Location : Orissa
Famous for : Jain and Buddhist Temples
Best time to Visit : October to March
Attractions Around : Bindu Sagar Lake, Lingaraja Temple,
Nandankanan Zoo
About the Khandagiri Caves
A short drive of 6 km into the countryside from the capital of Orissa,
Bhubaneshwar and you come across two hillocks facing each other. A closer
look reveals an intricate maze of ancient caves beautifully carved and
adorned with stone sculptures. The Khandagiri caves as they are better known
were carved out of sandstone by Buddhist and Jain ascetics dating from 1st
century BC. Realising the importance of this architectural treasure, much
restoration work has taken place at the site in recent years under the
supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The caves can be accessed via a steep climb up the hill where the Ananta
Vasudev Cave with its stone elephants and other carved figures is worth
appreciating. Caves 1 and 2, also known as the Parrot caves because of the
figures of birds carved on its entrance are other must visits. Moving past a
series of Jain temples, one comes across the 18th century temple dedicated
to Lord Mahavira. A further climb leads to the top of the hill which affords
a panoramic view of Bhubaneshwar city.
Other Attractions in Bhubaneshwar
Bindu Sagar Lake
The man made Bindu Sagar lake is considered especially holy as it is said
to contain water brought from every holy stream, river, pool and tank across
the country. Each year, the deity from the neighbouring Lingaraja temple is
submerged in these waters for a ritual bath. The scenically beautiful spot
is especially famous among picnickers and holiday makers. It is said that at
one time there were as many as 7,000 temples bordering the lake, of which
only 500 remain at present.
Lingaraja Temple
Built during the 11th century AD, the Lingaraja temple is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. The temple complex is surrounded by a high wall, inside which are
several beautifully carved sculptures, ornate pillars and a number of
shrines. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, however a platform
built outside allows a bird's eye view of the temple proceedings.
Nandankanan Zoological Park
The zoo is known for its success in captive breeding of animals such as
white tigers, Asiatic lion, cheetah, black buck and crocodiles before
releasing them into their natural habitats. Some of the highlights here
include the lion and tiger safaris, reptile park, nocturnal house, acqarium,
toy train, boat rides and aerial cable cars.
Orissa Modern Art Gallery
The art gallery was founded by Tarakanta Parida, a local artist along with
a US citizen Karen Kent. The gallery has on display a range of oil, acrylic
drawings and sculptors, most of which are available for sale.
Stay At
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa is also an important pilgrimage centre.
The city boasts of quality accommodation facilities that ensure comfortable
and memorable stay. Some of the best staying options at the city include The
Oberoi Bhubaneswar (located at Nayapalli), The Trident Bhubaneswar (5 star,
15 min from railway station, 5 km from railway station and 4 km from bus
stand), Hotel Sishmo (4 star, 3 km from airport, 1 km from railway station
and 0.5 km from bus stand), Hotel Swosti (4 star, 3 km from airport, 0.5 km
from railway station and 8 km from bus stand), Hotel Keshari (3 star, 2 km
from airport and 5 km from bus stand) and Swosti Plaza (3 star, 10 km from
airport, 7 km from railway station and bus stand).
Getting There
By Air : The domestic airport at Bhubaneshwar is situated
just 3 km from the city centre. Indian Airlines provide regular services
connecting Bhubaneshwar with other major cities in India. A daily Indian
Airlines flight leaves Delhi at 11:45 and arrives Bhubaneshwar at 13:45.
More information can be obtained from Bhubaneshwar airport inquiry at 0674 -
2401084/2406472.
By Rail : Bhubaneshwar railway station is conveniently
located at the centre of the city. Delhi trains from Delhi to Bhubaneshwar
include the Purshottam Exp. and Kaligautkal Exp. The journey from Delhi
takes around 16 hours.
By Road : The Baramunda bus stand is located just 8 km
from the city centre. State transport buses provide regular services to all
the major cities across the state. Alternatively, taxis can also be hired
from any of the major neighbouring cities to reach Bhubaneshwar. Once inside
the city, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are the available means
of moving around.
Distance from Major Cities
- Calcutta : 441 Km
- Gaya : 774 Km
- Jamshedpur : 394 Km
- Ranchi : 556 Km
- Vishakhapatnam : 425 Km
