Dhauli Giri Hills

Dhauli Giri Hills, located on the bank of Daya River, is about 8 km away from the Bhubaneswar city. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Bhubneswar. Surrounded by plains, forests and the Daya River, these hills hold great importance in the history of not only Odisha but India as well.

This is the site where the famous Kalinga War was fought between the Mauryan Kingdom and Kalinga Kingdom, and where Emperor Ashoka, after having won the war, was taken aback by the enormity of the death toll and destruction. This is the place where, as penance, he chose to follow the path of Buddhism.

To commemorate this war and the subsequent transformation of Ashoka, a memorial in the form of a stupa has been built on these hills, called the Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda. Another remarkable thing about these hills is that at their foot is located the site of Ashokan Rock Edicts, another testimony to Emperor Ashoka’s transformation for these edicts have messages of peace and the teachings of the peaceful religion of Buddhism.

The Dhauli Giri Hills have a major significance in the history of India. It is this place where the Kalinga War was fought - one of the largest and deadliest battles the world has ever known. It is believed that more than 2,00,000 soldiers lost their lives in this bloody war. Such was the extent of bloodshed that the entire Daya River had turned red.

The sight of so much destruction, dead bodies and blood made Emperor Ashoka question the basis of war and bloodshed of innocent lives. He realized his mistake and took a vow to tread on the path of peace forever. He became a Buddhist and spread awareness about Buddhism, not only in India but in different countries of Asia. Ashoka commissioned rock edicts that had declarations, messages and teachings from him about non-violence, good conduct, decency towards others and right behavior at many places. The foot of the Dhauli Giri Hills is one such site, where those Ashokan Rock Edicts can be found.

The Kalinga Dhauli Mahotsav is the main festival celebrated at Dhauli Giri Hills. It is held every year in the month of February. This three-day festival is organized by the Odisha Tourism Department. The festival is famous for its different forms of classical dance, classical music and martial art dance performances. Renowned dancers, musicians and over 500 performance artists from across the country take part in this event.

Dhauli Giri Hills offer a panoramic view of the Bhubaneswar city and the beautiful Daya River. The view from the top of the hills is simply breathtaking. It has quite a calm and peaceful environment. The two most notable attractions of the Dhauli Giri Hills are the Shanti Stupa and Ashokan Rock Edicts.

1. Dhauli Shanti Stupa: On the Dhauli Giri Hills lies the Dhauli Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda. It was built around 1970 by Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha.

Famed for its magnificent architecture, this white stupa has a dome-shaped structure. The top of the dome features five umbrella-shaped extensions that depict the ideologies of Buddhism. Also, featured on its walls are sculpted images of Lord Buddha in different postures. The story of Lord Buddha’s life has also been carved on the stone slabs in the temple. There is a large statue of Lord Buddha inside the stupa.

2. Ashokan Rock Edict: Ashokan Rock Edict, located at the foot of the Dhauli Hills, is another interesting place to visit. This place is home to the declarations of Emperor Ashoka and the teachings of Buddhism carved on rocks, cave walls and pillars.

A highlight at the site is the rock-carved structure of an elephant, coming out of a huge rock. It is interpreted by many as the transformation of Emperor Ashoka from a cruel warmonger to a peace-loving Buddhist. There is also a beautiful garden in the complex.

4.  Dhabaleswar Temple: Dhabaleshwar temple is an ancient Hindu temple, which is located behind the DhauliGiri Shanti Stupa. The presiding deity of the shrine is Lord Shiva. This is another attraction to visit at the Dhauli Giri Hills.

5. The Light and Sound Show: This show is conducted every day evening, except on Mondays, at the Dhauli Shanti Stupa. It is an amazing laser light show that depicts the life of King Ashoka and depicts the story of the Kalinga war. Tourists can enjoy this spectacular light and sound show by paying a nominal amount.

There is no entry fee to visit the Dhauli Giri Hills in Bhubaneswar. This place remains open for all visitors from 6 am till 6 pm. However, there is an entry fee for the Light and Sound programme at Dhauli Giri Shanti Stupa. It is Rs. 25 per person. Two shows are conducted in the evening every day. Their timings are 6:30 pm to 6:50 pm and 7:10 pm to 7:30 pm.

Things to keep in mind while visiting Dhauli Giri Hills Bhubaneswar

• Parking facility is available at the site
• Shoes need to be removed before entering the Shanti Stupa
• Wearing hiking shoes is advisable while climbing the hills
• Morning visit to the place is advised to avoid crowd and scorching heat later in the day
• Wearing cap or hat and carrying drinking water is suggested
• Camera is allowed in the premises