Bhubaneswar: At least eleven Australian students from city-based Centurion University joined the 73rd Monks, Caves and Kings Heritage trail at the Twin Hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri on Saturday.
The walk began in front of the facade of the Udayagiri Hill at 6.30 am and continued through the various caves. The visitors were enthralled by the story of the legendary emperor Kharavela and the sculpture panels along the caves.
Before the walk commenced the guests were presented with souvenirs that represented the distinct “Pattachitra” style of painting and local heritage motifs like postcards, bookmarks, stickers and organic pens containing seeds of various fruit and flower bearing trees.
The overcast sky and a swarm of winged ants (jhadi poka) added a magical touch to the walk.
Lisa, a member of the Australian team said, “I loved the explanation of the art panels. The entire monument was so serene and beautiful.”
Another student Irena said that the walk was very insightful and scenic.
