Khandagiri–Udayagiri to Get a Heritage Makeover After 30 Years of Neglect
Bhubaneswar: The iconic twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, steeped in Jain heritage and ancient artistry, are finally set for a long-overdue transformation.
After three decades of infrastructural stagnation, the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the National Monument Authority (NMA), proposing a comprehensive redevelopment plan.
The initiative aims to enhance visitor experience while preserving the site’s archaeological integrity. Under the Integrated Development Model, the project will introduce modern amenities, including a cafeteria, amphitheatre, rest houses, and improved pathways.
Special provisions will be made for differently-abled visitors, alongside eco-friendly transport options and advanced parking facilities.
The plan also includes restoration of five sacred ponds—Ganga, Gupta Ganga, Akash Ganga, Shyama Kund, and Radha Kund—along with the creation of a cultural festival ground.
With over 450 medicinal plant species in the area, conservation efforts will be prioritised.
Declared a site of national importance under the Ancient Monuments Act (1958), Khandagiri will see no permanent construction in restricted zones. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will assess heritage impact before any work begins.
If approved, the facelift could redefine Bhubaneswar’s tourism landscape, turning the neglected hills into a vibrant cultural and ecological hub.
