Monday, November 21, 2011


 

Bordered by the Bay of Bengal in the eastern part of India, Orissa is a popular tourist destination. Dotted  with beaches, temples, wildlife sanctuaries and lakes, Orissa welcomes you to gift yourself a memorable holiday. The western part of Orissa is forested and hilly. On the other hand, the eastern side is home to tourist spots and religious centers. This state is rich in cultural heritage as it was home to the kingdom of Kalinga. Well connected by road, air and rail, Bhubaneshwar is the capital of the state.

Beaches in Orissa

Beaches and Lakes in Orissa
 Orissa has almost 482 kilometers of coastline, which features remarkably beautiful beaches. For centuries, the Puri beach has been the main source of entertainment for travelers in Puri. Vibrant waves to and fro attract the tourists to dip in it. Collect seashells and stroll along the beach at Gopalpur in Orissa. The Chandrabhaga Beach is near the Sun Temple or Konark Temple and it is a serene beach. The Chilka Lake is a brackish water lake which is the home of various migratory birds. The lake houses marine species like mollusks, fishes, prawns, amphibians and reptiles. Watch the playful dolphins here as well.


Wildlife sanctuaries in Orissa


Wildlife sanctuaries in Orissa
 Almost one-third of Orissa is covered with forested land, which includes sanctuaries and national parks. Surrounded by water bodies, the Bhitarkanika National Park spreads over six hundred square kilometers and has abundant mangrove vegetation. The wildlife species that you can see here are King Cobra, pythons, wild pigs, crocodiles, monkeys, sambars and spotted deer. The main attraction here is the Crocodile Breeding Farm at Dangmal. Chandaka Sanctuary is located in the North-Eastern Ghats region. Bisons, elephants, and leopards can be seen here. The other sanctuaries and wildlife reserves are Nalabana (Chilika) Sanctuary, Simlipal Tiger Reserve, Nandan Kanan Sanctuary, and Satakosia (Tikarapara) Sanctuary.


Temples of Orissa

Temples of Orissa
 Orissa is full of temples and there are some legends associated with these temples. The Jagannath Temple is considered as one of the most sacred places in India. This temple was established in the 12th century and it is dedicated to Lord Jagannath or Vishnu. This temple was set up by Raja Ananta Varman Chodaganga Dev and thousands of devotees visit this place. The other temples to visit here are Parasuramesvara Temple, Vaital Temple, Mukteswara Temple, Rajarani Temple, and Lingaraja Temple.


Fairs and festivals in Orissa

Fairs and festivals in Orissa
There are several festivals in Orissa, which attract tourists from all over the world. During Ratha Yatra, thousands of devotees come and the roads are decorated. This festival is celebrated every year in Puri. Chandan Yatra is celebrated as the ending of the cycle of religious festivals. The other festivals celebrated here are: Konark Festival, Kalinga Mahotsav, Dhauli Mahotsav and Rajarani Music Festival.
 
 Other places to visit

 The other important places to visit in Orissa are Bhubaneshwar, the capital city and Brahmapur, the silk city. Another important site you cannot miss to see is Paradip, the port city, and the fertilizer plant in Rourkela.

 What not to do in Orissa



Here we have few tips which will help you know what not to do in Orissa:

  • Don't forget to carry mosquito repellent creams to prevent mosquito bites
  • Do not spend the night at any deserted place or sea beach
  • Do not carry too much cash
  • Do not go deep into the sea if you do not know swimming
  • Don't break traffic rules
  • Don't forget to carry identity card and passport

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