Odisha Buddhist Tour (8 Nights & 9 Days)
Bhubaneswar-Puri
Upon arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport/Railway Station, transfer to Puri & en-route visit to Pipplli (Applique work village), then check in to the hotel. After fresh up visit to the 12th century world famous Jagannath Temple (one of the four dhams, Only Hindus are allowed inside the premises of Jagannath temple), leisure time enjoy at golden beach and then back to hotel & overnight stay at Puri.
Puri-Konark-Kuruma-Puri
After breakfast then drive to Konark en-route visit to Chandrabhaga beach(cultural and traditional identity of Orissa, which is famous for its long stretch of golden sand bordered with casuarinas), then drive to Kuruma which is located 10 km south-east of the popular Sun temple in Konark, is the ancient lesser known Buddhist site of Kuruma. It is said that a Buddhist monastery flourished in the area, remnants of which were found during excavations by the State Archaeology wing. This monastery has been mentioned by Hiuen Tsang. The origin of the site is dated to be between 8th and 9th century AD. At the site currently, there is a small temple which houses three Buddhist images―crowned Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa mudra, Padmapani Avalokitesvara and Revanta. These three images are jointly worshipped as ‘Yamadharma’ by Kuruma villagers. Historians say the length and width of the monastery is 34 m each and it also houses a shrine chamber, cells for Buddhist monks and a large courtyard, which is in the shape of ‘Swastik’, denoting tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana or Tantrayana) then back to Konark and visit to the Sun temple(The temple was built by King Narasimhadeo in the 13th century, it is counted among the 7 wonders of India, famous for world heritage site & also known as “Black Pagoda”) & Enjoy the Beautiful Light & Sound Show(Closed on Monaday), then drive back to Puri Hotel & overnight stay at Puri.
Puri-Gopalpur
After breakfast check out from hotel, then transfer to Gopalpur. After reach in Gopalpur Check in to the hotel and relax, After fresh up free time for Gopalpur Sea Beach & shopping, then back to Hotel & Overnight stay at Gopalpur.
Gopalpur-Chandragiri-Budhakhol-Gopalpur
After breakfast drive to Chandragiri of Gajapati district, stands the beautiful Padmasambhava Mahavihara monastery, reportedly the largest in eastern India. The colony which houses the monastery is Buddha Vihar (the land of happiness and plenty) and area is popularly known as a mini Tibet in Odisha. The monastery is named after Acharya Padmasambhava, who was born in Odisha and is believed to have spread Buddhism to Tibet in 7th century. Inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 2010, it has been built as per the ‘Atanpuri style of Nalanda’ and in the assembly hall, a 23-foot-high idol of Lord Buddha along with his two disciples have been installed. On the right side of the Buddha’s idol is Avalokiteswar and on the left, is the idol of Guru Nangsi Zilnon. Budhakhol which is a heritage site of Odisha located in Buguda block of Ganjam District in Odisha.The name of the place Budhakhol is derived from Badhesvara, which means Buddha in meditating position. It is strongly believed that Buddha visited the place. Huentsang also visited the place and witnessed the learning and teaching of Buddhists and believed that it was one of the best place to learn Buddhism. The Panchumahadeva temples are believed to be built in the era of Jagadguru AdiShankaracharya. Hence the place is a mix of both Buddhism and Hinduism. 42 Feet Height Statues of Lord Shiva and Parvati donated by Indian Princess Ipsita Pati at Budhakhol and then back to Hotel & overnight stay at Gopalpur.
Gopalpur-Bhubaneswar
After breakfast, checkout from hotel then drive to Bhubaneswar, check in to the hotel & relax. After fresh up visit Khandagiri & Udayagiri caves (Old rock cut caves, built by Mahamegha vahana Aira Kharabela), Iscon Temple, free time for shopping, then back to hotel & overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar
After breakfast visit to Dhaulagiri(is one of the famous Buddhist destinations in India, where Mauryan Emperor Ashoka renounced the path of violence and embraced Buddhism, after witnessing the devastation of Kalinga war & also known as “Peace Pagoda”), Lingaraj Temple(Dedicated to Harihara, a combination of Lord Shiv & Vishnu, this temple was constructed in the 11th century, by JajatiKeshari, a Somavanshi king), Mukteswar temple(This temple became famous as “Gem Of Odisha Architecture” ), Kedar Gouri temple, State museum(Closed On Monday), free time for Shopping and then back to hotel & overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar-Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-Udaygiri-Bhubaneswar
After breakfast proceed full day Excursion to Diamond Triangle Of Odisha i.e. Lalitigiri ( Archeological site of a Buddhist Monastery from 4th to 8th Cen A D ) with Monastery parts and many votive Stupa, all different Buddhist sculptors with Chaita hall and a Huge stupa from where caskets of Budhas relic is available. Ratnagiri, the Largest Buddhist monastery we have till know, flourished from 4th to 14th century A D with most of sculptors of Vajrayanic sect, hundreds of Votive Stupa & brick Stupa and huge monastery . Later visit Udaygiri, another huge Buddhist monastery which still under excavation ,back Bhubaneswar Hotel and overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar-Kayam-Langudi-Bhubaneswar
After breakfast Full day visit to Kayam Hill Buddhist cave and Langudi Giri which one of recent excavation with ruins of Monastery, Stupas and lot of Mahayanic sculptors. The site is situated in Salipur village of Jajpur district. There are a series of 34 rock-cut Buddhist stupas and several early medieval Buddhist monuments and shrines atop the hill. The most popular of these rock-cut stupas is the 7th century 'Smaudra Mudra' image of Lord Buddha. Historians say the hill also has the remains of Pushpagiri University or Puspagiri Mahavihara, a major Buddhist centre of learning that flourished from 2nd century BC to 10th century AD. The remains indicate that it was a centre of the Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana sects of Buddhism then drive back to Bhubaneswar Hotel & overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar(Departure)
After breakfast, checkout from the Hotel and visit Ram Temple, Free time for shopping at Ekamra haat and then drop at Bhubaneswar Airport/Railway station for your onward journey with sweet memories of Odisha.
