Diamond Triangle (Odisha)

The Diamond Triangle is a collection of three Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri. The sites belong to the Vajyarajyan sect of Buddhism, which is popularly known as the Diamond Vehicle, and hence the name Diamond Triangle.

Understand
The three Buddhist Monasteries or Vihars are contemporary to Nalanda and Taxila. According to some historians, the Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri complex was the famed Pushpagiri Mahavihara, mentioned by the Chinese traveller Xuanzang who visited the monasteries in the 7th century CE. According to archaeological evidence, the monasteries were constructed in the 5th century CE and remained functional until the 13th century CE. They peaked between the 7th and 10th century CE. The site was most probably abandoned in 16th century CE and fell into ruins. The sites were identified as historically important way back in the early 1900s, but excavation started in the mid 20th century CE. It was only in the 1980s full-fledged excavation revealed huge structures consisting of large monasteries and giant stupas. It was only in the 1990s an excavation in Langudi confirmed that the sites were indeed part of Pushpagiri Mahavihara, which was visited by Xuanzang.

The Diamond Triangle tour can be done from Cuttack or Bhubaneswar. The round trip from Bhubaneswar is almost 250 km. There are hardly any places to eat, so it is advisable to carry dry food like biscuits, cakes and chocolates.

Get in
The Diamond Triangle is about 100 km from Bhubaneswar. It can be reached from Bhubaneswar–Kolkata highway (NH 12). From follow the Paradeep road. After travelling about 12 km take a left turn from the (slightly off the road on left hand side) and Ratnagiri. Get back again to the Chandikhol—Paradeep road and head towards Paradeep. From take a right turn and head to Lalitgiri.

Fees and permits
All the sites are under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and are open from sunrise to sunset. Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri have an entry fee of ₹15 for Indians and SAARC nationals, ₹200 for other foreigners. Langudi entry is free. The site museum at Lalitgiri has an entry fee of ₹5, irrespective of nationality.

See and do