A potential State for Tourists of various interests is Odisha

On the eastern coast of Bharat, perpetually washed by the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, lies the many splendoured State of Odisha. A rich cultural heritage of old world charms and bestowed liberally with the bounties of nature, sometimes tender, sometimes awe-inspiring, it is a kaleidoscope of past splendors and present glamour, a fascinating state with unspoiled beaches, sprawling lakes, luxuriant forests, teeming wildlife, superb monuments, exotic handicrafts, traditional tribes, colorful fairs and festivals, scintillating music and dances.

Temple City of Odisha

A potential State for tourists of various interests is Odisha. The land of Lord Jagannath, The innumerable temples of Odisha scattered throughout the length and breadth of the State ranging from the miniature on the Mahendragiri to the gigantic Jagannath, Lingaraj and Sun Temple of the Golden Triangle have the magic touch to keep the visitors spell bound.

Know as temple city Bhubaneswar at one time is said to have as many as 7000 temples. Scores of them stand even today as reminiscence of this cathedral city of India. A chronological development of temple architecture over centuries beginning with the Bharateswar, Lakshmaneswar, and Shatrughneswar group of temples to the Shree Lingaraj.

Sonepur and Sambalpur can be called mini temple towns. They have developed a separate style of temple architecture which flourished during the Chouhan rules in Western Odisha. A special mention in this connection can be made of the leaning temple of Bimaleswar at Huma,30 Kms. from Sambalpur on the bank of the river Mahanadi.

The Rock-Cut Caves

Odisha has the distinction of having two Yogini shrines of India. One of them is at Hirapur near Bhubaneswar and the other at Ranipur Jharial in the district of Bolangir. At Ranipur Jharial the temple stands in close proximity of numerous Saiva shrines and a Vaishnaba shrine. This speaks of the cultural synthesis that existed in this region then. The rock-cut caves of Khandagiri & Udayagiri throw much light on the hitherto obscure history of Odisha state.

The Ranigumpha in Udayagiri is quite interesting. The Kalinga war famed Dhauligiri contains the rock edicts of Emperor Ashok. Another rock edict of the same emperor is found at Jaugada in the district of Ganjam. Shanti Stupa Dhauligiri can be of more interest for the Buddhist tourists with the peace pagoda constructed on the top of the hill in the early seventies.

The biosphere reserve of Nandankanan Zoological Park, can be interesting for any visitor regardless of age and sex. Carved out of the natural Chandka forests, the Nandankanan Zoo has in the recent years set more than one world records. It is for the first time in the world that white tigers were born of non-white parents at Nandankanan Zoo.

The white tiger safari and lion safari have added news features. The majestic Mahanadi gorge at Tikarapara with the added attraction of the Crocodile Sanctuary. Millions of Olive Ridley turtles come to Gahirmatha twice a year to lay eggs. This place is better for the wild life lovers.

The Chilika Lake

Odisha has a paradise for the birds as well as in the Chilika Lake which is the largest brackish Water Lake in Asia. Chilika has all the potentialities of one of the most attractive destinations of the Odisha.

The precipitous water falls like Duduma, Bagra, Nrusimhanath, Harishankar, Pradhanpat, Khandadhar, Joranda, Berehipani, etc. formed against enthralling hills of scenic beauty provide the tired travelers with a cool breeze and ice cold water to relieve them off the clutches of the scorching sun in the summer.

The hot sulfur spring at Atri, Taptapani, Deulajhari and Tarabalo. The lovely beaches of Odisha stretching over 400 kms. from Chandaneswar, Balasore to Gopalpur, Ganjam are still virgin and rated among the best in the world. The beach at Chandipur in the district of Balasore has a unique individuality of its own. These are More refreshing in the winters.

Odisha offers to the tourists numerous traditional fairs and festivals which are observed with colorful pomp and ceremony. The grandest among which is the Rathayatra at Puri, Dhanu Yatra at Bargarh, Sitalsasthi at Sambalpur, Nila Parva at Chandaneswar, Chhou dance at Baripada etc.

The textiles of western Odisha popularly known as Sambalpuri Textiles, the Applique works of Pipili, the Horn and Soap stone works of Puri, Patta Paintings of Raghurajpur and the silver filigree of Cuttack are worth possessing souvenirs for the near and dear ones at home.

Communication to Odisha

There are a few places like Daringibadi in Phulbani district, the Sunabeda plateau in Koraput district where the visitors can have the same experience as that of Himalayan valley.

As a result many quality hotels from 5 star to budget category sprang up through out the Odisha. They provide clean and comfortable accommodation with delicious cuisine. Lots of hotels have conference facilities too more such facilities are in the pipeline.

The Bhubaneswar airport has direct or convenient air links with Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad etc. Fast and Super fast trains run the tourist destinations of the Odisha with all major cities of the country. There are 19 Tourist Counters – one at the Airport, Bhubaneswar and one each at the remaining at important Railway stations both inside and outside the Odisha. Communication to Odisha is just excellent .