The Khandagiri-Udayagiri Twin Hills is known for the age-old histoic caves believed to have been built in the first centuary B.C. by celebrated Kalinga Emperor ‘Kharavela’ and his successors and has been enjoying the status of the protected monuments by Archaeologicl Surey of India (ASI) since 1912. The ancient inscription on Hati Gumpha (Elephant Cave) in Udayagiri and ancient cultural evidence in Rani Gumpha epitomise the oldest classic record of Odishan art and sculpture. The monumental stone figures of professional female dancers in these caves signify the oldest classical music and dance believed to have been originated from sacred land of Odisha. Based on the evidence of these oldest records, the twin hills richly deserve to be placed in the Guinness Book of Records. 

Located (Lat. 20.16.01 N; Long. 85.47 E) at the southern end of Bhubaneswar City on National Highway 5 the twin hills compose of Khandagiri (MSL 88 meters) and Udayagiri (MSL 84 meters) Hills. Both the hills together spread over 1.02 square kilometers. The ancient names of the hills were Kumar Parbat and Kumari Parbat respectively. The name ‘Khandagiri’ derives from two words namely  ‘khanda’ means  broken pieces and ‘giri’ means hill (khanda + giri = Khandagiri). Similarly the name ‘Udayagiri’ derives from two words, namely ‘udaya’ means sun rise and ‘giri’ means hill (udaya + giri = Udayagiri, the hill of sun rise). It was the hub of Jaina religious activities. Aira Kharavela was crowned as the third generation of Chedi King Dynasty. He built a royal copmlex of 113 exotic caves on the twin hills for the purpose of noble accommodation, meditation and recreation of his queen, princes, family members, relatives, royal employees and saints. Over the years many of these caves sustained ruins. The Archaeological Survey of India has now protected 33 caves (18 caves in Udayagiri and 15 caves in Khandagiri). At the top of Khandgiri Hill a Jain Templewas built inlate 19th century. The twin hills represent one of the earliest groups of Jaiarock-cut caves, essentially meant for the dwelling retreats of the Jaina recluses.