Ratnagiri Odisha

Ratnagiri Odisha is an ancient Buddhist heritage site located in Jajpur, Odisha. According to the Historians, the city was established during the 5th century during the reign of Gupta kings.

Ratnagiri in Odisha is considered as one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India. Ratnagiri was Odisha’s very own Nalanda University. Large number of Buddhist scholars from all over the world came to Ratnagiri to acquire knowledge.

Ratnagiri means “hill of jewels”. Ratnagiri is located on a hill in between the Brahmani and Birupa rivers in Jajpur district of Odisha and is located about 92 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar and 70 km from Cuttack.

History of Ratnagiri Odisha

The Buddhist monuments of Ratnagiri were established during the 5th century CE and were completed in the 13th century. The peak period of work was done between the 7th to 10th centuries. It took nearly 900 years to complete this site.

Buddhism started to decline from Odisha from the 14th century and completely disappeared in Odisha in the 16th century. After the 16th century the site was ruined and people came to know about it during the 1960s when major campaigns of excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (“ASI”) revealed about the Ratnagiri with large quantities of very fine sculpture.

Facts about Ratnagiri Odisha

• Ratangiri is part of Daimond Triangle of Odisha- Three places together form this triangle are -Ratnagiri, Udaygiri and Lalitgiri.

• The buildings of Ratnagiri are mainly made up of brick, but the doorways, pillars and sculpture are made up of two types of stone, which are attractive.

• Stones are mainly “blue-green chlorite and the local khondalite. The large numbers of sculptures are made up of stone, in which few bronze are used.

• The site is filled with lots of images of Buddha and the Buddhist pantheon.

• Once, Ratnagiri was an important center for Mahayana Buddhism. Many sculptures present here show Mahayana influences.

• The archaeological site at Ratnagiri Odisha is divided into two parts, the ruins and the museum.

• The main attraction of the Ratnagiri, Jajpur is Ratnagiri university or monastery that was once home for more than hundreds Buddhist monks.

Ratnagiri Odisha location

Ratnagiri is located on a hill in between the Brahmani and Birupa rivers in Jajpur district of odisha and is situated 92 kms away from Bhubaneswar.

Best time to visit Ratnagiri Odisha

Best time to visit Ratnagiri is during Winter as Ratnagiri experiences pleasant winter from the month of November to March.

Opening Time- Ratnagiri is open for 12 hours a day.

Major attractions near Ratnagiri Odisha

There are many must visit tourist attractions near Ratnagiri in Jajpur district of Odisha. The Stupas, Ratnagiri University or Ratnagiri Monasteries, The Motifs, Bhagwat Temple, Gopaldijiu Temple, Ratnagiri Local Park, Single Winged Monastery, Ratnagiri Museum, Mahakala Temple are some of the famous tourist attractions.

Distance from Bhubaneshwar to Ratnagiri Odisha

Distance between Ratnagiri of Jajpur district and state capital Bhubaneswar is about 92 km.

Famous food in Ratnagiri Odisha

Odia Saag Curry, Odia Mixed vegetable curry (Ghanta), Odia Bandh Kopi Ghanta, Raw Jackfruit curry, Dalma, Aloo Potol Rasa, Niramish Doi Begun (Brinjal Masala Curry), Dahi vada Aloo dum, Maccha Besra , etc.. are some of the popular foods.

Restaurants near Ratnagiri Odisha

There are many famous restaurants near Ratnagiri. Some of them are given below

• Momz Kitchen
• Hotel MIPL
• Jajpur Restaurant
• Odianee
• LISA Hotel
• The Calcutta swaad

Hotels near Ratnagiri Odisha

There are many hotels and resorts near Ratnagiri to stay. Some of them are following

• Hotel Mirabel
• LISA Hotel
• Tulsi Resort
• Toshali Ratnagiri Resort

How to reach Ratnagiri Odisha

Ratnagiri is located on a hill in between the Brahmani and Birupa rivers in Jajpur district of Odisha and is situated 92 kms away from Bhubaneswar. One can easily reach Ratnagiri from any part of the country as it is well connected with other cities of Odisha by well-constructed Road and Rail.  Its closest airport is Bhubaneswar Airport which is connected to all the major cities of India.

By Air

Biju Patnaik International Airport of Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport from Ratnagiri which is located about 120 Km from Jajpur. Bhubaneswar Airport connects all the major cities of the country. Many direct buses are available from Bhubaneswar for Jajpur or you can also book a cab or taxi to reach Ratnagiri of Jajpur district easily.

By Rail

Nearest Railway Station is Jajpur Road which is located about 35 km from Ratnagiri. You will easily get a bus or auto-rickshaws at Jajpur Railway station to reach Ratnagiri or you can also book a cab or taxi.

By Road

Ratnagiri is well connected to Jajpur by a well-constructed road. From Bhubaneswar it is located about 92 km on N.H-5. You can easily reach Ratnagiri from any other parts of Odisha or country through any means of transport.

FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions