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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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Wild Encounters in Gir

Ever since I returned from a short and unexpected trip to Gir, I have been asked the same question - "Did you see a lion?" Our main interest in visiting sanctuaries seems to be the sightings of the big cats... and no wonder. They are so rare these days! Our Gir trip was eventful and full of adventure. But did we see a lion? Read my post on the Club Mahindra Blog to find out!!!


Click here to read the post. 
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Comments

  1. Samaresh BiswalMay 29, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    during the monsoon time will there be safari taking place ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 3, 2012 at 5:53 PM

      There are safaris during monsoon, Samaresh, but it depends on the state of the weather and the roads. they dont take advance bookings for that period, so it is simply your luck. in any case, chances of sightings during the monsoon are low. but on the other hand, the forest will look beautiful and you will have it to yourself since there will not be any crowds!

      Delete
  2. SmitaMay 31, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    Hey, have left a comment in the club mahindra blog but wanted to say nice blog you have here :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 3, 2012 at 5:55 PM

      Thanks so much, Smita!! But i wasnt able to see your comment over at the club mahindra blog :(

      Delete
  3. Ritu DuaJune 1, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    So finally you could get a glimpse of the lion! i can well relate to your excitement mixed with nervousness as I had a similar experience while on a wild safari in
    Tanzania. Well it is a wonderful experience indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anuradha ShankarJune 3, 2012 at 5:54 PM

    Thanks Roopa!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Shilpi GemawatNovember 8, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Lucky you!!! Great that you were able to view the lion after all! Gir is one of my most memorable and the first wildlife safari too. You can read my Gir experience and the see the pics at http://lovethewild.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/my-first-jungle-safari-gir/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Shilpi GemawatNovember 8, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Lucky you!!! Great that you were able to view the lion after all! Gir is one of my most memorable and the first wildlife safari too. You can read my Gir experience and the see the pics at http://lovethewild.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/my-first-jungle-safari-gir/

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJune 27, 2018 at 11:44 AM

    Thanks for sharing your experience.

    ReplyDelete

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