Dhauli Shanti Stupa (Dhauli Hills)
"Visit Dhauli Shanti Stupa near Bhubaneswar, the historic site linked to the Kalinga War where Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism and the message of peace.
Just a short drive from Bhubaneswar lies the historic Dhauli Hill, home to one of the most significant heritage sites in Odisha, the Dhauli Shanti Stupa. It was near here that the historic Kalinga War was fought in the 3rd century BCE between the army of Ashoka and the people of ancient Kalinga. The immense devastation of the battle deeply moved the emperor, leading to his transformation from a conqueror into a follower of peace and the teachings of Buddhism.
Today, the gleaming white Shanti Stupa rises peacefully above the banks of the Daya River, believed to have once flowed red with the bloodshed of war. Built in the 1970s to commemorate Ashoka’s embrace of non-violence, the Dhauli Peace Pagoda stands as a powerful reminder of how one of history’s fiercest battles gave rise to a timeless message of peace and compassion.
Visitors can experience a captivating Light and Sound Show that narrates the story of the Kalinga War and the transformation of Emperor Ashoka from a conqueror to a messenger of peace. The show uses projection mapping, music and narration to bring alive this important chapter of Indian history against the backdrop of the serene Dhauli Shanti Stupa."
Key Information
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Location
Bhubaneswar, Khordha -
Type
Buddhist Site / Cultural Heritage / Historical Site / Hill -
Best Time to Visit
October - March -
Ideal Duration
1–2 hours -
Timings
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM -
Entry Fee
No entry fee
How to Reach & Map
Seamless connectivity ensuring your arrival is as smooth as the destination itself, alongside its exact geographical positioning.
Air
Nearest airport – Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar
Rail
Nearest railway station – Bhubaneswar
Road
Easily accessible within Bhubaneswar city by road