Undavalli Caves Vijaywada

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:

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. 

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

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  

First floor has better carved pillars and greater depth of caves. More attempt seems to have been made the structure useful and attractive 

Two large elephant heads have been carved out indicative of Buddhist architectural style. Depth of the caves vary on different floors 

This part is isolated from main structure with simple cells and some engravings 

  

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

Another view of reclining  Padmanabha Swamy

  

Different idols beautifully engraved on the hard cave walls 

Sitting near the feet of Padmanabha Swamy

Upper floor is much better chiselled out with many sculptures on the walls. In the far end is Ganesha 

The hood, Yaksha and a Rishi 

  

Long airy cool corridor of the first floor

Flowers on the pillars and in the back, engraved idols of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva 

Many decorations on pillars

  

Part of structure may have disappeared due to the effect of weather 

Meditation cells perhaps 

Rishis on the first floor 

View from top

                                                                    Panoramic view - 1/3

   

                                                                          Panoramic view - 2/3

  

                                                                          Panoramic view - 3/3