Explore the Diamond Triangle’s ancient Buddhist sites, uncovering art, spirituality, and history in Lalitgiri, Udayagiri, and Ratnagiri’s majestic ruins.
Explore the Diamond Triangle’s ancient Buddhist sites, uncovering art, spirituality, and history in Lalitgiri, Udayagiri, and Ratnagiri’s majestic ruins.
- Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation - Ratnagiri is a true gem, often referred to as the “hill of jewels.” Envision a peaceful sanctuary atop a mountain that once served as a prestigious Buddhist educational center, possibly rivaling the famous Nalanda! As you wander through the expansive ruins of monasteries with intricately carved entrances, you’ll be…
- Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation - Ratnagiri is a true gem, often referred to as the “hill of jewels.” Envision a peaceful sanctuary atop a mountain that once served as a prestigious Buddhist educational center, possibly rivaling the famous Nalanda! As you wander through the expansive ruins of monasteries with intricately carved entrances, you’ll be transported to a time when Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism flourished. The statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva, crafted between the fifth and thirteenth centuries, are truly magnificent.
- Udayagiri - Our next stop is Udayagiri, famously known as the “sunrise hill.” It is the largest among the diamond triangle sites. Imagine vast monastic ruins nestled among picturesque hills. The surrounding landscape is absolutely stunning. Here, you’ll find two large monasteries, massive stupas, and captivating rock-cut sculptures. Together with the bathing ruins, the tranquil isolation of the site offers a glimpse into the past, a moment frozen in time filled with unsolved mysteries.
- Lalitagiri - Our journey concludes at Lalitagiri, the oldest and most revered of the three. This site is of great importance due to the discovery of what are believed to be Buddha’s bone fragments within ancient stupas. The ruins of massive stupas and monasteries here suggest a continuous Buddhist presence from the post-Mauryan era to the 13th century CE.
- Bhubaneswar - Travel from Bhubaneswar and return.
- Private transportation
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Guide
- Private transportation
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Guide
In the 7th century, the Chinese monk Hiuen Tsang documented three Buddhist universities in the Odisha hills—Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitagiri—operating since the 1st century CE, alongside Nalanda and Taxila. Archaeologists discovered what are believed to be the Buddha’s bone relics within the stupas at Lalitagiri, marking it as one of India’s most…
In the 7th century, the Chinese monk Hiuen Tsang documented three Buddhist universities in the Odisha hills—Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitagiri—operating since the 1st century CE, alongside Nalanda and Taxila. Archaeologists discovered what are believed to be the Buddha’s bone relics within the stupas at Lalitagiri, marking it as one of India’s most revered Buddhist sites. Despite this, the Diamond Triangle of Odisha remains largely unknown compared to Nalanda, with its hilltop monasteries standing in serene isolation.
This exclusive tour explores all three sites with an expert guide who vividly narrates the history of Buddhist civilization in Odisha. The tour includes a private car from Bhubaneswar, an expert guide, all entry fees, and a local lunch.
5 Senses Tours is accredited by the Department of Tourism and has received the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award and the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
