Undavalli Caves are a group of monolithic rock-cut cave Hindu temples and monuments. Carvings and Sculptures of Hindu deities and traditions are the main attraction of the caves, along with a huge Lord Vishnu statue. These caves are situated in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh state, India.
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You will be spellbound on seeing this magnificent rock-cut architecture, which is among the best ones anywhere in the world. Dedicated to Lord Narasimha and Anantha Padmanabha, the current petroglyphs are associated with Vishnukundi kings, who reigned between 420-620 A.D.
The largest cave is a four-story cave measuring 29 meters long and 16 meters wide. It is the best one among the caves here. It has a sculpture of Lord Vishnu, in a reclining posture, made of a single block of granite.
Indian rock-cut architecture finds one of its best forms, here at these magnificent cave temples. These caves are protected monuments of national importance. These caves are the finest examples of Gupta architecture.
Before these caves were converted into Hindu temples, Buddhist monks used these caves as Buddhist Bhikkhu Monastery. Remains Buddhist artifacts can be seen in some of these caves.
Even before that, these caves were believed to be Jain cave temples. These caves resemble the architecture of Udayagiri and Khandgiri rock-cut temples. The first floor of the four-story cave temple still retains the Jain style. It exhibits Jain monastics. Tirthankara (Jain saviour) sculptures can be seen in this cave.
How Do I Go to Undavalli Caves?
Undavalli caves route map can be accessed by clicking the above Google map.
Undavalli village is situated on the southern banks of the Krishna River. It is around 34 kilometers from the state capital, Amaravathi. Vijayawada – Amaravati road passes through Undavalli.
The nearest railway station is Vijayawada Junction railway station, around 11 kilometers away. The Railway Station code for this station is BZA.
NTR Amaravati International Airport at Vijayawada is the nearest airport to these magnificent caves.
Vijayawada and Guntur cities are at around 6 and 22 kilometers distance from the caves at Undavalli.
[…] and easily accessible via local buses, trains, or taxis. Whether you’re travelling from Guntur or Vijayawada, it’s a short and scenic journey through green paddy fields. The temple’s location amidst rural […]
[…] twin temples are believed to have been created during a period when rock‑cut architecture flourished across South India, showing influence from early Pallava and later Chola temple styles. […]
[…] Architectural elements show early rock-cut design that inspired future Indian cave temples […]
[…] stone carvings on the main walls. These carvings may have been made to educate the youth. These petroglyphs show the greatness of Indian art and architecture. These are considered to be the pinnacle of love […]
Very cool! Looking forward to visiting India one day and checking out these beautiful caves.
I have never heard of these, but from the pictures it looks like a very beautiful and unique place. Thanks for sharing!
Yes Samantha; its quite unique; and beautiful too.
Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this! Rock-cut architecture is so fascinating, it must have taken them so long back in the day. I’d love to visit India next year thanks for sharing 🙂
I agree with you Edelson. It must have taken many many years to create something like this. India has many such fascinating places and you will enjoy these places for sure.
We will be in India hopefully within the next couple months and these caves would be great for us to explore! They seem to contain a lot of interesting history between the time they changed from a Hindu Temple to now. Reminds me a bit of Batu Caves in Malaysia.
Please go ahead and explore these caves, Edith. It will not let you down.
This is such a historic place to see, I had no idea it even existed! It reminds me of some of the Hindu temples in Bali.
The rock cut architecture is superb. It’s hard to believe that this is over 2000 years old. I would love to see petroglyphs.
I had no idea that these caves and petroglyphs existed. It looks like a fantastic spot to learn a little history and marvel at the artwork of the caves. You’ve given my family a new place to visit!
Its a paradise for Historians, Lance.
Very cool! It looks incredible, I’d love to see some more photos!
Wow! how cool looking! So much history!
Wow!!! I didn’t know at all about this!!! Now it’s on my bucket list!!!! thanks for sharing!