Dhauligiri Hills Odisha
At a distance of 11 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station and Bhubaneswar Airport to Dhauligiri distance 12 km, Dhauli Hills, located in the state of Odisha, India, hold significant historical and religious importance. The main attraction of Dhauli Hills is the ancient rock edicts of Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor who ruled much of the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd century BCE. Dhauli also holds great religious significance as it is believed to be the site of the Kalinga War, a pivotal event in Ashoka’s life. It is said that after witnessing the bloodshed and devastation of the war, Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Buddhism, eventually becoming one of its greatest proponents. As a result, Dhauli has several Buddhist stupas and monasteries in the vicinity.
Distance between Lingaraj Temple to Rajarani Temple 2km, Lingaraj Temple to Dhauli 7km. Lingaraj Temple to Nandankanan Zoological Park 20.1km. Lingaraj Temple to Khandagiri and Udayagiri Hills 11.8km. and Puri to Dhauli Distance 49.3km
October – mid March is the best time to visit the city. The temperature remains low and the weather is very pleasant and cool. December and January months are usually cold.
The Shanti Stupa atop Dhauligiri was built in the 1970s by the Japan Buddha Sangha and is a symbol of peace and harmony. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Daya River. The hills are considered sacred by Buddhist and attract pilgrims who come to pay homage to the legacy of Emperor Ashoka and the ideals of Buddhism.
Apart from the Shanti Stupa and the rock edicts, Dhauligiri also has beautiful landscaped gardens, pathways for walking, and a museum that provides insights into the life and teachings of Emperor Ashoka and the history of Buddhism in Odisha.