Jain Caves Heritage Walk with Sanatan

The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, are a series of partly natural and partly artificial caves that hold significant historical, archaeological, and religious value. Dating back to the 1st century BCE, these caves were mainly used as residences for Jain monks during the rule of King Kharavela. They represent some of the earliest Jain rock-cut shelters in eastern India, with most inscriptions in Brahmi script and Magadhi Prakrit, documenting the Mahameghavahana dynasty. The site is divided into two hills: Udayagiri (Sunrise Hill) with 18 caves renowned for its carvings and royal inscriptions, and Khandagiri (Broken Hill) with 15 caves offering higher elevation views.