Bhubaneshwar, INDIA
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Odisha has a rich heritage of Buddhism with over 200 Buddhist stupas, viharas (monasteries) and statues scattered over the state. Though Buddhism became part of Odisha long before the Kalinga War, it gained momentum under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka, moulding art, literature, architecture, sculpture, philosophy and lifestyle of the people. The three most impressive sites in the Buddhist Circuit of Odisha combine to form the Diamond Triangle. Enlighten yourself at the trio of Buddhist monasteries at Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitigiri during a trip to India.
Odisha is a treasure trove of Buddhist architecture, with the most impressive sites being the complex of monasteries at Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitigiri, collectively referred to as the Diamond Triangle.
Ratnagiri is famous for the most extensive Buddhist ruins in Odisha, including two quadrangular monasteries, eight temples and about 300 smaller stupas. Flourishing as a centre of Buddhist art and architecture between the 5th and 13th centuries, Ratnagiri was a part of the ancient Puspagiri University, along with the other two sites of Lalitgiri and Udayagiri. A brilliantly carved entrance portal leads to a monastery of 24 brick cells with a curvilinear roof, votive stupas and arresting statues. Over two dozen heads of various sizes of meditative Buddhas were found during excavations here.
Udayagiri, considered to be the most picturesque of the three monasteries, offers views of rolling hills in a semi-circle. The stupa has four seated stone statues of Lord Buddha, facing four cardinal directions. The monastic complex of 13 cells and a huge statue of Buddha is a marvel for its vaulted arches. The site is unique for a gallery of Buddhist rock-cut images and the lion statue at the base of the hill.
The oldest of the trio, Lalitigiri, is believed to date back to the 1st-century and reached its zenith during the 13th-century. The main stupa, prayer halls and votive stupas form a photogenic set of ruins. Spending some time at the modern museum that houses six galleries with displays including a collection of rare artefacts and statues of Buddha will be a great addition to your personalized holiday in India.
Transport: Private Car 
Activity level: Easy
Accessible to wheel chair: Yes 
Kid friendly: Yes 
Languages: English and Local Language 
Inclusions: •Professional Guide •Entry fees (if any) •Mineral water bottle •Pick-up drop from hotel by AC Vehicle Lunch ar Lcal Restaurant 
Exclusions: Personal Expenses and Souvenir. 
Gratuities: Not included in tour cost;payable at guest's discretion 
Meet up location: Hotel Pick Up 
End of tour location: Hotel Drop Off Duration: Half Day Price: upto 2 adults ₹5580 | Price upto 2 adults | : ₹5,580 |
| Children | : Complimentary for children below 10 years |
25% of the total cost will be charged, if cancelled 15 to 10 days prior to the tour date.
50% of the total cost will be charged, if cancelled 9 to 5 days prior to the tour date.
No refund if cancelled less than 5 days prior to the tour date.
For group size more than 4 adults, write to us at info@footprintholidays.com
We can arrange other language speaking guides based on your request and availability
The tour can be customised to suit your needs like change of time, change of pick-up point, etc. You can write to us to info@footprintholidays.com customise your tour as per your preferences.
I will begin by saying that I had a FANTASTIC time in India. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken and I'm truly looking forward to hopefully having you book other trips for me in India.
I must say everything was planned to perfection. Each guide in every city was knowledgeable; especially the guide you arranged for us in Udaipur. We really enjoyed getting to know our guides Musheer and Kishore. We experienced the real India and appreciated the detailed itinerary your team created for us. The hotels were fantastic! In every hotel, the chef paid us a visit to make sure that we had meals suitable for us. We also enjoyed all the extra shopping excursions that were suggested.
The trip was a mega success and your team did a great job. Thanks to Footprint for everything. The entire family had a great time! The exclusive kalaripayattu demonstration was absolutely engaging and we loved every bit of the special private stand-up by Alex Babu (of Alex in Wonderland fame).
Thank you for a great trip! We especially enjoyed driving through the desertland into Jaisalmer; we also thoroughly enjoyed Bikaner, its Havelis and the Fort. Catching the daily life in Mumbai was a unique and eye-opening experience! All the hotels chosen are excellent with wonderful staff. Thank you!
Thank you for a wonderful trip to Kerala. We loved the village life walk and Fort Cochin walk. The backwater cruise in a traditional country boat was an incredible experience. A meal with the local family, living on an island in the backwaters, offered us an excellent opportunity to interact, learn and share. We loved every minute of our holiday! Thanks!
As a solo traveller, I felt safe and was exceptionally well taken care of. The cooking class in Jaipur was extremely enjoyable. The food, chef, and his wife were all exceptional and made for a lovely evening. Also, our expectations were definitely exceeded at a private residence, spending time with the elephants and lunching. Thanks!!
I loved India and thank you very much for arranging everything. It was a fabulous trip. Big kudos to you and your team. The tour guides and drivers were excellent. I loved the artisan walk, discovering the artistic treasures of Udaipur, meeting local potters and painters.
Thanks for arranging everything to precision – it was super smooth and we had a very good darshan!
Thanks for organising a great trip to Lucknow and Varanasi. The hotels at both the places were excellent; we had a great guide in Varanasi who went beyond the designated tour route and showed us around. The food tour in Lucknow was amazing and re-discovering the Awadhi Cuisine was a great experience – the kebabs were out of the world!
It was a terrific experience to spot the King of the jungle in all their glory at Gir. We had a very good experience overall.
It was a perfect leisure getaway – thanks for organising this! We loved the French Connection Trail; the guide took us through the French quarter sharing some incredible stories from the colonisation. We enjoyed the hotel and the service!