ABOUT THE
Attraction
Literally meaning the sunrise hill, Udaygiri is the largest Buddhist complex in Odisha. It is composed of major stupas and monasteries. The site assumed further importance after recent excavations that revealed the ancient name of the monastery as Madhavapura Mahavihara. Excavations made here have revealed a sprawling brick monastery with a number of Buddhist sculptures. The archaeological remains at Udayagiri also include a beautiful stepped stone well with inscriptions on it, and rock-cut sculptures at the top of the hill. One monastery here is yet to be excavated completely. Chronologically, the Udayagiri Buddhist complex belongs to a later period than Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri, and the monasteries probably flourished between the 7th and the 12th centuries AD. Interestingly, although the site is located close to Ratnagiri, Udayagiri does not possess a number of Vajrayana sculptures. Much is still to be known about this site. Udaygiri is 8 kilometres from Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri is a further 5 km away.
The nearest prominent city is Cuttack, 70 km away
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Dhauligiri
Dhauligiri holds a very important place in the spread of Buddhism. It is said that the plains adjacent to the Dauli hill is where the Kalinga war was fought in 262 BC, after which, Mauryan emperor Ashoka, one of the most prominent followers of Buddhism, renounced violence and took to Lord Buddha's path.
Lalitgiri
With a Buddhist complex dating back to the 1st century AD, Lalitgiri is said to be one of the oldest Buddhism sites excavated in India.
Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is considered as one of the best discoveries among Buddhist monuments and sculptures in India. The findings include three monasteries, eight temples and a number of votive stupas believed to be dating from the 7th century AD.