Lalitgiri also known as Naltigiri is a major Buddhist complex in the Indian state of Odisha comprising major stupas, ‘esoteric’ Buddha images, and monasteries (viharas), one of the oldest sites in the region.

It is situated in the Mahanga Tahsil in Cuttack district. Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, is 90 kilometres from the site, while Cuttack is 60 kilometres away; Udaigiri is 8 kilometres from Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri is a further 5 kilometres away.

Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, Udayagiri Tourist Attractions

Lalitgiri

Lalitgiri, the earliest Buddhist complex of 1st century A.D. and which forms a part of the mini golden triangle, is well connected to Bhubaneswar by a good road. The recent excavation has brought to light significance archaeological material which upholds Lalitgiri as a great center of Buddhist attraction.
Lalitgiri lies majestically in the ruins singing the glory of a past heritage. The huge brick monastery, the remains of a chaitya hall, a number of votive stupas and a renovated stone stupa at the apex of a small rugged sand stone hill dominates the rural greenery around. More Information on Laitgiri

Ratnagiri

The excavation revealed the establishment of this Buddhist centre at least from the time of the Gupta king Narasimha Gupta Baladitya (first half of the 6th century A.D.). Buddhism had developed at this place unhindered up to the 12th century A.D. In the beginning this was an important centre of Mahayana form of Buddhism. During the 8th-9th century A.D. this became a great centre of Tantric-Buddhism or Vajrayana art and philosophy. Pag Sam Jon Zang , a Tibetan source, indicates that the institutions at Ratnagiri plays a significant role in the emergence of the Kalachakratantra during the 10th century A.D. This is quite evident from the numerous votive Stupas with reliefs of divinities of the Vajrayana pantheons. Seperate images of these divinitied and inscribed stone slabs and moulded terracotta planques with dharanis found in the excavation at Ratnagiri. More Information on Ratnagiri
Udayagiri

Udayagiri, the largest Buddhist complex in state of Orissa, has assumed further importance after the recent excavation work which revealed the ancient name of the monastery as Madhavapura Mahavihara and brought to light a sprawling complex of bricks monastery with a number of Buddhist sculptures. In fact the entire area is found located at the foot hills of a large hill acting as the backdrop of the area. More Information on Udayagiri
 

How to reach

It is situated in the Mahanga Tahsil in Cuttack district. Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, is 90 kilometres from the site, while Cuttack is 60 kilometres away; Udaigiri is 8 kilometres from Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri is a further 5 kilometres away.
Air : Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport. Well connected to Lalitgiri by bus.

Train : Bhubaneswar is the nearest railhead well connected to major cities through broad gauge network.

Road : Lalitgiri is well connected with Bhubaneswar, and other cities through a good road-network.

Where to stay

Based at Bhubaneswar, the Lalitgiri could be taken as an excursion. One can stay at the Trident or the Oberois.

Excursions – Tourist Places Near Lalitagiti, Ratnagiri, Udayagiri

Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa is mere a 90 km away from Lalitgiri but a reasonably good place to visit as the road communication is quite good. It’s a renowned Hindu pilgrimage with as many as 500 temples, architecturally brilliant and excellent for studying the architectural styles of 3rd Century. The Lingaraja temple, Kalinga Buddha Vihara, the Jaggannatha temple and the Mukteshwar temple is also a big attraction for the tourists. The place is also a shopping destination in Orissa.

Langudi

The recent excavations, revealing some interesting facts, in the Langudi hills that are worth a watch with utmost interest. There are many Stupas cut out from rock grabbing attention, the Buddha in Samadhi-mudra, Sculpture of Goddess Tara, the harmonic umbrella, the Cylin dome etc have revealed a new chapter in the Buddhist tourist destinations.