By Afreen Firdaus

Bhubaneswar: Odisha plans an integrated Buddhist tourism circuit connecting six heritage destinations to showcase the state’s rich Buddhist legacy and attract visitors interested in its history, philosophy, architecture, and spiritual traditions.

The proposed circuit will link Udayagiri, Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Langudi, Jirang and Dhauli Shanti Stupa. The initiative seeks to bring these destinations together as a coordinated tourism experience, combining archaeological exploration with spiritual journeys and cultural discovery.

To advance the project, the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Ltd (OBCC) has invited tenders to select a consultancy firm for preparing the circuit’s master plan and design. The last date for bid submission is November 30, and the tenders will open on December 1.

The project is expected to strengthen Odisha’s presence on India’s Buddhist tourism map and introduce its ancient monasteries, archaeological remains and spiritual centres to a wider domestic and international audience.

The initiative builds on the state government’s efforts to preserve and promote Buddhist culture. On July 15, an agreement was signed with the Guru Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara at Jirang to promote Buddhist culture and heritage.

Earlier, on August 21, 2025, the Tourism and Culture departments signed a memorandum of understanding with the Light of Buddha Dharma Foundation International. The agreement seeks to promote Buddhist tourism through annual prayer ceremonies, international conferences and knowledge-sharing programmes.

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Another major project is underway at Udayagiri in Jajpur district, where a 45-foot statue of Guru Padmasambhava is being constructed. Estimated to cost Rs 3 crore, the statue is being carved by 25 sculptors from a 300-tonne block of Chunar stone brought from Rajasthan. Around 40 decimals of land have been allotted for the project, which is expected to take two to three years to complete.

The proposed circuit is expected to connect Odisha’s diverse Buddhist landmarks into a unified visitor experience, highlighting the region’s historical significance and cultural links with the wider Buddhist world. By integrating heritage conservation with tourism development, the state hopes to encourage longer visits, improve the visibility of lesser-known sites and attract greater international interest in its Buddhist legacy.