Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Odisha's Buddhist Sites on UNESCO Tentative List
Three important Buddhist sites in Odisha, India, called Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri, have been added to a special list by UNESCO.
This list is a step towards making these sites official World Heritage Sites.
The sites are very old and important for Buddhism, showing different types of Buddhist teachings and buildings.
The Odisha government is happy about this because it will help protect these sites and attract more tourists.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) helped by sending the necessary documents to UNESCO.
These sites are believed to have played a big role in spreading Buddhism in Asia.
Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri in Odisha included in UNESCO's Tentative List for World Heritage Site recognition.
Odisha government lauds the inclusion, highlighting its significance for heritage, conservation, and tourism.
Sites are known as the 'Diamond Triangle' of the Buddhist circuit, associated with all three schools of Buddhism.
UNESCO confirmed the inclusion after India submitted the documentation on December 22, 2025.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) compiled and submitted the nomination to UNESCO.
- Who
- Odisha government, UNESCO, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- What
- Inclusion of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri in UNESCO's Tentative List
- When
- December 22, 2025 (submission), exact date of inclusion not specified
- Where
- Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri in undivided Cuttack district, Odisha, India
- Why
- To grant World Heritage Site recognition and promote heritage, conservation, and sustainable tourism
- Sites
- Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udayagiri
- Location
- Undivided Cuttack district, Odisha
- Submission Date
- December 22, 2025
- UNESCO Body
- World Heritage Centre
- Buddhist Schools
- Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana
- Nodal Agency
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)