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Destination Guide

Airport Taxi to Dhauli

The hilltop peace pagoda above the Daya river — where Ashoka’s Kalinga War remorse turned an empire towards Buddhism.

Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar
Distance
~8 km from BBI airport
Drive time
~20 minutes
Best light
Early morning / sunset
Ideal for
History & quiet views
The white Shanti Stupa peace pagodaSite of the ancient Kalinga War~8 km — a 20-minute drive from the airport

Dhauli is a hilltop just outside Bhubaneswar marking the site of the ancient Kalinga War — the battle that led Emperor Ashoka to renounce violence and embrace Buddhism. Today it’s crowned by the striking white Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), with Ashoka’s rock edicts carved at the hill’s base.

It’s a quick, moving add-on to a temple-city day — minutes from Lingaraj and the Khandagiri–Udayagiri caves — and sits right on the Puri road.

What to see at Dhauli

Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda)

The gleaming white hilltop stupa, built jointly by Indian and Japanese Buddhist organisations, ringed by golden panels depicting the Buddha’s life.

Ashoka’s rock edicts

Inscriptions carved into the rock at the hill’s base, in which Emperor Ashoka renounces war after the bloodshed of Kalinga — with the famous carved elephant.

Daya river valley views

The hilltop looks out over the Daya river and paddy plains — said to have run red after the Kalinga War, the moment that changed Ashoka.

Dhauleswar Temple

A Shiva temple at the foot of the hill, a quiet local counterpoint to the Buddhist stupa above.

Light & Sound (seasonal)

An evening light-and-sound show recounts the Kalinga War story on select days — worth timing a visit around.

On the Puri road

Dhauli sits just off the Bhubaneswar–Puri highway, an easy first or last stop on a temple-city day or a Puri trip.

Dhauli FAQ

Dhauli visitor questions

Access, what to see, the history and combining your day.

How far is Dhauli from Bhubaneswar Airport?

Dhauli is only about 8 km from Bhubaneswar Airport, roughly a 20-minute drive — an easy add-on to any Bhubaneswar city visit or a Puri trip.

What will I see at Dhauli?

The hilltop Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) and the rock edicts of Emperor Ashoka marking the site of the Kalinga War — the battle that led him to renounce violence and embrace Buddhism — plus sweeping views over the Daya river valley.

Why is Dhauli historically important?

Dhauli is traditionally identified with the Kalinga War of c. 261 BCE. Ashoka’s edicts here record his remorse at the bloodshed and his turn towards non-violence and Buddhism — a turning point in Indian history.

Can I combine Dhauli with other sights?

Yes — Dhauli pairs naturally with the Lingaraj temple circuit and the Khandagiri–Udayagiri caves on a half-day city tour, or as a stop on the way to Puri.

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