Buddhism and Jainism also had considerable presence in some parts of Orissa. North-East of Cuttuck, the three hills of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri indicate an immense Buddhist monastic complex.

Ratnagiri has the most extensive ruins. Excavations have unearthed sculptures dating to the 8th and 9th centuries. A recent excavation had led to the finding of inscriptions datable to the Kushan period in the 2nd century A.D. Lalitgiri is known for the discovery of an ancient Stupa containing relic preserved in caskets of stone. Its antiquity and silver and gold contents have led to speculations that these are relics of the Buddha. From the main Stupa of Ratnagiri, one can see a limitless panorama of greenery.

Udaygiri, the third of these hills, is known for the Lokeswara image, a 3mts work with 8th century inscriptions.

Seven kms west of Bhubaneswar, the strong Jain influence is exemplified in the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, where caves cut from rock seem to form a honeycomb. Udaygiri has the famous Rani Gumpha or Queen’s Cave, two storied structure with a spacious courtyard and elaborate sculptural friezes. The 18 caves of Udaygiri also include the Hati Gumpha, the elephant cave.