Undavalli Caves

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India /Andhra Pradesh /Krishna /Vijayawada

Undavalli Caves Near Prakasam Barrage, Vijayawada. Edit

Detail InformationEdit

Undavalli Caves, located 6 km south-west from Vijayawada, are the caves cut-out in the sandstone hill in the 4th to 5th centuries A.D. Of all the caves, the largest one comprises of four stories and is enshrined with a huge statue of Lord Vishnu. The statue of Lord Vishnu is sculpted in a reclining posture from a single block of granite. Besides, the other caves located at the site are dedicated to Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. One of the main caves depicts the Gupta architecture, as these caves initially were shaped as a Buddhist monastery. These Buddhist monasteries were designed in the style of Buddhist vihara on the first floor. Dedicated to Anantapadmanabha Swamy and Narisimha Swamy, these caves are also associated with the Vishnukundina Kings of 420 to 620 A.D. These caves overlook the Krishna River and several specimens of rock cut Hindu architecture from above the hill.

Undavalli Caves, Vijayawada

HistoryEdit

Undavalli Caves are associated with Vishnukundina kings – influential dynasty ruling over significant part of contemporary India in 420 – 620 AD. Caves were dedicated by local governor Madhava Reddy to the Anantapadmanabha Swamy and Narisimha Swamy temples. First Vishnukundina kings were supporters of Buddhism and Undavalli Caves were started as Buddhist temples. For a while they were used by Buddhist monks and there have been preserved some Buddhist statues up to this day. Later though caves were taken over by Hindus and major part of artwork we see here today is related to Hindu religion. There is exciting legend about the cave – it tells that here starts 9 kilometres long underground passage leading to the sacred Mangalgiri mountain. Many locals believe in its existence and consider that the entrances have been closed and hidden by authorities to avoid accidents.

Must SeeEdit

Attraction

Visiting TimeEdit

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Closed OnEdit

N.A

Best Season to VisitEdit

Throughout the year

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning, Afternoon, Evening.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

2 – 3 hours.

Ticket Required : Yes Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : 5 per person

Kids Rs. : 5 per person

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : 5 per person

Kids Rs. : 5 per person

Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A

Video Camera Rs. : N.A

Guide Required : No Edit

Approximate cost: N.A

Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : Cabs in Vijayawada are available in plenty, and these cabs charge fares of around Rs 14 per kilometer. Cabs, buses and auto rickshaws will all be available from major places like the railway station. Friends Travels- Ph: 0866 2487999 ; Victory Travels- Ph: 0866 2545572

Bus : APSRTC buses connect Vijayawada with all other cities in Andhra Pradesh. Many tourist bus service providers offer deluxe, super deluxe and A/C bus services from Vijayawada to many major cities in South and Central India, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bangalore and Mumbai. These buses charge about Rs 2-4 per km.

Train : Vijayawada is an important railway Station on the Chennai – Delhi rail route. The station is connected to all railway stations in India. Regular train services are available from Vijayawada to Hyderabad (Satavahana Exp), Visakhapatnam (Vskp Garib Rath), Delhi (Swarnajayanti E), Mumbai (Konark Express), Kolkata (Vsg Howrah Exp), Chennai (Ghy Sbc Express) and Bangalore (Hte Ypr Express).

Air : Vijayawada airport is located at Gannavaram, which is about 20 km away from the city. Regular flights services are available from Vijayawada to Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. International travelers have to get connecting flights from Hyderabad. Taxi services are available from Airport to the city, costing about Rs 400.

Others : Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are also available in Vijayawada, with auto rickshaws being the faster mode of transport. They do not run on meter and fares have to be fixed or negotiated in advance. Tariffs during night travel may be one and a half times the actual rate. Cycle rickshaw rides are cheap and fares will range anywhere within Rs 5-15, but these rickshaws are very slow.