Ekamra Walks, the first guided heritage trail of the city, has been a motivational journey for students from Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) Bhubaneswar.
The young travel enthusiasts participated in the walk today. They were enamoured by the heritage hills in our city. The student groups have been part of the trails since its inception. They love the idea of storytelling and documentation and the impact it can have in preserving the heritage sites.
After a walk along the foothills of the two earliest rock-cut shelter homes of Jain monks, one gets insight into the lifestyle and tradition of the people that prevailed back then, through the beautiful intricate carvings on the walls of the storey houses. The sculptures and inscriptions have been engraved in precision, all throughout the stones that render a pleasant experience of the classical antiquity.
Saswati remarked that “The walk has been curated beautifully to ensure that history comes to life through stories and not just facts. The early morning vibe adds more charm to the experience”. Prakash and Reshma , a couple who had come all the way from Sundergarh were also grateful to have gained new insight into the heritage of the capital city.
Surrounded by lush greenery these caves are a treat to the eyes. Dating back to the 1st century BC and made of sandstone the Khandagiri Udaygiri Caves are the greatest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture.