Dhauli is a historically significant town located around 20 km outside Bhubaneswar, the capital of the coastal state Orissa. Situated along the banks of the river Daya, it is known for the famous Kalinga War that was fought on the vast plains that surround the river between the Mauryan Dynasty led by King Asoka and the Kalinga Kingdom. It is believed that the water of the river had turned red with the blood of the lives lost in the war; a sight that led to the change of heart of King Asoka and introduced him to Buddhism.

The region of Dhauli is primarily a hill that is also known as Dhauligiri, and the path to the summit is lined by rock edicts that have the peaceful teachings of Asoka engraved on them. While Buddhist and Hindu devotees frequent the town often, the beauty and historical aspect of Dhauli drives a great deal of tourism to the region. Here is a brief travel guide to help you plan out a day trip to Dhauli.

By Air:

The airport closest to Dhauli is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar located just 13 km away. It is the only international airport in Orissa and also has a domestic terminal that connects it to a number of major cities across the state and country. Buses and pre-booked cabs can be availed from the airport to reach Dhauli.

By Rail:

Reaching Dhauli via train can be accomplished by travelling to Bhubaneswar Railway Station and then travelling the rest of the distance to Dhauli via road. A number of regularly operating trains run between Bhubaneswar and all major cities, conveniently connecting it to the rest of the country. Buses and taxis are available outside the railway station to reach Dhauli directly.

By Road:

Road connectivity to Dhauli from Bhubaneswar is very good, with a number of transportation options available to reach Dhauli from the capital. Visitors can choose to take a bus, either public or private, a cab or an auto-rickshaw to get to Dhauli, which is only 18 km away via Puri Road. A lot of people choose to drive in from nearby cities like Puri and Cuttack as well, which are 68 km and 27 away respectively.

Winter (October - March):

The most preferable season to visit Dhauli is during the winters. The daytime climate remains perfect throughout the season for exploring the local attractions, with temperatures averaging around 22⁰C. Night time temperatures can go quite low and it is advised to carry woollen wear on your trip during the winters.

Summer (April - September):

Summer in Dhauli is considerably hot and is not the most ideal weather to go exploring the local attractions in the region. Temperatures can rise as high as 45⁰C and the sweltering heat usually proves too intense for both locals and tourists to venture outdoors. The monsoon rains help bring down the temperature, but the weather still remains considerably humid for any kind of sightseeing.

Visit World Peace Pagoda:

Located opposite Dhauligiri, the World Peace Pagoda, also known as the Shanti Stupa, is the most prominent monument in the region and is a key structure that strengthens Indo-Japanese relations. It was constructed by the joint efforts of Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangh and the Japanese Buddha Sangh in 1972 and attracts both Buddhist and Hindu devotees.

Hike along River Daya:

The vast plains around the river Daya are perfect for enjoying a pleasant walk and experiencing the rich historical past of the region among its ancient ruins. The dense forests in the foothills of Dhauligiri offer a rejuvenating opportunity for a hike among the greenery.

Visit Local Attractions Nearby:

Dhauli is a small town, most of which can be explored within a day. There are numerous other local attractions located close to Dhauli within easy accessibility and a trip to any of them can be combined with a visit to Dhauli. The village of Pipli is situated about half an hour away and is best known for its famous applique work handmade goods, which will prove to be a delight for shopping enthusiasts. Nandankanan Zoological Park is also located within a few kilometres from Dhauli and makes for a fun excursion spot, especially if one is travelling with kids.

The tourist lodge managed by Orissa Tourism and Development Corporation (OTDC) is the best place for a short stay in Dhauli. While the food served in the lodge is freshly cooked and delicious, visitors will also find a wide range of restaurants around Dhauli that mostly serve ethnic Indian delicacies. Seafood options can be found easily in most restaurants serving Odia cuisine and feature as one of the best foods to try out in Orissa.