Udaigiri, Madhya Pradesh Travel Guide

Explore ancient rock-cut caves near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, showcasing Hindu and Jain art from the Gupta period.

The Udaigiri Caves, near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, are a remarkable complex of 20 rock-cut caves dating back to the Gupta period (4th-5th centuries CE). These caves, dedicated primarily to Hindu deities like Vishnu and Shiva, also feature Jain iconography, showcasing India's rich religious diversity.

A brief summary to Udaigiri

Udaigiri, Madhya Pradesh, IN

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Udaigiri.

October to March is the best time to visit, as the weather is mild and pleasant.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is some walking and climbing involved.
Carry drinking water, as there are limited food options near the caves.
Photography is allowed, but avoid flash photography near the sculptures.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum

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Explore Udaigiri on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Udaigiri, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

From Vidisha, the Udayagiri Caves are approximately 8 km away. Take the Vidisha-Udaigiri road, which passes through lush green fields. Parking is available at the entrance of the Udayagiri Cave complex, and it is free.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Vidisha. A taxi ride to Udayagiri Caves from Vidisha will cost approximately INR 200-300. Agree on the fare before starting the journey.

Discover more about Udaigiri

The Udayagiri Caves, meaning 'sunrise mountain,' are a group of twenty rock-cut caves located near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh. Carved primarily between the 3rd and 5th centuries CE during the Gupta period, these caves stand as a testament to the artistic and religious heritage of ancient India. The site is located approximately 8 kilometers from Vidisha and 10 kilometers from Sanchi, making it easily accessible by road.The caves are carved into a sandstone hill and contain some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in India. While most caves are dedicated to Hindu deities like Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, and Kali, one cave is dedicated to Jainism, illustrating the religious diversity of the time. The caves served as sacred sanctuaries for Jain and Hindu ascetics seeking solace and spiritual enlightenment.Key caves to explore include Cave 1, known as the 'Suraj-Gupta' or cave of the Sun God, featuring a colossal sitting figure of the sun god. Cave 3 is dedicated to Kartikeya, the war god, showcasing simple yet elegant carvings. Cave 4 houses a Shiva linga and is flanked by the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna. Cave 5 is perhaps the most celebrated, featuring the colossal Varaha panel depicting Vishnu in his boar avatar rescuing the Goddess Earth. Cave 13 contains the Anantasayana panel, which depicts a resting figure of Vishnu as Narayana. Cave 20 is the only cave dedicated to Jainism and features the image of the Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha.Visiting the Udayagiri Caves offers a unique opportunity to explore glorious history, refined arts, intricately carved sculptures, and beautiful cave architecture in central India. The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, ensuring the preservation of this important cultural landmark.