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Odisha Part 11: Discovering the Jaina Heritage of Odisha at the caves of Udaygiri and Khandgiri

The Hindu and Buddhist history of Odisha , or rather, ancient Kalinga, is rather well known to everyone. Who hasn’t heard of the grand temples of Odisha – Puri, Lingaraj and Konark, or the great war of Kalinga which inspired Ashoka to convert to Buddhism? In contrast, very few know of the Jaina heritage of this region. This is quite a pity, since, just around 7 km from the city, is one of India’s most ancient inscriptions, which throws light on the Jaina heritage of Odisha. This inscription is the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, in the hills of Udaygiri. Udaygiri and Khandgiri are two hills located opposite each other, and both are testaments to the rich Jaina heritage of Odisha. The caves at Udaygiri are older, while Khandgiri is relatively newer, but has lasted much longer, and continues to be a place of pilgrimage for Jains even today. These hills, from inscriptions and excavations of caves, shrines and rock beds, appear to have been a haven for Jaina monks, right from the ...
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Memories of 2013 - Travel Vignettes - Jog Falls

What can I say about my visit to the Jog Falls this year, except, once again, show you a pic!!!!





If anything surpassed the gorgeous falls, it was sighting this fellow nearby!

Indian Tiger Centipede
Even after spending one whole day just looking at the falls, every time I see a new photo of the falls, I wish I can go there again. The feeling is especially strong, since this was yet another trip this year when we left Shankar behind! 

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  1. UnknownDecember 24, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    Really looked beautiful.

    DO coracle boat rides also run at this place. I have heard that somewhere near Shimoga, you will find the coracle.

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    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarDecember 24, 2013 at 8:32 AM

      Thanks Rachit. there are no coracles here, but there are boats/ coracles further down, on the sharavati... but no idea exactly where, since we went in monsoon,when boating isnt possible.

      Delete
  2. UnknownDecember 24, 2013 at 12:57 PM

    Beautiful blog.! For expend your holidays with beautiful places contact Travel to india!

    ReplyDelete
  3. sriDecember 26, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    is it possible to go down the waterfalls? i think this fall has acted in many films :)

    ReplyDelete

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