Shanti Stupa

Historic sites

Odisha

20°C / Mist

History
Places to visit
How to reach

On the banks of River Daya is a Buddhist centre where a lot of historical activities take place. This place is also known for Dhauligiri Hills and Shanti Stupa which is a white pagoda in that area. Also known as the Peace Pagoda, the word Shanti in Shanti Stupa means peace. As we know, that after many battles, finally, after the battle of Kalinga, King Ashoka had chosen the path of peace and non-violence. For this, he had resorted to Buddhist practices. As a gesture of uniting humanity, he had laid the foundation of Shanti Stupa in Bhubaneshwar.

This popular tourist spot is open on a daily basis. The timings are from 6:00 Am to 6:00 Pm. However, in terms of climatic situations, you should consider visiting here between the months of November to May.

Major Attractions in and Around Shanti Stupa

1. Ashoka Rock Edicts

These were established by King Ashoka himself. In the sixth edict, you will find an expression of King Ashoka for world peace. For anyone who has a certain inclination towards arts and history would fall in love with this place.

2. Dhabaleswar Temple

This is one of those temples which has a very significant historical prominence. It offers a very serene ambience which you will simply love no matter if or not you are a spiritual person. It had been recently renovated for the purpose to make it look better.

3. Mukteswara Temple

This place also has a very significant spiritual aura. This temple has been specifically built and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dating back to 950 CE- 975 CE this temple is actually quite ancient thus attracts a great number of tourists.

4. Lingaraja Temple

This temple is also particularly dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples situated in Bhubaneshwar. The tower which is located in the centre of this temple is 18 ft in height and is a prominent representation of the Kalinga architecture. If the stories are to be believed then it was built by the kings of the Somavamsi dynasty.

5. Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts

If you want to experience something really amazing then it is highly recommended that you travel to the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts. Here, you will be finding a great variety of jewellery, costumes, personal belongings, photographs, Santal, Kolha, Juang which particularly belong to the different tribes who are scattered among the different parts of this territory.

How to Reach Shanti Stupa

A visit to Shanti Stupa will be a spiritually enlightening and a rejuvenating break from the hustle-bustle of life. From Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, an approximate distance of 1600km via Agra-Lucknow Expressway, 1680km via NH 53, 448km via NH 16, and 1400km via NH 16 has to be covered to reach Dhauli Shanti Stupa. Scroll down to get an estimate about the budget and the best travel options.

By Air

You have to get down at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneshwar as it’s the nearest to reach the stupa via airways. From the airport, you can book a taxi or get on a bus to reach your desired destination. GoAir, IndiGo, AirIndia, AirAsia, and Vistara are some of the airlines that run regular flights to Biju Patnaik airport.

Delhi - Board IndiGo, AirIndia, or Vistara flight from Delhi. The airfare starts from INR 3,000
Mumbai - Board GoAir, AirAsia, or AirIndia flight from Mumbai. The airfare starts from INR 4,000
Kolkata - Board IndiGo flight from Kolkata. The airfare starts from INR 4,000
Bengaluru - Board AirAsia or IndiGo flight from Bengaluru. The airfare starts from INR 4,000

By Train

If you are fond of train journeys, then a train trip to Dhauli Shanti Stupa will be a memorable one because the sights en route to Bhubaneshwar are simply mesmerising. Bhubaneswar Railway station is approximately 10km away from the Stupa. From the station, you can get a taxi or a bus to reach your destination.

Delhi - Board Purshottam SPL from New Delhi and deboard at Bhubaneshwar
Mumbai - Board CSMT BBS SPL from Mumbai Central and deboard at Bhubaneshwar
Kolkata - Board HWH YPR SPL from Howrah Junction and deboard at Bhubaneshwar
Bengaluru - Board Duronto Express from Yesvantpur Junction ad deboard at Bhubaneshwar

By Road

There are two options if you are considering a road trip to Bhubaneshwar, one is to reserve a seat in the state-run/private buses, and the other is to drive to the city in your vehicle. Bhubaneshwar is well-connected via well-maintained national and state highways that will make your road trip unforgettable. Listed below is the distance estimate and the best route to take if arriving from nearby or prominent cities.