In the old times, Orissa was the powerful Kalinga Empire. And, thus this was the place where Ruler Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the bloodshed in Kalinga war with the Mauryan Empire. After embracing Buddhism, he erected several Buddhist structures like stupas, chaityas, caves and monasteries to promote peace. Orissa Buddhism Tour lets you explore all these wonderful sites in Orissa, in a span of 4 days and 3 nights. The meticulously-planned itinerary takes you to places and sites like Bhubaneshwar, Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Cuttack.
ORISSA BUDDHISM TOUR
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Day 1: Arrival in Bhubaneswar
As you arrive at the Bhubaneshwar Airport, meet our tour representation who helps you with an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities and rest for a while. In the afternoon, explore the Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves. A wonderful proof of early Jain rock-cut shelters, Khandagiri (Broken Hills) and Udaygiri (Hill of Sunrise) caves were mainly dwellings of the Jain ascetics, opening into the verandah or front open spaces. While Udayagiri has 18 caves, Khandagiri has 15 caves.
If time and energy permits, you can explore the other nearby attractions. The evening is at leisure. You can indulge in the activities of your interest.
Overnight stay.
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Day 2: Bhubaneswar
On the 2nd day, after breakfast get all set for sightseeing of Dhauli hills, a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. This site is just 8 km from Bhubaneshwar and is extremely popular amid the followers of Buddhism. An ancient center of Buddhism, Dhauli is the place where Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga war. It houses various important Buddhist structures such as the Peace Pagoda or the Shanti Stupa, rock edict of Ashoka as well as a Shiva temple.
Later, in the afternoon, partake in wildlife viewing at Nandankanan zoological park. Founded in the year 1960, it is a zoo cum botanical garden that is spread in an area of 400 hectares. The place is a treasure of rare plants and animals from the region. The evening is free for leisure activities.
Stay overnight.
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Day 3: Bhubaneswar – Lalitgiri – Ratnagiri – Cuttack
After completing the check-out formalities at the hotel early in the morning, the day is scheduled for visiting the other Buddhist religious site of the region. The first visit of the day is to Lalitgiri, one of the oldest Buddhist complex in the region, housing monasteries, stupas, Buddha images and more. Tantric Buddhism was practiced here. During excavation various Buddhist structures were unearthed. Explore the site.
Thereafter, get transferred to Ratnagiri, another popular Buddhist site in the region. Ratnagiri has several Buddhist sculptures screwed on the hills. One of the most popular findings of the excavation is a huge monastery belonging to Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Some of the other excavations include stupas, chaityas, and other monasteries as well as motifs. It is also known as the site of learning Tantric cult of Buddhism.
After completing the sightseeing, begin your road journey to Cuttack, the former capital city of Orissa. On arriving, visit popular tourist attractions of Cuttack including Barabati fort- belonging to the 14th century erected by the Ganga dynasty rulers, this fort contains of 9 storeys but us now almost in ruins and Chandi Mata temple- a temple dedicated the presiding deity of Cuttack- Mata Chandi.
Overnight stay in Cuttack.
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Day 4: Cuttack – Bhubaneswar for Departure
After breakfast on the last day of the tour, check-out from the hotel. Start your journey back to the Bhubaneswar airport / railway station to board a flight or train for your onward journey.
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