswar, separated by a highway are historic remnants of Indias rich past. The caves is one of the earliest Jain rock-cut shelters, the caves of Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hills) command a unique position in the field of history, rock-cut architecture, art and religion. The two hills rise abruptly from the coastal plain.
The hills house a number of caves, most of which have been carved out by Jain monks and artisans from the times of King Kharavel who belongs to Mahameghavahana dynasty. Not only these caves bears testimony to the architectural genius of ancient India, but also bear messages of love, compassion, and religious tolerance. The Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves which date back to the first century BC occupy an important tourist spot of Odisha (Orissa) and important destinations among the wonders of India.
The caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri are excavated near the top of the ledge or boulder and simply provided dry shelter for meditation and prayer, with very little amenities even for small comforts. The height is so low that it does not allow a man to stand erect. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations of Odisha (Orissa) and eastern India.