Explore the Map
Lalitgiri
20.5894° N, 86.2506° E
About
Lalitagiri (Odia: ଲଳିତଗିରି) (also known as Nalitagiri) is a major Buddhist complex in the Indian state of Odisha. The complex is home to stupas, 'esoteric' Buddha images, and monasteries (viharas), which is the oldest site in the region. Significant finds at this complex include Buddha's relics. Tantric Buddhism was practiced at this site. Together with the Ratnagiri and Udayagiri sites a short distance away, Lalitagiri is part of the "Diamond Triangle". It used to be thought that one or all of these were the large Pushpagiri Vihara known from ancient records, but this has now convincingly located at a different site.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Continuous Buddhist presence
3rd century BCE–10th century AD
Monastic seal dating
9th–10th century AD
Largest monastery dated
10th–11th century AD
First recorded identification
1905
Documentation by R.P. Chanda
1927–1928
Declared a protected monument
1937
Utkal University excavations
1977
ASI excavations
1985–1991
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Water Management Features
Burial and Funerary Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
More Sites in India
Bangarh
Ancient city in West Bengal, India
Dihar
Chalcolithic village site and twin temples, West Bengal
Loteshwar
Indus Valley archaeological site, Mesolithic–Chalcolithic Gujarat
Keezhadi excavation site
Sangam-period settlement in Tamil Nadu, 6th–3rd century BCE
Magderu
8th-century Maitraka temple, Gujarat
Thirupparankundram Rock-cut Cave and Inscription
Shaiva rock-cut temple, 8th–13th century, Tamil Nadu