ORISSA
Orissa is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. Orissa was in the past known as Kalinga that was invaded by Maurya Emperor in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on April 1, 1936 with majorly Oriya speaking people. The narrow, level coastal strip including the Mahanadi River delta supports the bulk population of Orissa. The interior of Orissa is mountainous and sparsely populated. Orissa is home to some of the aboriginal tribes of India.Orissa has an important place in Indian history with around 3000 years of historical events. Orissa has stood as an observer to the Kalinga war that led emperor Ashoka to embrace non-violence and teachings of Buddha.

Orissa is a beautiful state with several amazing tourist destinations. Thousands of pilgrims visit Orissa to travel to Puri to visit the Jagannath temple, which is one of the most sacred places for Hindus. Orissa can also be visited to visit the Konark Sun Temple that is an amazing historical monument. Further, beach lovers will find numerous beautiful beaches like beaches of Puri , Konark and Gopalpur-on-sea in Orissa. Monument lovers also have numerous architecturally marvelous temples in the temple city Bhubaneswar in Orissa. Orissa also provides places like Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon with numerous beautiful islands, for nature lovers. Wild life lovers can visit Similipal in Orissa to have a wonderful wildlife experience.
Tourist Places
1. Konark Sun Temple
Designed to be a huge chariot for the Sun God Surya, the intricately carved Sun Temple was constructed in the 13th century. It stands 30 meters high on 12 massive wheels. Erotic carvings similar to those on the Khajuraho temples are a renowned feature.The Sun Temple can be visited on a day trip from either Puri or Bhubaneshwar. However, it’s worthwhile seeing the temple in the late afternoon, after the day trippers have departed, and staying a night in Konark. You’ll appreciate the more peaceful atmosphere. The temple is open from sunrise until sunset. The entrance fee is $5 for foreigners.
Don’t Miss: The Konark Festival if you love classical music and dance.
2. Bhubaneshwar
The capital city of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar blends old and new. It’s remarkable for having the largest temple in Orissa (the Lingraj Mandir), as well as a motley collection of caves cut into the hillside on the outskirts of the city. The caves were once home to Jain aesthetics. The most interesting ones can be found at Udayagiri (Sunrise Hill). The complex is open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.If you love history and architecture, there are plenty more temples to see around the city. A Hop On Hop Off Bus service will take you there, as well as to the best of Bhubaneshwar’s other attractions such as handicraft markets, parks, museums, and Nandankanan Sanctuary to see the white tigers.
Don’t Miss: A sunrise over Udayagiri if you’re an early riser.

3. Chandipur Beach
Casuarina trees, sand dunes, and a tide that receeds out for miles all make Chandipur Beach special. This little known beach is the place to come if you want a tranquil beach getaway. Of course, if you’re looking for crystal clear water and golden sand, there are better beaches in India. However, this one is unique! It’s also very safe. Chandipur Beach is readily accessible by train from Bhubaneshwar, and also Kolkata in West Bengal.Don’t Miss: Walking on the huge stretch of seabed when the tide is out. It’s brilliant for beach-combing. Discover small puddles of water with tiny fish, sea shells, and crabs.
4. Puri
Puri is located on the beach, but don’t go there expecting a beach paradise. You’ll need to head far away from the center to find an unpolluted patch of sand. Instead, Puri’s appeal lies in its holiness. The imposing Jagannath Temple is only open to Hindus, but the roof of the Raghunandan Library opposite offers decent views.Puri is also a good place to organize tribal tours, and day trips such as to Chilika Lake and the Raghurajpur heritage crafts village.
Don’t Miss: The Rath Yatra festival, which takes place in July/August each year. It’s the only occasion when non-Hindus can get to see the temple deities. A mere glimpse of Lord Jagannath on the chariot, or even to touch the chariot, is considered to be very auspicious. A Puri Beach Festival is also held every November.
5. Tribal Villages
There are more than 60 tribal communities in Orissa. These ancient people with mystical ancient ways dwell in Orissa’s remote, deep forests and hilly interiors. Most of them are in the southwest part of the state. Visiting the tribes can be a fascinating experience, but you’ll need to go on an organized tour. Some tribal areas are quite inaccessible and require permits, and language is also a barrier. Heritage Tours are professional and knowledgeable. Also try community-based Grass Routes Journeys in Puri.During a tribal tour of Orissa, you’ll get to mix with the local tribal people and learn their lifestyles. Tours run for at least five nights/six days, due to the amount of travel involved.
Don’t Miss: The weekly tribal markets.
How to Reach
There is just one airport in Odisha (Orissa) at the capital city – Bhubaneswar. With a commercial port at Paradeep, Odisha (Orissa) has also opened its doors via waterways to the nearby countries. Moreover the state capital is directly linked to New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Allahabad, Patna and other places across India.By Rail - There is a good train network also that connects Calcutta, Puri, Madras, Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Tirupati and Trivandrum to Bhubaneswar by express and super express trains plying to and fro on a daily basis.
By Road - Odisha (Orissa) is well connected to its neighbouring states through a good road network.
By Airport - Regular flights landing at the only major airport of the city namely Biju Patnaik Airport connect it to all the major cities of the country such as Calcutta, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Raipur.
Sikkim Mountains
Where: Sikkim
Snow-clad mountain peaks, Buddhist monasteries and marvelous scenic views make Sikkim on the most serene destinations in India. This beautiful place is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayan Mountains. Ideal time to visit Sikkim is the month of April and May and also in late September to mid of November. Besides, it is better to avoid the monsoon season to visit Sikkim. Apart from these, azure skies, white fragrant magnolias, magnificent tea gardens, slanting sun rays that turn rhododendrons to scarlet are just some of the mesmerizing beauty that is sure to leave you spellbound.
Coorg (Kodagu)
Where: Karnataka
Coorg is famously known as "the Scotland of India" and is a perfect getaway for those who are in search of peace. One can enjoy the beauty of lush green forest, tall hills, essence of coffee estates and pale green rice valleys in Coorg. The other main attractions that make the place mesmerizing lies in the calm banks of Kaveri River; waterfalls like Iruppu, Abbey and Mallalli, and Abbi Falls, which would serve as an ideal and cooling vacation spot. Well connected roads are there to reach Coorg from places like Coimbatore, Bangalore, Ooty and Mysore


















































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