Orissa

Travel to Orissa, an ideal amalgamation of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cultures, in order to experience the beauty of the state. Spend your holidays in Orissa touring the vast landscape of the state. Formerly known as the Kalinga, Oriisa is kinda place for devotees. Bringing together the ethnic world, Orissa is an enticing state to be in. Rich and vibrant culture which are echoed by the colorful and lively people, festivals and dance and music and the bazaars that are held in the city, also its past glory is experienced through the impressive forts and palaces. Orissa travel in order to explore the fascinating tourist attractions of the state.

Orissa, the lush green state, girdled by the Bay of Bengal, has seen some of the best fusion of traditional Indian art in its many temples and monuments, and has been able to preserve much of it, in an environment natural to its wonder and attractions. It was in Orissa, that Buddhism found some of its strongest exposure, and cult following. However, it was Hindu art that dominated the landscape, eventually, and resulted in the profusion of temple traditions, that have endured till now.Most of the state's attractions are close to each other, and convenient access is provided out of the state capital, Bhubaneshwar. The capital itself is an intriguing amalgam of the old and the new, an emerging modern Indian city, that is steeped in the roots of the traditions of its glorious past, without being overwhelmed by it.

Getting There :

1. By Air: Bhubaneswar is the only civil airport in the state. It is well connected by regular flights to different parts of the country.
2. By Rail: Bhubaneswar and Puri are the major railway junctions for Orissa. There is an extensive railway network connecting Orissa to the other parts of the country.
3. By Road: The National Highways 5, 6, 23, 42, and 43 pass through Orissa. The good road network connects well with the other parts of the country as well as different places within the state.

Fast Facts :

1. Area: 155,707 sq km
2. Population: 34.2 million
3. Capital: Bhubaneswar
4. Languages spoken: Oriya, Bengali, Hindi, English etc.
5. Best Time to visit: November to March
6. Major Cities: Bhubhneshwar, Puri, Konark

Tourist Attractions :

Bhubaneshwar :
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, is also popularly known as the "Temple City of India". Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord Lingaraj', Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style flowered from its very inception to its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years.

Jagannath Temple :
The temple has contributed the word ‘Juggernaut’ to the English language. The fame of Puri is mainly due to this 12th century temple. The annual Rath Yatra is a considerable tourist attraction. Within its precincts are the smaller temples of Vimala, Lakshmi, Vishnu and of innumerable gods and godde

Rajarani Temple :
The Rajarani temple, dating back to the eleventh century, is set in open paddy fields, and the entire structure exudes grace and elegance. The name of the temple has been the subject of much debate. The most likely explanation is that the name is related to the lovely red-and- gold sandstone used in its construction, a stone which is known locally as rajarani.

Puri :
Other than the attraction of its glorious beach, this city by the sea is a major pilgrim centre in India. Adi Shankara founded one of the Peethas here. Puri’s beach, a major draw, is ideal for swimming and surfing.

Konark Temple :
The Sun Temple is an extant example of Indian devotion to the Sun-the God of all Gods, the very source of life itself. Built as an architectural morvel in the 13th century, here a colossal image of the chariot of the sun, drawn by seven horses and 24 wheels symbolizes the divisions of time.The Sun Temple of Narasimhadeva is a depiction in stone of the life of those times – Royal, Social, Religious and Military. The sun temple according to the world famous poet Rabindranath Tagore, “The language of stone, defeats the language of Man.

Mukteswara Temple :
Mukteswara Temple was built in the 10th century. It is well known for its stone arch at the entrance and is richly sculpted. With tales from the Panchatantra carved on it, the temple is a magnificent example of Orissan architecture.