Festival · ODISHA
2-5 Feb · Dhauli
Classical, folk, and martial dance festival held at the Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) on Dhauli Hill. Features performances from classical dance forms and the distinctive Odissi and martial traditions, organized jointly by Odisha Culture & Tourism and Odisha Dance Academy.
Why it mattersCelebrates the artistic heritage at one of Odisha's five major Buddhist sites, the location of Emperor Ashoka's spiritual awakening after the Kalinga War.
February Shanti Stupa gleams white against blue sky
Live in Dhauli
SignatureNorth Indian dhaba-style curries and tandoor
Convenient as a lunch break when combining Dhauli with a Puri trip rather than as a destination in itself. The North Indian dhaba menu is the staple. Honest note: this is a Bhubaneswar-fringe highway dhaba, not a Dhauli-site eatery — at Dhauli proper, expect only tea and snack carts near the parking area.
SignatureSouth Indian breakfast — dosa, idli and filter coffee
Eat here before climbing to the Shanti Stupa — there is no full meal at the hilltop, only the view. The pure-veg South Indian breakfast is the strong suit; it is a safe-stomach choice for travellers continuing on to Puri. Honest note: this is a Bhubaneswar-Puri highway eatery serving Dhauli visitors, not a Dhauli-village restaurant.
White Peace Pagoda built by Japanese monks in 1972. Domed structure with golden pinnacle and four golden Buddha statues facing cardinal directions. Located on the hillside above A…
Eleven Brahmi script edicts carved into rock by Emperor Ashoka around 261 BCE. Rock-cut elephant sculpture, one of earliest Buddhist artworks in Odisha. Marks the site of the tran…
Hilltop vantage point overlooking the Daya River where the Kalinga War battlefield is situated. Offers views of the river valley and surrounding landscape from the stupa complex.
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