Ratnagiri is the first jewel in our crown, often known as the "hill of jewels." Imagine a tranquil retreat on a mountaintop that was formerly a prestigious Buddhist educational institution, possibly even on par with the renowned Nalanda! You'll be taken back to a period when Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism were at their height as you explore the vast ruins of monasteries with beautifully carved entrances and come across hundreds of votive stupas. The Buddha and Bodhisattva statues, which were created between the fifth and thirteenth centuries, are incredibly beautiful.

Next on our itinerary is Udayagiri, well known as the "sunrise hill." Among the diamond triangle sites, it is the biggest. Picture huge monastic ruins surrounded by charming hills. The surrounding scenery is very breathtaking. Two large monasteries, enormous stupas, and incredibly fascinating rock-cut sculptures can all be found here. When combined with the bathing ruins, the serene seclusion of the place is like a window into the past, one that is fixed in time and full of unsolved secrets.

The oldest and most sacred of the three, Lalitgiri, is where we end up. The remains of what are believed to be Buddha bone fragments were found inside ancient stupas, making this a highly significant place.Stories of an ongoing Buddhist presence from the post-Mauryan era to the 13th century CE are hinted at by the ruins of enormous stupas and monasteries that may be seen here.

Travel from Bhubaneswar and back.