Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves were formerly called Kattaka Caves or Cuttack Caves. Udayagiri and Khandagiri are two adjacent hills mentioned as KumariParvata in the Hathigumpha inscription and both the caves are situated here. These caves are partly natural-partly artificial; Udaygiri has 18 caves, and Khandagiri has 15. The ornately carved caves built date back to the 1st century BCE. Most of these caves were carved out as residential complexes for Jain monks under King Kharavela. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has listed these caves in the list of "Must See" Indian Heritage.