Udayagiri
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Udayagiri

Udayagiri

Odisha Buddhist monastic complex with stupas, monasteries, inscriptions, and hilltop rock-cut sculptures

Udayagiri is the largest Buddhist monastic complex in Odisha, identified through recent excavations as Madhavapura Mahavihara. The site contains a brick stupa, two monasteries (one still unexcavated), a beautiful stepped stone well with inscriptions, and rock-cut sculptures at the hilltop.

The Madhavapura Mahavihara complex flourished between the 7th and 12th centuries and is located about 5 km from the better-known Ratnagiri site. The excavated monastery is reached via a long stairway and presents a grand sight. The unexcavated areas hold promise of further discoveries. For the adventurous, the climb to the hilltop rewards with fine views and additional rock sculptures. Most visitors combine all three Buddhist sites — Udayagiri, Ratnagiri, and Lalitgiri — in a single day trip from Bhubaneswar.

Guide

Getting There

Udayagiri is about 100 km northeast of Bhubaneswar and 65 km from Cuttack. The nearest town is Chandikhol, from where the site is roughly 15 km by a road that passes through flat paddy fields and mango groves. There is no direct bus service to the site; the standard approach is to hire a car or taxi from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack for a day trip covering the three Buddhist sites (Udayagiri, Ratnagiri, and Lalitgiri). Budget around 1,200–1,500 rupees for a full-day hire depending on your starting point.

The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) operates occasional day tours from Bhubaneswar that include all three sites. Check with the OTDC office in Bhubaneswar for current schedules, as these tours run seasonally and can sell out.

Guide

Things to Do

Udayagiri is primarily a destination for those interested in Buddhist archaeology and Odishan history. The mahavihara complex itself is the main draw, and exploring the excavated monastery, the stepped well, and the hilltop rock sculptures fills a half-day comfortably. The site is quieter and less visited than nearby Ratnagiri, which makes it a more contemplative experience.