Dhauli is famous for Buddhist monasteries and sculptures belonging to the age of Emperor Ashoka. Dhauli is considered historically very important, as it was the sight of the famous Kalinga War.
Just beside the road that leads to the summit of the Dhauli Hill, is a garden where one of the most important rock edicts of Ashoka had been carved. In fact, some of the stone sculptures have religious importance for both Buddhist and Hindu devotees, while majority of the stone carvings found in this place have a Buddhist theme.
The monasteries and stupas belonging to the Ashoka dynasties depict the huge transformation in King Ashoka’a life, after the Kalinga War. Dhauli Hills is one of the most sacred places to the Buddhists as well as Hindus. The significant religious places situated in Dhauli Hills are Saddharma Vihar monastery, Shiva Temple and Shanti Stupa.
The other ancient site of pilgrimage for both Buddhists and Hindus is the Verdant Hills located nearby. Verdant Hills have numerous temples that had been carved out of a stone. The other popular attraction of Dhauli is the Japanese Peace Pagoda located atop a hillock.
