Heritage Trail
Dhauli & Ratnagiri Buddhist Circuit
Where an emperor chose peace
About Dhauli & Ratnagiri Buddhist Circuit
The Kalinga War of 261 BCE ended on the banks of the Daya river at Dhauli, and its bloodshed turned Emperor Ashoka to Buddhism — a decision that reshaped Asia. The Diamond Triangle of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri preserves the monasteries and stupas that followed.
Places to visit in Dhauli & Ratnagiri Buddhist Circuit
Shanti Stupa, Dhauli
A Japanese-Indian peace pagoda with Ashokan rock edicts carved at its base.
Ratnagiri Monastery
Excavated 5th-century monastery with an exquisite carved doorway and colossal Buddha heads.
Lalitgiri
Odisha's oldest Buddhist complex, where a relic casket believed to hold Buddha's remains was found.
Udayagiri (Jajpur)
The largest Buddhist complex in Odisha, still being excavated.
What to eat
- ·Cuttack street food en route
- ·Dahi bara aloo dum
- ·Traditional Odia lunch at Jajpur
Photography spots
- ·Stupa against a sunset sky
- ·Ratnagiri doorway carvings
- ·Ashokan edict rock
Travel tips for Dhauli & Ratnagiri Buddhist Circuit
- ·Combine the Diamond Triangle as one full-day circuit from Bhubaneswar.
- ·Site museums close on Fridays.
- ·Dhauli's light-and-sound show is worth staying for.
Continue exploring
