As part of the Cultural Heritage Tour, a group of Bhutanese students of KIIT, accompanied by the International Relations Office (IRO) team, visited the renowned Buddhist heritage sites of Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri on 15th January 2026. The visit was specially planned for the Bhutanese students to help them connect with Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage.
The exposure visit enabled the students to learn about the strong historical and cultural links between Odisha and Buddhism, which flourished in the region between the 5th and 13th centuries. At Lalitgiri, students explored the ancient stupa and monastery remains and learned about its importance as one of the earliest Buddhist sites in Odisha. Ratnagiri showcased impressive stone carvings and monastic structures, highlighting its role as a centre of Buddhist learning, while Udayagiri, the largest of the three sites, offered insights into ancient monastic life through its monasteries, stupas, and inscriptions.
Adding a special spiritual dimension to the visit, the students offered special prayers by participating in the sacred second ceremony dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, being organized at Udayagiri. The ongoing rituals and chants created a serene atmosphere and allowed the students to experience living Buddhist traditions in a historic setting.
During the visit, the students and the IRO team also interacted with officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), who shared insights into archaeological findings and the continuous efforts being made to preserve and protect these important heritage monuments.
The visit proved to be a meaningful and enriching experience, helping the Bhutanese KIIT students deepen their understanding of Buddhism while strengthening their cultural connection with Odisha.