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| ORISSA |
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The ancient kingdom of Kalinga or Utkala, present-day Orissa, is a vibrant state of ancient traditions and cultural splendour. Pushed into the forefront of tourism by the marketing of its Golden Triangle Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark, it has left visitors hungry for more revelations of this enticing land shrouded in mystery and myth. Centered in the antique city of Puri lies one of Hinduism's most important dhams holy places-famous for its annual rath yatra celebrating Lord Jagganath-the Lord of the Universe. At Konark lie the remains of one of the most spectacular religious architectural marvels battling the vagaries of the elements even today as it stands defiantly by the sea. Across the state you will discover a fabulous range of ancient Hindu temples, Buddhist sites and rural settings. Nestled amongst the lush environs of the Eastern Ghats by the Bay of Bengal it is home to 62 distinct tribal communities, making it the largest collection of tribal people in a single state. The populace is mostly centred around the hilly enclaves of Koraput, Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj. The stunning variety of its topography offers a splendiferous range of wilderness and adventure activities. By its coastlands lies one of India's most important conservation sites-Gahirmatha --where the Olive Ridley Turtles come to nest all the way from South America every year without fail. Orissa's forests are home to protective tracts for endangered predators such as the tiger. Its gorgeous beaches attract visitors from around the world, its vibrant waterfalls and limpid lakes are a picnicker's delight. The dazzling range of ancient crafts and its colorful festivals open up a world of treasures culled from ancient civilizations that are relevant even today in the everyday life of its people. Orissa's incredible past is an intrinsic part of its contemporary present-the ancient spire of a temple searing the skyline a symbiotic reminder of this indelible experience for the visitor who walks here.
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| ACCESS |
Getting There And Around
Bhubaneswar the state capital is served by both air and rail connections from the major metros.
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Interstate and local bus services connect to all major tourist towns.
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| GRAND TOUR |
Bhubaneswar
Orissan temple architecture holds a special place in India's religious architectural traditions and one of the finest places to see it at its vibrant best is in the state capital-also know as the 'Cathedral City'. There was a time when Bhubaneswar, a bustling vibrant modern capital today, was said to have thousands of temples. Some of the most fantastic engineering feats can be witnessed in the lofty temples rearing into the city skyline. Chief amongst them is the ancient Lingaraj temple. Of gem-like splendour are the Parsurameshwar, the Mukteshwar and Rajarani temples with their sculpted refinements. The Vaital and Brahameshwar temple are another excellent example of Orissan architectural skills. The State Museum offers an vibrant insight into Orrisan culture and traditions. Also pop into the Tribal Research Institute Museum if you have time. Shopping for local crafts, textiles and jewellery in the government emporia and private shops around town is a rewarding experience.
Udaigiri and Khandagiri Monastic Caves
The twin hills located 8km away from the city are home to ancient Jain monasteries cut into the rock face and embellished with splendid carvings that have withstood the elements. Said to date back to the 2nd century BC the caves are worthy of a dekko
Dhauli
The plains of Dhauli near Bhubaneswar were witness to the epic battle of the Emperor Ashok against Kalinga and the site of his conversion to Buddhism after the horrific bloodshed that took place. The edict here bears testimony to that momentous change of heart and a life that followed the path of peace till his death. The emperor played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism in the subcontinent. On the hill opposite lies a peace pagoda (Shanti Stupa) built with Indo-Japanese collaboration
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Konarak
By the shores of the Bay the fabulous remains of a gigantic temple raised to the Sun god conjures up a world of myth and fantasy. The Konark Sun temple carved out as a chariot pulled by rearing horses, engages your imagination even further if you are here for the annual classical dance festival held in winter. It reminds you of the old world of devdasis and high profile priests, of kingly visions and desperate engineers trying to capture in stone the creative outpourings of a sculptor and architect of rare skills. The engineer they say who worked on the gigantic temple died from despair when he couldn't get it right---a king they said left it to the elements at the bad auguries….So myth and magic still rule-while the elements still play havoc. The giant chariot with its fantastical carvings-of lifelike wheels and rearing horses this UNESCO Heritage Site stuns all who behold its scale and splendour. Konark Beach beckons with its crashing waves and somewhere a sea siren still calls-or so the myths tell us…
Puri
Just 60-odd km from Bhubaneswar lies the holy city of Puri, the centre of one of the most important pilgrimages for the Hindu community. This seaside town is famous for its beaches as it is for the 12th century temple of Lord Jagganath- one of most holy places of the Hindu faith. An annual rites of the rath yatra in the month of June/July, sees thousands of devotees physically hauling the massive chariot, carrying the Lord and attendant deities, through the streets. The Jagganath Yatra attracts devotees and tourists from home and abroad.The Jagganath Temple itself is legendary for its mammoth activities including the handling of the rituals of prayer, and the Prasad offerings to thousands of devotees who throng the site all day long.. The temple is closed to non-Hindus. The Puri Beach attracts visitors who come to enjoy the golden sands, the crashing surf of the blue waters and vignettes of fishermen returning with the day's catch. Pilgrims too take a holy dip in the sea. Head out for the nearby village of Raghurajpur famous for pata and pata-leaf paintings. At Pipli Village you can pick up traditional appliqué work in umbrellas, lampshades, hand bags etc, from master craftsmen.These originally started as temple crafts.
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