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Undavalli Caves
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · India

Undavalli Caves

Getting around: About 8-10km from central Vijayawada, roughly 20-30 minutes by road, on the opposite bank of the Krishna River. Reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
Hours: Open daily, roughly 9am to 5:30pm.

Undavalli Caves are rock-cut cave temples dating to around the 4th-5th century CE, originally built with Buddhist and Jain influences before being converted to Hindu use, most notably housing a large reclining Vishnu statue carved from a single block of granite on one of the upper floors. The caves are cut into a hillside across the Krishna River from Vijayawada, and the multi-story rock-cut design is architecturally distinctive.

It's a relatively compact site but historically significant given its multi-religious layering (Buddhist/Jain origins later adapted for Hindu worship), and it's an easy, worthwhile half-day add-on to Vijayawada sightseeing.

Undavalli Caves FAQs

What's the significance of the reclining Vishnu statue?

It's a large statue carved from a single block of granite, housed on one of the cave's upper floors, considered the site's most notable single feature.

Were these caves originally Hindu?

No, they were originally built with Buddhist and Jain influences around the 4th-5th century CE, before later being adapted for Hindu worship, a layering that's part of the site's historical interest.

How far is it from Vijayawada?

About 8-10km, roughly 20-30 minutes by road, on the opposite bank of the Krishna River.

How long does a visit take?

1-1.5 hours.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, a modest entry fee applies.

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