Lalitgiri is a historic site in
Cuttack District of
Orissa. It is about 100 km from
Bhubaneswar.
Lalitgiri forms one among the Diamond Triangle - a group of three hills - others being Ratnagiri and Udayagiri. These three hills and surroundings are backdrop to a remarkable Buddhist complex, dating back to the first century. According to Huien Tsang (the Chinese pilgrim of 7th century), the Diamond Triangle was the seat of a flourishing Buddhist University named Pushpagiri.
The excavations done here reveal that Lalitgiri was a great center of Buddhist attraction in ancient times. Brick pagodas, sculptured stone portals, esoteric Buddhist images, huge Bodhisattva statues and votive stupas are among the excavated items. Most of the sculptures bear short inscriptions on them. Apart from this, sacred relics were obtained from the site.
By road, Lalitgiri can be reached from Cuttack, about 55 km away. Biju Patnaik Airport is the nearest airport and Cuttack Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
