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Offered languages
- English
When the Chinese monk Hiuen Tsang travelled through India in the 7th century he recorded three Buddhist universities in the Odisha hills — Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitagiri — functioning from the 1st century CE, contemporary to Nalanda and Taxila.
Within the stupas at Lalitagiri, archaeologists found what are believed to be bone relics of the Buddha, making this one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in India. Yet compared to Nalanda the Diamond Triangle of Odisha is almost completely unknown, its hilltop monasteries standing in remarkable solitude.
This private tour covers all three sites with an expert guide who brings the full story of Buddhist civilisation in Odisha to life.
Private car from Bhubaneswar, expert guide, all entry fees and local lunch included.
5 Senses Tours is recognised by the Department of Tourism, a winner of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award and the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will meet the guest in the lobby of their hotel.
Itinerary
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1Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation
Ratnagiri is the first jewel in our crown, often known as the "hill of jewels." Imagine a tranquil retreat on a mountaintop that was formerly a prestigious Buddhist educational institution, possibly even on par with the renowned Nalanda! You'll be taken back to a period when Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism were at their height as you explore the vast ruins of monasteries with beautifully carved entrances and come across hundreds of votive stupas. The Buddha and Bodhisattva statues, which were created between the fifth and thirteenth centuries, are incredibly beautiful.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
2
Next on our itinerary is Udayagiri, well known as the "sunrise hill." Among the diamond triangle sites, it is the biggest. Picture huge monastic ruins surrounded by charming hills. The surrounding scenery is very breathtaking. Two large monasteries, enormous stupas, and incredibly fascinating rock-cut sculptures can all be found here. When combined with the bathing ruins, the serene seclusion of the place is like a window into the past, one that is fixed in time and full of unsolved secrets.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
3Lalitagiri
The oldest and most sacred of the three, Lalitgiri, is where we end up. The remains of what are believed to be Buddha bone fragments were found inside ancient stupas, making this a highly significant place.Stories of an ongoing Buddhist presence from the post-Mauryan era to the 13th century CE are hinted at by the ruins of enormous stupas and monasteries that may be seen here.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
4Bhubaneswar
Travel from Bhubaneswar and back.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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