The largest Buddhist Complex in Orissa, Udayagiri in the district of Jajpur (20 kilometers north-east of Cuttack) has assumed further importance after recent excavations which revealed the ancient name of the monastery as Madhavapura Mahavihara. The excavations also brought to light a sprawling complex of brick monastery with a number of Buddhist sculptures. The entire area is found located at the foothills of a large hill that acts as an imposing backdrop.

The archaeological remains at Udayagiri consist of a brick stupa, two brick monasteries (one excavated and the other still unexcavated), a beautiful stepped stone well with inscriptions on it, and rock-cut sculptures at the top of the hill behind. Chronologically, the Udayagiri Buddhist Complex is later than Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri, and the monasteries probably flourished between the 7th and the 12th centuries A.D.

The large number of exposed sculptures from the excavations, as well as those still in situ, belong, obviously to the Buddhist pantheon and consist of Boddhisattva figures and Dhyani Buddha figures. Interestingly, although the site is located close to Ratnagiri (about 5 km), Udayagiri does not possess a number of Vajrayana sculptures. Much is still to be known about this site. In its present state, Udayagiri provides visitors a grand sight with its newly excavated sprawling monastery complex that has to be reached through a long stairway. The un-excavated area poses a mystery to archaeologists, art lovers and lay visitors alike with the prospects of the hidden treasures that lie buried. Adventure seekers will be thrilled by the ascent to the hilltop. The hilly, serpentine, all-weather approach road on the other side of Udayagiri is another added attraction.

Best time to visit Udayagiri Monuments -
The ideal time to visit these historic caves would be from October to March.

The largest Buddhist Complex in Orissa, Udayagiri in the district of Jajpur (20 kilometers north-east of Cuttack) has assumed further importance after recent excavations which revealed the ancient name of the monastery as Madhavapura Mahavihara. The excavations also brought to light a sprawling complex of brick monastery with a number of Buddhist sculptures. The entire area is found located at the foothills of a large hill that acts as an imposing backdrop.

The archaeological remains at Udayagiri consist of a brick stupa, two brick monasteries (one excavated and the other still unexcavated), a beautiful stepped stone well with inscriptions on it, and rock-cut sculptures at the top of the hill behind. Chronologically, the Udayagiri Buddhist Complex is later than Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri, and the monasteries probably flourished between the 7th and the 12th centuries A.D.

The large number of exposed sculptures from the excavations, as well as those still in situ, belong, obviously to the Buddhist pantheon and consist of Boddhisattva figures and Dhyani Buddha figures. Interestingly, although the site is located close to Ratnagiri (about 5 km), Udayagiri does not possess a number of Vajrayana sculptures. Much is still to be known about this site. In its present state, Udayagiri provides visitors a grand sight with its newly excavated sprawling monastery complex that has to be reached through a long stairway. The un-excavated area poses a mystery to archaeologists, art lovers and lay visitors alike with the prospects of the hidden treasures that lie buried. Adventure seekers will be thrilled by the ascent to the hilltop. The hilly, serpentine, all-weather approach road on the other side of Udayagiri is another added attraction.

Best time to visit Udayagiri Monuments -
The ideal time to visit these historic caves would be from October to March.

How to Reach -

By Air : The nearest airport is in Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa.

By Rail : The nearest railway station is at Cuttack.

By Road : One can easily get buses as well as taxis from almost all the major cities in Orissa, such as Bhubaneshwar.

Where to Stay -

Tourist can stay at Patharajpur to visit these Buddist trails. Comfortable and economical accommodation arrangements can be availed at Patharajpur (STD code-06726). The list of the hotels are here :

Hotel's Name & Address Hotel's Name & Address Panthasala, Patharajpur, P.O.-Balichandrapur, Dist-Jajpur. Nirvan Hotel, Pathrajpur, Ph.-(M) 9437178582

Tourist can also stay at either at Jajpur or Chandikhol (STD code-06728). Comfortable and economical accommodation arrangements can also be availed in these places.

The list of the hotels are here :

Hotel's Name & Address Hotel's Name & Address Biraja Panthasala, Jajpur, Ph.- 222029 Bisram Lodge, Jajpur. Manobilash Lodge, Jajpur, Ph.- 222134 Hotel Satya, Bada Bazar, Jajpur, Ph.- 223751 Hotel Lucky, Jajpur town, Jajpur, Ph.- 222415 Hotel Ashraya, Haraparbati Chhak, Jajpur town. Ph.- 224243 Jyoti Lodge, Bus Stand, Jajpur town. Ph.- 222893 Panthika, Gokarnika. Ph.- 06725-273728/273729 Hotel Mid East, Chandikhol. Ph.- 06725-220318/221918 Yatrinivas, Mahabinayak.