Joranda
Situated in Dhenkanal district of Odisha it is famous for its temple Joranda Gadi and the festival Mahima Mela which attracts thousands of tourists all over the world. The Mahima Dharma was spread through Mahima Goswami's Samadhi Peetha. Although its principles appear to be similar to those of Panchashakha, Buddhism, Tantra, and Jainism Mahima as Dharma is a separate religion in the history of Indian religions. At Joranda, the great saint lit a perpetual flame known as the 'Akhanda Dhuni' which is still burning today. Inside the temple you will find no image worship is practiced. Joranda Gadi is a temple constructed at the intersection of three villages: Joranda, Natima, and Patna. The Joranda Mela also known as Magha Mela and Mahima Mela is a renowned fair in Odisha that takes place every year on the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Magha on Magha Purnima day which falls in January or February.
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.
Transport facilities:
Airport - Bhubaneswar
Railway Station - Dhenkanal
Chandragiri
Chandragiri is widely known as Mini Tibet and it is situated in breathtaking valley of Odisha's Gajapati district which is famous for its Tibetan community and Buddhist monastery. Padmasambhava Mahavihara Monastery was inaugurated by Dalai Lama and is the largest Buddist Monastery of Eastern India. This region is blessed with natural bounty and is known for seasonal fruits, Tibetan woolen clothing, carpets, and different dog breeds. It is an ideal tourist destination due to its unique spectacular and appealing environment which is surrounded by lush tropical forests, babbling rivers, and majestic mountain slopes.
Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM.
Transport facilities:
Airport - Bhubaneshwar
Railway Station - Berhamp
Dhauli Giri
Image Source: Dhauli.net
It is known as the site of the Peace Pagoda or Dhauli Shanti Stupa. Held by the solace of Daya river which is located 8 kms from Bhubaneswar. This site oozes tranquility, peacefulness and serenity. It features a number of Buddhist shrines with unique architecture and a spectacular view from the crest of the hill. The dome has five umbrellas symbolizing the five essential parts of Buddhism. In the evening there is a grand sound-and-light show narrating the grand history of Great Ashoka adopting Buddhism in 3D.
Timings:
Dhauli Gir - 6 AM to 6 PM.
Light & Sound Show - 6:00 & 6:45 PM (Except Monday)
Transport facilities:
Airport - Bhubaneshwar
Railway Station - Bhubaneswar
Udayagiri and Khandagiri
These partly natural and partly manmade caves tucked in the nearby hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri which are historically significant. It has been included as of "Must See" Indian Heritage by the Archaeological Survey of India. In Udayagiri, Hathi Gumpha (cave 14), Ganesha Gumpha (cave 10) and Raninka Na'ara (Queen's Palace Cave, Cave 1) are well known for its beautiful carvings. Khandagiri offers an enchanting view back over Bhubaneswar from its summit. The Ananta Cave (Cave 3) depicts carved figures of women, athletes, elephants and geese carrying flowers. Udayagiri has 18 existing caves, while Khandagiri has 15.
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.
Transport facilities
Airport - Bhubaneswar
Railway Station - Bhubaneswar
Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri
Lalitgiri a.k.a Naltigiri is a 1st CE Buddhist monastery in Odisha along with Ratnagiri and Udayagiri which houses a number of important stupas and monasteries. This historic beautiful village Lalitgiri is a holy destination for a great number of Buddhism believers as a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has attributed this location as the genesis of Buddhism. The view from Mahastupa at the hilltop of Lalitgiri is fascinating. It also has an art site museum with vintage artifacts.
Ratnagiri is a small yet spiritual village in Odisha's Jajpur district which is notable for a large monastery associated with the Mahayana Sect, as well as famous kings such as Ashoka and others from the Gupta Dynasty. It is also famous for the flow of the Mahanadi, Brahmani, Kimiria, and Birupa rivers. The significant feature is a monastery with a beautiful green Chrolite carved entrance that welcomes you inside. A 12 feet tall Buddha is accompanied by Padmapani and Vajrapani inside a shrine. Another interesting is observed that most of Buddha’s heads have their noses broken. There is also a Shiva temple and Ratnagiri site museum are pleasant to visit.
According to an epigraphical relic discovered in the vicinity, Udayagiri was once known as ‘Madhavapura Mahavihara.' Along with its beautiful architecture of ruins and stone cut step wall there is also a colorful gorgeous Devi temple which is a must-visit. These three monasteries together are known as the “Diamond Triangle of Odisha”.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM.
Transport facilities:
Airport - Bhubaneswar
Railway Station - Cuttack (For Lalitgiri and Udayagiri)
Jajpur Road (For Ratnagiri)
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