Ratnagiri
Located at approximately 90 kilometers in the north of Bhubaneshvar, the sites bouddhic of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri (not to be confused with the caves of Udayagiri which is in the immediate suburbs of Bhubaneshvar) are known only since the excavations carried out there are forty years.
Ratnagiri most significant, from its significant brick stupa is surrounded, on a surface from two to three hectares, by innumerable small sanctuaries and chaitya. With proximity, the quite identifiable remainders of a monastery (will vihara) of 55 side m, with peripheral veranda supported by an about sixty pillars, are strewn with statues, often damaged, of Buddha or of the Tara goddess. On the whole, it is in fact three monasteries, eight temples, and several stupa which was exhumed.
Well before the excavations, Ratnagiri was known by old texts, such those of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who went in these places into 639, and describes them like one of the two centers of Orissa for the study of Buddhism. Ratnagiri had been a monastery considered for two centuries already. The monastery disappeared about the 13 2nd century.
Udayagiri
The ruins of Udayagiri (to 5 km of Ratnagiri) are little of interest, except a statue of Lokeshvara Buddha which was released there.
Lalitgiri
On the site of Lalitgiri, a small museum (prohibited photographs) was open which exposes statues found at the time of the excavations of the three sites. The Buddha is largely represented there. Craftsmen sculptors of the village perpetuate the tradition of the size of the stone.