Destination Features

Scenic, Serene & Sublime- three catchwords of  Orissa Tourism that captures the very essence of Orissa. Located on the eastern coast and bounded on the west by the thickly wooded hills of the Eastern Ghats and on the east by 480 km of coast line on the Bay of Bengal, Orissa or Kalinga as it was earlier known is replete with natural wonders and contains some of the most outstanding and breathtaking sceneries associated with the Eastern Ghats.  The state also has a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its dance (Odissi), art and crafts (appliqué, pattachitra) and architecture (Jagannath temple, Sun temple, Lingaraja temples etc). Orissa is probably the only state in the country which has got three pagodas of religious significance- The Black Pagoda (Sun temple) of Konark; the White Pagoda (Jagannath temple) of Puri and the Peace Pagoda of Dhauli. The state is also an anthropologist delight for Orissa has the largest number of tribes in the country -62 to be precise who constitute nearly 24% of the total population.

 Every part of Orissa is of importance as far as tourism is concerned. While the coastal belt is replete with temples and beaches; the interior regions of Southern and Western Orissa being hilly and densely forested are inhabited by tribal people and are full of natural wonders. As opposed, animals run the roost in the north-eastern part of Orissa since the Simlipal Tiger Reserve and the Bhitarkanika Sanctuary are located there.

From temples to monasteries; from wildlife to nature’s wonders; from sun kissed beaches to gurgling waterfalls, from eco tourism to tribal tourism, the state has everything that would interest a tourist. To art & history lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and ethnographers the state promises all this and much more. Being a mineral rich state, Orissa also has got tremendous scope for mining tourism as well though it will take time to develop it as such.

• Languages:  Though Oriya is the official language, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu and English are widely spoken and understood.
• Best time to visit: Orissa has a tropical climate and the best time to visit this eastern state is from October to February, when the climate is very pleasant. It is neither too hot nor cold, though it is advisable to take some light woolens (one sweater/ shawl is enough). However, if you want to experience just the rains then July to September is the time. Be aware that not much sightseeing is possible during this period coz the clouds can open up any moment though the seas can be mesmerizing.
  

Bhubaneswar: The capital of Orissa, Bhubaneswar is also known as the Temple city. The city once had around 5000 temples of which around 500 are left. Architecturally most of these temples belong to the Kalinga architectural style and are located in Old town.

• Places to visit in Bhubaneswar: Lingaraj temple; Mukteshwara temple; Rajarani temple; Parasurameswara temple; Brahmeswar temple; Vaital Deul temple; Ram Mandir;Vimaleswar / Gaurisankar temple; Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir; ISKCON Temple; Bindu Sagar; Nandankanan zoo; Ekamra Haat; State Museum, Reginal Museum of Natural History; Regional Science Center; Orissa Modern Art Gallery; Nicco Park; Indira Parkor IG Park; Biju Patanaik Park etc.
• Getting around Bhubaneswar: Auto rickshaws and private taxis are the best modes of transport to get around the city. The auto rickshaws mostly ply on a sharing basis as in most small towns though if you want to hire one just for yourself you can do so. A private taxi can charge around 500-700 for 8 hrs/80kms. Nearly all the places of interests within the city, Dhauli, the caves of Udaygiri and Khandagiri can be easily reached by auto rickshaws and taxis. One can also hire a auto rickshaws to got to Puri & Konark. State buses are also an option though they are usually crowded. Another good option the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) who conducted regular tours to these places.
• Excursion from Bhubaneswar: Dhauli (8kms from Bhubaneswar) - for the peace pagoda; Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves- Jain and Buddhist sites; Sisupalgarh- where the ruins of 4th century BC city have been found; Atri (42kms) – for the hot sulphur water spring; Hirapur (15kms) - for the hypaethral 9th century Yogini shrines and of course Puri (60km) and Konark (64 km) for the famed Jagannath temple and Konark temple.
   

Dhenkanal: A major town thriving with activity, Dhenkanal is the gateway to the most ancient forest covers and temples.

• Excursion from Dhenkanal : Kapilas Hill(26)-for its historic monuments & caves associated with Lord Siva; Joranda(24 km) –for the Samadhi  of Mahima Gosain –the founder of the Mahima Cult; Saptasajya (11 km)- a pilgrimage spot with a small spring and temples of Saptarshi and Raghunath; Tikarpada (120 km) -for the  most exciting visuals of the Satkosia gorge, India's mightiest gorge& for  angling, boating and trekking; Kaulo( 72kms)-temple of Lord kanakeswar; Saranga(67km)- for the Anatasayi image of Lord Vishnu; Ladagada(40km)- for Lord Siddheswar and Dandadhar(65km)- for a beautiful captivating valley.
  Getting Around Dhenkanal: Autos and taxi are plenty so getting around the city is not a major problem. Dhenkanal is 99 kms from Bhubaneswar on NH2 and connects Cuttack with Sambalpur.
   

Cuttack: One of the Oldest cities of Orissa and the also the erstwhile capital of the state, Cuttack is the hub and the major base for trips to Ratnagiri, Udaygiri & Khandagiri.

• Places to Visit in Cuttack: Barabati fort & Stadium; Qadami-Rasul Mosque; Church of St.Michael & Angles; temple of Cuttack Chandi; residence of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
  Not to be missed: The Durga Puja, said to be the best after Kolkata and the Bali Yatra held in the month of November –December.
• Excursions from Cuttack : Choudwar (10 km by road,5 km by water) – for the 8 prominent Siva pithas; Chhatia(30 km)- for archaeological remains of Amaravati-Kataka, one of the five important forts of Chodaganga Deva and the shrine of Lord Jagannath ;Naraj (15 km)- famous seat of Buddhist culture and learning; Chandikhol (40 km) - temple of Mahavinayak and an ideal picnic spot; Dhabaleswar (35 km) –Riverine Island famed for the temple of Shiva; Niali-Madhava (47 km)-for the shrine of Sovaneswar, also a beautiful picnic spot; Bhattarika (108 km)-temple of goddess Bhattarika  & a good picnic spot. Kendrapara (65 km)- for the temple of Lord Baladeva , the brother of Lord Jagannath; Bhitarkanika Sanctuary (96km from Cuttack & 30kms from Kendrapara)-for Olive Ridley turtles, estuarine Crocodiles, migratory birds; Jajpur (92 km)- for the shrine of Sweta Varaha &"Dasasvamedha Ghat"; Paradeep (94 km)-beach & seaport; Lalitgiri, Udayagiri & Ratnagiri (55 km - 70 km)-Buddhist and Jaina complex; Ansupa(70 km)-a  small picturesque lake; Paradeep(94km)-mangrove forest, light house beach, sea port.
• Getting Around Cuttack:  Autos and taxi are plenty so getting around the city is not a major problem.
   

Puri: One of the original four dhams, Puri is famed for its 12th century Jagannath temple and its beautiful beach. This pilgrimage town has its share of temples and mathas. Getting an accommodation at Puri is hardly any problem due to the large number of dharmashalas, lodges and guesthouses available.

• Not to be missed: The annual car festival or Rath Yatra held in the month of June –July. Probably second in number to the grand Kumbh Mela in terms of the sheer number of people who throng to the place. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and truly a spectacle not be missed. The Puri Dance Festival is another event.
• Places to visit in Puri: Jagannath Temple; Gundhicha Temple; Pancha Tirtha (Indradyumna Tank, Swetaganga Tank, Rohini Kunda, Markandesvara Tank, Mahodadhi(Sea)); Sri Lokanath Temple; District Museum Puri and the Puri Beach.
• Excursion from Puri: Pipli (40kms fromPuri) -for appliqué work; Raghurajpur- an artisan village famous for its patta chitra paintings; Sakhigopal (20 km) for its Radha Krushna temple; Satapara/Satapada (50kms) for dolphin sighting ;Chilika lake(105 kms) for migratory birds; Balighai beach(10 km) for solitude; Baliharachandi (27km) -beach and ancient Durga Temple; Chandrabhaga Beach(30kms); Konark(35 kms) for its Sun Temple and Bhubaneswar(60kms) for its 500 temples.
• Getting around Puri:  Cycle rickshaws are the best way to see the hustel and bustle of this temple town. A few auto rickshaws and taxis are also there. Bicycel, mopeds or a motorcycle can be easily hired from several outlets on the Chakratirtha Road (CT Road).
   

Konark:  Konark, like Agra is a typical example of how one architectural marvel can do wonders to a place. Visitors from all over the country and world come here to see the famed Sun Temple and its erotic sculpture and to spend some time at the beautiful Chandrabhaga beach.

• Places to visit in Konark : The Konark Temple, the Chandrabhaga beach & the archaeological museum(Friday closed)
  Excursions from Konark: Ramchandi (8km)-a scenic place ideal for a picnic; Kuruma (8 km) -a Buddhist site. The place is approachable by jeep; Chaurasi (30 km)- for temples of Amareswar, Laxminarayan and Barahi (Mother Goddess) who are worshipped as  per tantric practices ; Astranga (35 km)-for a panoramic view during the sunset on a multi-colored horizon.
• Not to be missed: The Konark Music and Dance Festival held against the backdrop of the Black Pagoda ie, the Sun temple during the month of December-January.
• Getting around Konark: Though there are buses that ply from Puri and Bhubaneswar to Konark however, the best way to go is either by a taxi or an auto. Reason being that the drive from Puri will take you through the coastal area with its sleepy hamlets and beautiful mud houses. A round trip from Puri by taxi may cost you around Rs.500-1000 depending on the type of car.
   

Chilika: The country's largest inland lake and Asia's largest brackish water lake, Chilika is home to rare fresh water Irrawady dolphins, the limbless lizard and yes the thousands of migratory birds who make this Part freshwater and part sea water lake their home for the winters.

• Places to visit in Chilika: Kalijai Island; Rambha; Breakfast Islands; Honeymoon Islands/ Barkuda Island; Somolo and Dumkudi;.Bird's island ;Parikud and Malud.
• Excursion from Chilika: Narayani(22kms) - picnic spot and the temple of Goddess Narayani ;Nirmaljhara(11 km) - temple of Vishnu amdist scenic sorrundings;Banpur (42 km)-  for temples of  "Dakshya Prajapati" and “Goddess Bhagabati” as well as for the images of  Buddha reflecting the Vajrayan cult of Buddhism;Taptapani (00kms)- A hot sulphur spring with medicinal properties; Gopalpur on sea  - One of the finest beaches on the eastern coast.
• Getting around Chilika: Nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar (100 km) and nearest railway station is at Balugaon (5kms). Regular buses also ply from the major towns like Puri, Bhubaneswar and Berhampur. There is also a 3 hr ferry service between Satapada & Balugaon. For getting to the islands there are both OTDC and private run Motor Launchers and boats.
   

Chandipur Beach- The Chandipur beach is the only beach in India where you can see the sea recede upto 5 km everyday at low tide. As it is one of the lesser known beaches of the country, the beach of Chandipur is one of the finest and the least spoilt beaches of the country.

• Places to visit in Chandipur Beach: The beach.
• Excursions from Chandipur Beach: Deokand (110kms)- for waterfalls; Similipal Wildlife Scantuary(100 km)- for wildlife; Khiching (205 kms)-for Chamunda and Kichakeswari temple; Remuna(9km) -center of Vaishnavite culture; Sajanagarh - seat of shakti cult ;Nilagiri- for trekking, Kuldiha Elephant Sanctuary & the Jagannath Temple; Panchalingeswar(30 kms) - for the five lingams of Lord Shiva.
• Getting Around Chandipur:   Easily reachable by a taxi or an auto from Balasore, which is the nearest town and is well connected by both road and rail.
   

Bramhapur:  A major commercial town of South Orissa, Bramhapur, located south of Chilika Lake is famous for the traditional hand woven Ikat silk; brass & bell metal ware, wood carvings and horn toys.

• Places to Visit in Bramhapur: The shrines of Thakurani, Jagannath and Nilakantheswar Shiva.
• Excursions from Bramhapur: Jaugada & Buguda(35km) –rock edict of Asoka  & the beautiful Biramchinartayan temple; Buddhakhol(37km) –bhuddist sculptures an temples of Shiva; the beaches of Gopalpur-on-sea (16km), Patisonapur (30kms south of Gopalpur-on-sea) and Aryapalli (16 km from Gopalpur); Taptapani(50km)- hot water spring; Chandragiri(32km south of Taptapani)- Tibetan settlement; Taratarini(30 km)-  a shaktipith dedicated to the twin goddess Tara & Tarini and situated on the top of a blue capped hill; Mahendragiri(135km) –for evergreen forest and scenic beauty.
• Getting Around  Bramhapur: Bramhapur is on the National Highway No. 5 and well connected by rail.
   

Baripada: the commercial town of North western Orissa, Baripada is home to a large tribal population namely the Santhals.  The town is thickly forested with hills and streams & is an ideal place to pick up handloom products of Chandanpur and stone carving of Khiching.

• Places to Visit in Baripada: Chamunda and Kichakeswari temple at Khiching- the erstwhile capital of the Bhanja Kings who once ruled the area; the prehistoric sites of Kuchai & Kuliana; the Jagannath temple.
• Excursions from Baripada: Similipal Wildlife Scantuary- (50kms)- wildlife;  Haripur (16km)- for the ruins of some magnificent palaces and monuments; Kumbhirgadi-  for the Bhusandeswar Linga. This Shiva Linga made of granite is one of largest in Asia with a height of 3.8 m & a width of 3.5 m.
• Not to be missed:  The Rath Yatra of Jagannath temple. Though not as grand as the on in Puri what makes this one unique is that the Rath of Subhadra is pulled only by women; the Chaitra Parba in April where tribals in colorful attire dance to the beats of the Chhow Dance
   

Sambalpur: The gateway to western Orissa, Sambalpur or "Sambalaka” of Ptolemy is renowned for its famed Sambalpuri sari & the Hirakud Dam said to be the world’s longest Dam.

• Places to Visit in Sambalpur: Hirakud Dam and the temples of Samaleswari, Patneswari, Budha Raja, Brahmapura and the Gopaljee monastery.
• Excursions from Sambalpur: Hirakud Dam (16 km)- longest Dam in the world & the largest artificial lake in Asia; Ushakothi wildlife sanctuary & Debigarh  wildlife sanctuary (48 km)- for wildlife; Nrusimhanath (165 km) –ancient Buddhist site & for the   temple of Vidala-Nrusimha; Vikramkhol Caves (26 km)- for un deciphered Pictographic Inscription; Pradhanpat hill in Deogarh (96 km)-for picturesque waterfalls & temples of Gopinath, Jagannath and Gokarneswara ;Rourkela(192 km)- tribal hinterland, deer park etc; Huma (32 km)- for the famous leaning temple.
   

Keonjhar: Keonjhar offers varieties of attractions to the tourists in terms of rock paintings, ancient temples and lush green forests with marvelous natural wonders. Best time to visit Keonjhar is from October to March.

• Places to visit in Keonjhar: The shrines of Siddha Jagannath, Siddha Kali, Ghatagaon and Panchabati, Vishnu Temple, Jagannath Temple etc.
• Excursions from Keonjhar: Sitabinji (30 km) - for ancient fresco painting on a rock shelter called "Ravan Chhaya"; Khandadhar(60 km)- picnic spot famous for its 500ft waterfall ; Sanghagara falls (5 km)- picnic spot  known for its small yet beautiful waterfall (30mts); Badghagara (10 km) - popular picnic spot with a waterfall (60mts);Gonasika (45 km) - temple of Brahmeswar Mahadev and an important pilgrimage site; valleys & hills and an underground river called Guptaganga; Murga Mahadeva (70 km )- a perennial spring and  temple of Murga Mahadeva; Bhimkund- a beautiful waterfall shaped like a kund(tub)
   

Bhawanipatna:  Named after the presiding deity 'Bhawanishankar', Bhawanipatna-the headquarters of Kalahandi District is a convenient base for touring nearby areas.

• Places to visit in Bhawanipatna: The temple of goddess Manikeswari famous for its unique and enchanting "Chattar Jatra".
• Excursions from Bhawanipatna : Phurli Jharan (15 km) - A perennial waterfall 16 mts high; Junagarh (26 km) - a well built fort with Oriya inscriptions on its temple walls;Karlapat Sanctuary (32kms)-for wildlife including tigers and leopards, Khanduala waterfall so named after the Goddess Khanduala whose shrine is situated on the top of a hill; Belkhandi (67 km) -a place of archaeological importance;  Ambapani (77 km) - For its hills and a valley called 'Haladigundi' ; wildlife; the prehistoric cave paintings of Gudahandi (5 kms from Ambapani); Budhikomna (115 km)  -For the unique brick temple of Pataleswar; Yogimath  (9km east of Khariar)- for the cave paintings of Neolithic age;  Patalaganga  (40 km from Khariar) a holy spot.
• Getting Around Bhawanipatna: Bhawanipatna is 418 km from Bhubaneswar and the nearest railway station is at Kesinga (35 km)
   

Phulbani: a rich tribal culture and colourful flora & fauna.

• Excursions from from Phulbani : Balaskumpa (18 km) - for the Goddess Barala Devi who is believed by the natives to be the creator of the world; Padmatala (37 km) - for its pond where wild animals can be seen in considerable numbers during evening; Puruna Katak (40 km)--s for the temple of Goddess Bhairavee;  Charisambhu (85 km)- for the temple of Lord Charisambhu Ananta Vishnu; Putudi (15 km)-dense forest and waterfall; Belghar (158 km) - dense forest which acts a refuge for wild-life especially elephants;  Boudh (70 km)- for rich cultural heritage & shrines of Rameswar ,Chandrachula, Gopaljiu, Durga, Matangeswari ,Hanuman &  Buddha in Padmasana pose. Chakapad (60 km) - the temple of Lord Birupakshya; scenic views and the fact that all the trees lean towards south;  Dalringibadi (135 km)- the ‘Kashmir of Orissa’, an ideal summer resort and the only place in Orissa which experiences snowfall during winter.
   

Bolangir: A major commercial towns in the western part of Orissa, 327 km from Bhubaneswar.

• Excursions from Bolangir:  Ranipur- Jharial (104 km)- four existing Hypaethral Temples dedicated to sixty-four Yoginis in lndia ;Harishankar (81 km)- a place of pilgrimage and rare scenic beauty with gurgling waterfalls; Patnagarh (38 km)- ancient monuments;  Sonepur (48 km)- Known as Paschima Lanka in scriptures, has a cluster of temples, each having a story of its own.
   

Jeypore: The gateway to the tribal hinterland abounds in meadows, forests, waterfalls, terraced valleys and darting springs

• Excursions from Jeypore:   Bagra - charming waterfall on the river Kolab and an ideal picnic spot;   Papadahandi – shiva temple  ; Nandapur  - For the throne with 32 steps;  Sunabeda-  gorgeous landscapes;  Duduma –  also known as Matsya Tirtha' famous for its 157.5 mts waterfall Machhakund Hydro-Electric Project; Gupteswar  - cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva set atop a huge limestone hill; Hatipathar  (112km)- picnic spots and  Natural boulders that appear to be elephants ;  Minna Jhola (245km) –ideal picnic spot on the confluence of three rivers.
• Getting to Jeypore:  Vishakhapatnam at 220 km is more nearer than Bhubaneswar (521 km).The nearest rail head is Rayagada.
   

Koraput: for dense sandalwood forest, Ghats, hair pin bends wildlife.

• Not to be missed: The Rath Yatra and Parab" - a Tribal Festival organised by Unicef every year in November.
  Getting To Koraput:  Vishakhapatnam is the nearest airport (5 hrs by road). Is also easily accessible from both Orissa and Andhra Pradesh by rail and road.