Undavalli caves are situated in north-west of Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh. The Caves are about 6 km from the Vijaywada town and are situated in Undavalli village. Hence the name Undavalli Caves. These caves are located on a hill which overlooks Krishna River.
This is a national monument looked after by Archaeological Survey of India. A popular destination of tourists visiting Vijaywada. It is open 9 am to 6 pm. Entry by ticket. No restaurant. No guide was available during our visit. Prakasam Barrage is nearby and can be added to your visit here. Some photos:
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| These Caves are of 4th - 5th century creation and have a style of Gupta period. These caves are also associated with Vishnu Kundina kings who ruled the area during 420-460 CE. |
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| These caves have been dugout in to sandstones and have imposing structure of four floors. A smaller part is on right side with a row of elephants carved out over cave entrance and two cells without doors. These are said to be used by Buddhist monks as residential quarters or guest houses |
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| Ground floor has eight cells and seven openings in facade looking towards east. Almost all of it looks rather crudely executed job. The hill overlooks Krishna river some distance away |
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| First floor has better carved pillars and greater depth of caves. More attempt seems to have been made the structure useful and attractive |
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| Two large elephant heads have been carved out indicative of Buddhist architectural style. Depth of the caves vary on different floors |
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| This part is isolated from main structure with simple cells and some engravings |
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| Reclining Ananta Padmanabha Swamy of 5 m length carved in a single piece of granite. Head is covered with hood of Naga. Walls are adorned with many idols |
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| Another view of reclining Padmanabha Swamy |
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| Different idols beautifully engraved on the hard cave walls |
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| Sitting near the feet of Padmanabha Swamy |
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| Upper floor is much better chiselled out with many sculptures on the walls. In the far end is Ganesha |
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| The hood, Yaksha and a Rishi |
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| Long airy cool corridor of the first floor |
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| Flowers on the pillars and in the back, engraved idols of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva |
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| Many decorations on pillars |
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| Part of structure may have disappeared due to the effect of weather |
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| Meditation cells perhaps |
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| Rishis on the first floor |
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| View from top |
Panoramic view - 1/3
Panoramic view - 2/3
Panoramic view - 3/3
