A preferred destination for tourists from across the globe, Odisha (Orissa) is a place where one finds an astute amalgamation of spirituality, religion, culture, art and nature. Tourists flocking Odisha (Orissa) get really enthralled having visited Konark -a masterpiece of ancient and medieval architecture, Puri- a land of pristine sea beaches and nature at her beautiful best.

With a number of festivals and fairs also taking place round the year, Odisha (Orissa) stands as a true land of festivities where the tourists can never get bored of. With the spirit of Buddhism still haunting the very air of the state, Odisha (Orissa) is a place where the language of stone defeats human language.

Places to Visit in Odisha

Puri

One of the four celebrated religious centre of India, Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath needs no introduction. According to tradition Puri was once a thickly wooded hill inhabited by the Sabaras (Pre-Aryan and Pre-Dravidian tribes of the Austric linguistic family). The sunny beach at Puri is one of the finest in the world. Watching the sunrise in a symphony of colours is a wonderful experience. It is one of the most popular sea-side resorts where visitors from any part of the globe can comfortably relax.

Konark Sun Temple

KonarkThe magnificent Sun Temple at Konark is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world. The poet Rabindranath Tagore said of Konark that 'here the language of stone surpasses the language of man', and it is true that the experience of Konark is impossible to translate into words.

The massive structure, now in ruins, sits in solitary splendor surrounded by drifting sand. Today it is located two kilometers from the sea, but originally the ocean came almost up to its base. Until fairly recent times, in fact, the temple was close enough to the shore to be used as a navigational point by European sailors, who referred to it as the 'Black Pagoda'.

Chilika Lake

Chilika LakeQueen of natural beauty, Chilika, the largest brackish water lake in Asia covering an area of over 1,100 sq. km is a great attraction for the tourists for fishing, bird watching and boating. In winter Chilika aflutter with thousands of indigenous and migratory birds of many varieties from far and near - even from the distant Siberia. The fabulous beauty of Chilika which has inspired poets to sing its glory and which can be best enjoyed from Balugaon, Barkul, Rambha and Satapada must be seen to be believed. One can also have a glimpse of the lake from the moving trains and vehicles on the road near these places. The atmosphere is just serene and undisturbed amidst the blue expanse of water on one side and an evergreen range of hills on the other. Dotted with a host of islands with romantic names, a cruise in Chilika will be a life-long memory.

Bhubaneswar

Lingaraj TempleBhubaneswar, 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.

The new Bhubaneswar with its modern buildings and extensive infrastructure perfectly complements its historic surroundings. With facilities to cater to every type of visitor, Bhubaneswar makes an ideal tourist destination.

Koraput

Koraput located in the green valley contemplating immaculate freshness, was established on 1st April, 1936. Decorated by forests, waterfalls, terraced valleys and darting springs, the District draws the nature loving people. The Koraput District lies at 17.4 degree to 20.7 degree North latitude and 81.24 degree to 84.2 degree east longitude. The Koraput is bounded by Rayagada in the east, Bastar District of Chhattisgarh in the west and Nabarangpur District in the south.

Gupteswar Temple

Important cave shrine of Lord Shiva situated on a lime stone hill on the bank of river Kolab, surrounded by natural Scenery. The sacred 'Lingam' called Gupteswar, literally meaning, 'Hidden God'. Shivaratri is the major festival which attracts a large number of visitors.

Jeypore

Jeypore city of victory & the palace of erstwhile Jeypore estate. The old fort is encircled by high masonry wall with an imposing gateway. A mile and a half wide great water tank, west of the town, known as Jagannath Sagar. Jeypore, developed as the center of trade in Koraput, is also famous for paper mask crafts.