One of the finest specimen of rock cut architecture, the Undavalli Caves, are there for you to see in the Undavalli village which is located in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. The classic Undavalli Caves were supposedly carved out from solid rock way back in 4th-5th century and is today quiet well known for its 5 m long reclining statue of the Buddha. There is also a reclining statue of Lord Vishnu carved out from a single piece of granite.

The Undavalli Caves are dedicated to Anantapadmanabha Swamy and Narisimha Swamy and also house shrines dedicated to Brahma, and Shiva. The caves are basically four storeyed structures occupying a hill that towers over the Krishna River.

To explore Undavalli, you can make Vijayawada your base. Vijaywada is around 6 km away from Undavalli and is well connected to the rest of the state. It is the third largest city of Andhra Pradesh and is located on the banks of the Krishna River in Krishna district. The city has a number of tourists attractions within and in the surrounding area like Bhavani Island, Gandhi Hill, Hazrat Bal Mosque, Kanaka Durga Temple and Kondapalli Fort. You can also explore them during your trip to the Undavalli Caves.


Quick Getaways

• Guntur City : Guntur city is 22 km away from the Undavalli Caves and has a number of attractions of its own like churches, temples and nature parks. Some of these are Temple of Chaturmukha Brahma Lingeswaralayam dedicated to Lord Brahma and St. Matthew's West Parish Church. The city is also a venue for a number of parades, street festivals and outdoor pageants.
  
  
• Amravati : Located 16 miles north east of the Guntur city, Amravati is known as one of the most important Buddhist destination. Amravati is home to the Maha Chaitya Stupa which is decorated with carvings depicting the life and teachings of the Buddha.
  
  
• Bhattiprolu : Bhattiprolu is located 20 miles south west of Guntur city and is known for its Buddhist stupas. Findings here have also led to the discovery of crystal relic casket of sarira dhatu of the Buddha from the central mass of the stupas.
  
  
• Kesanapally : This is yet another worthvisiting place for a Buddhist tourist. Archaeological findings here have unearthed remnants of a Stupa and Vihara. A number of lime stone panels showing full and half lotus medallions were also excavated from here.
  
  
• Vaddamanu : Located 10 km southeast of Amravati, Vaddanam village is where the archaeological discoveries have brought to surface a Maha Stupa, two votive stupas and platforms, sculptured panels, Maharathi and Satavahana coins, Brahmi label inscriptions and early historic pottery.