Tourism at Udayagiri and Khandagiri Hill

[Full title: Problems and Prospects for the Promotion of Tourism at Udayagiri and Khandagiri Hill]

A number of hindrances which restrict the tourist flow to the site particularly to the Khandagiri hill are-

i) The unauthorized recently constructed mathas and temples endanger the monuments in the Khandagiri hill.

ii) Though, both Udayagiri and Khandagiri are centrally protected monuments no remarkable maintenance work has been taken up Khandagiri hillock to make it a tourist attraction. Only Udayagiri becomes the center of attraction for the people due to the well maintenance by ASI.

iii) Jaina images are being forcibly worshipped as Brahmanical deity and modern construction are being constructed gradually by defacing the monument and sculptures and by destroying the architectural ambience.

iv) The caves are now become the paradise for the unwanted sadhus as well as wayward, vagabonds and mischief mongers.

v) Yajnas and rituals conducted in front of the caves and the caves are used as dwelling places in the festive season spreading a wrong message to the heritage loving tourists.

However, the twin hill of Udayagiri and Khandagiri offers immense tourism delight and pleasure to the visitors owing to its rich and vibrant culture and captivating festivities. As a tourist hub it has been generating employment through a mix of activities of hotels, transport, shopping, food, entertainment and other areas. It not only gives the tourist a massage of our past but also creates direct and indirect employment. There is considerable scope for religious and recreational tourism. However, its full potential for tourism is yet to be realized.

The twin hills need immediate attentions for the tourist promotion at Udayagiri and Khandagiri in particular and Odisha in general which are as follows.

i) Proper conservation, preservation and beautification of these monuments and ensuring a plan development of the area surrounding these monuments.

ii) With the growth of tourists to the heritage site, the surrounding area becoming traffic chaos and prone to haphazard growth due to encroachments needs special notice.

iii) Basic amenities like drinking water facility, toilet and facilities for the physically challenge person should be provided and well maintained time to time.

iv) Adequate infrastructural facilities should be promoted in a large extent.

v) Trained guides with good behaving nature are the need of time for the tourist.

vi) Safety and security of the tourist should not be overlooked by any means.

vii) Cleanliness is most evident aspect which should be maintained in the heritage site.

Keeping in view of its cultural and historical value, the twin hills needs to be given utmost attention and care not only by public but also by Government sectors.