Odisha hails inclusion of three Buddhist sites in UNESCO list

The Odisha government on Saturday welcomed the inclusion of three prominent Buddhist sites—Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udaygiri—on UNESCO’s Tentative List of India for potential recognition as World Heritage Sites.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also oversees the Tourism department, said the inclusion is a milestone in taking the state’s ancient Buddhist heritage to the global stage.

“Ratnagiri, Udayagiri & Lalitgiri on UNESCO Tentative List,” Parida tweeted, describing the sites’ journey from ancient wisdom to international recognition.

The three sites, located in the Jajpur district, are part of Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage, known for their archaeological remains, monasteries, and stupas that date back to the 1st–9th centuries CE.

Tourism officials said the inclusion is expected to boost heritage tourism in the state while promoting global awareness of Odisha’s historical and cultural legacy.