Ashoka, the Mauryan Emperor, inscribed his decrees on a rock called the Ashoka rock edicts at the foot of Dhauli hill. These are the earliest known inscribed records in India. Above the edicts there is a sculpture of an elephant, which is, the earliest known sculpture in Odisha.

It is said that after Ashoka’s army killed 150000 people in a battle near here, he renounced the path of lord Buddha. There is a Japanese Buddhist peace pagoda on top of this hill. The temple of lord Dhaveleswar is at the top of the hill above the white-domed pagoda.

This hill is 8 km fro Bhubaneswar. The OTDC organized tours are a convenient way to visit this spot. If you don’t travel in your own vehicle, be prepared to walk about 2 km from where the public bus lets you off.

Attractions
The peace pagoda remains at the top of the tourist choices for the delicate structure of the stupa and the monastery near it. The Saddharma Vihar monastery and the Shanti Stupa make the Buddhist pilgrim a special attraction, and a place to feel eternal peace of mind. Built by Buddha Sangha, in the early seventies, with the influence of Guruji Fuji, this stupa adds to the charm of an important Buddhist location. Besides, there are many other sculptures to be seen in Dhauli. The main of the artifacts, ancient and archaeologically invaluable is the Ashokan edicts. These are specific due to the inscriptions, written on rock, some of them by Ashoka himself, and are rare pieces of art. However, not only in Buddhism but also for Hinduism, Dhauili is a pilgrimage. The rock cut caves, small Hindu temples known to belong to the medieval age, A Shiva temple on top of hill are other attractions of this place.

How to reach
Air : Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, well connected to major cities of India. Rail : Bhubaneswar is a major station near Dhauli and well connected on the railway network of India.
Road : Dhauli can be reached by Bus, or rented Taxi. Auto rickshaws run too, but as usual, fix the amount before riding.