India /Orissa /Kandhamal / Udayagiri
Udayagiri in the district of Jajpur in has assumed further importance after the recent excavations conducted by archaeologists. The excavations revealed a sprawling complex of brick monastery with a number of Buddhist sculptures that were located at the base of a hefty hill. This monastery, which date back between 7th and 12th centuries AD, is indeed a worthy place for a visit. A favourite place of tourists, historians, researchers, and art lovers, this archaeological remains presents a rich heritage. Ongoing excavations in Udayagiri disclosed more and more Buddhist complexes, and a large number of sculptures found out from there are Boddhisattva and Dhyani Buddha. Though this is one among the three Diamond Triangles, the absence of Vajrayana sculptures is a misery to archaeologists. A still to be excavated site, Udayagiri offers the visitors a great insight to the history of Buddhism. The newly excavated monastery complex is situated on the backdrop of a magnificent hill and adventure buffs can have a good trek to the top of the hill. The heaving, and winding, all-weather approach road on the other side of Udayagiri is another added attraction. The sculptures unearthed from this great historic site revealed that these Buddhist establishments had a close connection to Gandharva and Mathura school of architecture. Udayagiri offers a vivid picture of a vibrant, the majestic ruins of the vast brick monastery, the remnants of the Chaitya hall, a number of votive stupas and a refurbished stone stupa at the summit of a small rugged sandstone hill, which overlooks the rural greenery around. The remains of these Buddhist monuments in Udayagiri will definitely mesmerize the visitor. A wandering tourist pursues in the historic city will be astonished to see an array of remarkable places, with much sculptural value, have withstood the beatings of time. Udayagiri weather shows much temperature variation between the seasons.
Udayagiri Caves
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Temples
Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours
Pincode: 524226
STD Code: 8620
Info Website: N.A.
Best Time to Visit: October-March
HistoryEdit
Udayagiri is quite latest as not much of it is known before the 14th century. The city was the capital of Langula Gajapati, who was the chief of the Gajapatis of Orissa. In the year 1512, the town came under the rule of Krishna Deva Raya, the ruler of the Vijayanagar dynasty. During his reign the entire city was fortified with walls all around. The fall of Vijayanagar Empire paved way for the Golconda rulers, under the leadership of Sultan Abdullah, who built two mosques and a garden here. The city further went to the control of the Nawabs of Arcot, who ruled here till 1839.
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How to ReachEdit
By Air : Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Udaygiri, which is nearly 90 km away from the heart of the Udaygiri city. It costs about Rs 1900 by taxi cab. The airport is connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. International travelers need to get connections through Kolkata, which is about 350 km from Udaygiri.
By Train : Nearest railhead is Ratnagiri (Orissa). Ratnagiri is a major railway junction. Regular direct train services are available from Ratnagiri to many cities in India, including Bhubaneshwar, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.
By BUS : Orissa road transport corporation buses connect Udaygiri to many cities in Orissa. Frequent bus services are available from Bhuvaneshwar (90 km), Cuttack (62 km) and Koark. Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) offer deluxe buses for sight seeing tours in Udaygiri, which costs about Rs 250 per person.
By Taxi : Taxis and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.
By Other : N.A.
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Safety / WarningEdit
- Beware of pickpockets as Udaygiri is a major tourist city in India.
HelplineEdit
- Ambulance : 102
- Fire Brigade : 101
- Police : 100
ItineraryEdit
N.A.