Transportation

Bus, Airlines
Accomodation

3 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude

5,416 metres
Departure from

Delhi
Best season

Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, March
Tour type

Festival Tour
Meals

All meals during the trip
Language

English
Fitness level

Easy to Moderate
Group Size

2-25
Minimum Age

1
Maximum Age

75
Group Size

2 - 25

Overview

Buddhism began to spread throughout Odisha roughly between the sixth and the fifteenth centuries, so much so that it was the state religion from the 8th to the 10th century. This state of India is also the place where King Ashoka fought the “Kalinga War” after which he decided to become Buddhist. Due to this rich Buddhist history of the state, it is home to more than 200 Buddhist sites and also its influence can be observed in the socio-cultural atmosphere of the state.

This Odisha Buddhist tour itinerary starts from the state capital Bhubaneswar and covers all the major sights including Khandagiri Caves, Udayagiri Caves, Konark Sun Temple, Mukteshwar Temple and much more with our guide introducing you to the whole history.

Highlights

Explore Odisha's rich Buddhist heritage with visits to ancient caves, temples, and monasteries.
Experience the cultural gems of Bhubaneswar, including the Mukteshwar Temple and Odisha State Museum.
Discover Dhauli's significance in King Ashoka's journey to Buddhism at the Dhauli Shanti Stupa.
Explore the Diamond Triangle of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri, important Buddhist sites in Odisha.
Immerse yourself in the ancient Buddhist center at Langudi Hill and Kayam Hill caves.
Conclude your journey with a departure from Bhubaneswar after exploring the region's Buddhist legacy.

Day 1 :

Bhubaneswar

Our agent will be waiting for you at the Bhubaneswar Airport when you arrive.
Check-in at the hotel, refresh and head out for an evening of city exploration.
Location covered:
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: These caves are located in front of each other and are a group of 33 Jain rock-cut caves. The caves are named after the hills they are situated on and are a small distance from town.
Come back to the hotel by night for an overnight stay.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3 Stars Hotel

Day 2 :

Bhubaneswar

The entire day will be devoted to our exploration of Bhubaneswar.
Mukteshwar Temple:The architecture of the Lord Shiva-dedicated Mukteshwar Temple shows a strong Buddhist influence. Every year, a festival of classical dance is held in the month of January.
Odisha State Museum – The museum’s collection began in 1932, and it now consists of eight distinct areas that cater to the interests of all visitors: Epigraphy and Numismatics, Armory, Mining and Geology, Natural History, Art and Crafts, Manuscript Gallery, Anthropology Gallery, and The Patta Painting Gallery.
You are free to explore the city for the remainder of the evening.
After dinner, spend the night at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 :

Dhauli

After breakfast, we will leave for a full-day excursion toward Dhauli.
Dhauli – It is believed that this hilltop on the Daya River’s bank was the scene of the Kalinga War, which led to the conversion of king Ashoka to Buddhism and his adoption of the five precepts.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa: This peace pagoda, which is located at the summit of Dhauli hill, honours Ashoka’s transformation from a warrior to a peace bearer.
The next stop of this one-day excursion is Konark Sun Temple.
This Sun God shrine is a magnificent example of Kalingan architecture and is a World Heritage Site (observe the influence of Buddhist culture).
The last stop of the day is Jagannath Temple.
Jagannath Temple: This Vishnu-focused temple dates back to the 12th century. The temple is built to never cast a shadow on the earth during any part of the day. The Nilachakra, the Mahaprasada, and the Arjun Stambha are three additional stunning statues in the temple.
Drive back to Bhuvneshwar for an overnight stay.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 :

Ratnagiri | Lalitgiri | Udayagiri

The day is planned to visit the diamond triangle of Odisha:
Ratnagiri: This location, which was excavated between 1975 and 1983, has the remains of a historic city and monastery that thrived from the fifth to the thirteenth centuries. The hilltop monastery built for peace served as a key Mahayana Buddhist centre. There are more than 700 stupas, ranging in size from huge to little, and each side represents a different Buddhist goal.

Lalitgiri – TThis Buddhist temple was built in the first century. This site has been the subject of extensive excavations since 1985 as a result of the discovery of four monasteries, artefacts, and other items. It is now regarded as a key Buddhist hub.

Udayagiri -Out of the three monasteries that make up Odisha’s diamond triangle, this one is the largest. A brick stupa, two brick monasteries, a lovely tiered stone well with inscriptions, and rock-cut sculptures at the top of the hill behind are the main highlights of this excavation complex.

We will return to Bhubaneshwar for the night’s stay.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 :

Lagudi

Following a delicious breakfast at the hotel, our guide will drive you to Langudi Hill.
Up to the 11th century, Langudi was a thriving Buddhist centre. According to historians, Pushapagiri, a centre for education, thrived there as well. We will see the earliest Ashoka stupa, 34 rock-cut stupas, and other ruins on the hill.
Take a tour through Kayam Hill cave’s most recent excavation site as you make your way back to Bhubaneshwar.
Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 :

Bhubaneshwar | Back to home