Diamond Triangle of Buddhism Ratnagiri Udayagiri Lalitagiri

5.0 (2 reviews) 9 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

2 reviews

5.0

Diamond Triangle of Buddhism Ratnagiri Udayagiri Lalitagiri — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Diamond Triangle of Buddhism Ratnagiri Udayagiri Lalitagiri, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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 and all entry fees.

5 Senses Tours is recognised by the Department of Tourism, a winner of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award and the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award.

Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Religious Tours Car Tours

At a glance

Duration: 9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: 5 Senses Walks

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–85 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee
Included: Guide

Itinerary

Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation

2 hours Admission included

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.
Udayagiri

2 hours

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.
Stop 3

2 hours

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.
Bhubaneswar

3 hours

Travel from Bhubaneswar and back.