Around Puri Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Puri 

• Balighai
• Brahmagiri
• Satyabadi
• Baliharachandi

Balighai (8kms.)

This Casuarina fringed beautiful beach is a popular picnic spot.

Brahmagiri (25 kms.)

It is famous for the living shrine of Alarnath.

Satyabadi (20kms.)

A visit to the shrine of Lord Sakshigopal here is considered a must for devotees coming to Puri.

Baliharachandi (27 kms.)

The temple of Baliharachandi (Durga) lies atop a sandy hill near the sea, adjacent to the mouth of the river Bhargavi. The scenic beauty of this Place is ideal for group picnic.

Puri Important information

puri

Puri , the abode of Lord Vishnu, as Jagannath (Lord of the universe) is regarded by Hindus as one of the four holiest pilgrim centres or "char dhams". Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th century sage and religious reformer established the Gobardhan matha (monastery) here. Puri is also known for its fine beach.

Tourist Acctration in Puri

• Lord Jagannath Temple
• Gundicha Mandir
• Golden Beach

Lord Jagannath Temple : The temple of Lord Jagannath was built during the 12th century A.D. by Chodaganga Deva in the typical Kalinga style of architecture. The 65 metres high temple dominates the landscape visually as well as spiritually and is one of the most magnificent monuments of India. In front of the main gate stands a 16-sided monolithic pillar Lord Jagannath Tem known as Aruna Stambha, which was brought here from Sun Temple, Konark during the 18th century. Other shrines worth visiting in the temple precincts are devoted to Vimala Vishnu and Lakshmi.

Ananda Bazar, the biggest food market in the world is another attraction.

Gundicha Mandir : This small sanctum is said to be the birthplace of Lord Jagannai During the Rath Yatra, the deities from the main Jagannath Temple are brought for a sojourn of one week to this shrine.

Golden Beach : It is one of the finest beaches of the country. On 'Kartik Purnima', the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik (Oct./ Nov.), devotees gather here in the early morning to take a holy dip. The five day Beach Festival is celebrated here in the month of February.

REACHING THERE

Airport: Bhubaneshwar (60 kms.

Railhead: Good rail connection.

Road: Well connected

Around Konark Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Konark

• Chaurasi
• Pipli

Chaurasi (30kms.)

It is well known for the shrines of Amareswar, Laxminarayan and Barahi.

Pipli (23kms.)

It is famous for handicrafts known as "Applique work". Beautiful bedspreads, ~,.ov,;,-,n ^nx/prs haus wall hanuinus, umbrellas etc. are prepared using this art work.

Konark Important information

Konark

This small sea-side town was an important ancient port and is now world renowned for the majestic Sun Temple - a World Heritage Site of UNESCO and a charming beach.

Tourist Acctration in Konark

• Sun Temple
• Museum
• Konark Beach
• Konark Dance Festival

Sun Temple : The magnificent shrine  built  by   Ganga  king Narisimha Deva - 1 in 1278, is the crowning glory of Orissan temple architecture. According to Rabindranath Tagore -'here the language of stone surpasses the language of man' . The massive structure was designed as a celestial chariot of the Sun god, with twelve pairs of exquisitely carved wheels, drawn by seven horses. The 24 wheels are said to represent the fortnights of the year; the eight spokes in each wheel, the ancient divison of the day and night into eight equal parts and the seven horses, are the seven days of the week. The temple was originally set on the beach and the sea waves almost touched its base, but now the elegant ruins of the temple are located amidst drifting sand, about 2 kms. from the sea. It is said that 1200 architects toiled for 12 years to create this magnificent structure. The 227 feet high main sikhara (tower) which is now collapsed, was visible from far out at sea and the shrine was known as the 'Black Pagoda' by sailors, in contrast to the whitewashed Jagannath temple at Puri. At the base of the collapsed tower were three subsidiary shrines, which had steps leading to the Surya images. The main sanctum is in ruins but the natamandira (hall of dance), which remains in front of the temple and Audience Hall are intact. Of the 22 subsidiary temples which once stood within the enclosure, only two have survived - the Vaishnava and the Mayadevi Temple. At either side of the main temple are colossal figures of royal elephants and horses. The ornately carved temple also depicts   aspects of life during 1 3th century and is famous for the erotic art.

Museum : This museum of Archaeological Survey of India lies just outside the temple enclosure. It exhibits sculptures and carvings recovered from the Sun temple.

Konark Beach : It is one of the most attractive beaches of the country.

Konark Dance Festival : This famous festival is held in early December and attracts eminent dancers from all over the country.

 REACHING THERE

Airport : Bhubaneshwar (65 kms.).

Ranhead • Puri (35 kms )

Road: Well connected. 

Chilika Lake Important information

Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake , sprawling across an area of over 1,100 sq. kms. during monsoons is Asia's largest brackish lagoon. It is a unique assemblage of marine, brackish and fresh water eco-system with estuarine characters. The lake has a rich variety of aquatic fauna and is a safe haven for a large   number  of endangered species. During winters, it attracts over one million migratory birds - including osprey, grey legged geese, herons, cranes and flamingoes and is perhaps the largest congregations of aquatic birds in the sub-continent. Chilika was also designated as a "Ramsar Site" i.e.a wetland of International importance. The Nalaban, one of the biggest islands within the lagoon is notified as a Bird Sanctuary. The best time to visit is from October to June Boating and fishing facilities are avaiable at the lake, which is very rich in fish. One can view the dolphins at Chilika mouth near Satpara. For cruising and visiting the islands, OTDC provides motor launches at Barkul and Rambha.

Other  attractions  are  beautiful  beach  along Rajhansa and sacred Kalijai temple. Chilika is also known for Sunset and Sunrise views.

REACHING THERE

Airport: Bhubaneshwar (100 kms.)

Railhead : Balugaon (2 kms.) on Kolkata - Chennai route.

Road: Connected by N.H. 5

Berhampur Important information

Berhampur

Berhampur, the 'Silk City' of Orissa is an important commercial centre of the region. It is also well known for fine work on gold ornaments of southern design and delicious cuisine. Some of the attractions are, the Thakurani Temple, Jagannath Temple at Gosaninuagaon and Neela-kantheswar Temple.

Tourist Acctration in Berhampur

• Aryapalli
• Gopalpur-on-Sea
• Taptapani
• Taratarini

Aryapalli (30 kms.)

Famous for charming beach and bracing climate.

Gopalpur-on-Sea (16 kms.)

The tranquil sea-side town has emerged as a fine beach resort.

Taptapani (50 kms.)

The hot water springs amidst lush forests are worth visiting. The hot water is channeli: to a pond nearby to facilitate comfortable bathing. It is conveniently accessible by bus

Taratarini(32kms.)

The hill-top temple of Taratarini, the twin Goddesses, is endowed with immense natu beauty. The scenic beauty is further enhanced by river Rushikulya.

RE ACHING THERE

Airport: Bhubaneshwar (179 kms)

Railhead: Well connected.

Road: Connected by N.H. 5

Around Bhubaneshwar Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Bhubaneshwar

• Dhauli
• Khandagiri and Udaygiri Caves
• Atri
• Nandan Kanan Zoo
• Cuttack
• Paradeep
• Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udayagiri

Dhauli (8kms.)

The historic site is located on the Puri - Konark highway, across Dhauli hill on the banks of river Daya. The 3rd century B.C. Ashokan Rock Edicts, on the foot of the hill indicate that the great   'Kalinga war' was fought here. The bloody war transformed emperor Ashoka, who renounced his blood thirsty campaign and embraced Buddhism. A Buddhist Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) was established on the opposite hill in the early seventies by the Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha.

Khandagiri and Udaygiri Caves (7 kms.)

The rock-cut caves at the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, were the ancient Jain monasteries and are one of the most important Orissan historical monuments. The caves dating back to 2nd century B..C., were carved out by the first known Orissan ruler, Kharavela. The famous Hathi Gumpha ('Elephant Cave') and Rani Gumpha ('Queen's Cave') here are adorned with early sculptural art depicting the life and times of Jain ascetics.

Atri (42kms.)

It is well known for the hot sulphur water spring and the temple of Lord Hatakeswar. The spring water is said to possess curative properties.

Nandan Kanan Zoo (20 kms.)

The beautiful zoo carved out of the Chandaka forest is perhaps the finest in the country. The animals are kept in their natural habitat and a centrally located lake divides the Zoo from the Botanical Gardens. The zoo is famous for white tigers as well as migratory birds, which come here during winters. It also has the country's largest Lion Safari Park and White Tiger Safari with Ropeway and Toy Train.

Cuttack (30kms.)

Cuttack is said to be founded by Nripati Kesari (920-935) and is one of the oldest towns in Orissa. It lies at the head of the Mahanadi delta and is virtually an island surrounded by the great river and its tributary, the Kathajuri. A stone embankment on the Kathajuri river, built in the 11th century by a king of Kesari dynasty is a marvel of engineering. A shrine of Kadam Rasul set in the heart of the town enshrines some holy relics of Prophet Mohammad, which were brought from Mecca. The ruins of 14th century Barabati Fort are about 3 kms. north of city centre.

Paradeep (94 km)

 It is a major sea port and a fine beach resort.

Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udayagiri : These three hills have ruins of a remarkable Buddhist complex. Hieun-T'sang, the Chinese pilgrim found it to be the seat of a flourishing Buddhist University called "Puspagiri". Extensive ruins of brick pagodas, sculptured stone portals and esoteric Buddhist images have been excavated from here. Ratnagiri is 70 kms. Lalitgiri is 55 kms. and Udayagiri is 60 kms. from Cuttack.

RE ACHING THERE

A irport: Bhubaneshwar (179 kms)

Railhead: Well connected.

Road: Connected by N.H. 5

Bhubaneswar Important information

Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar   "The   Lord   of  the Universe" is studded with hundreds of | temples and is popularly known as the "Temple City" or the "Cathedral City" of the   East.   This   abode   of  Shiva   or Tribhubaneswar, the "Lord of the Three Worlds", is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centres. It is believed that the city once had about 7000 temples of which 500 still exist. These shrines are a gentle reminder of the  splendour of ancient   India.   Bhubaneshwar,   the ancient capital of the Kalinga empire is today the modern capital of Orissa.

Tourist Acctration in Bhubaneswar

• Lingaraja Temple
• Parasuramesvera Temple
• Mukteswar Temple
• Raja Rani Temple
• Vaital Temple
• Handicrafts Museum
• Orissa State Museum
• Cactus Garden

Lingaraja Temple : The 11th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, as Lingaraja if the culmination of Orissa style of temple architecture. The temple set in a wallec compound is noted for its imposing 54metres high spire, dominating the skyline of the town. The main sanctum surrounded by about 150 subsidiary shrines has a unique han ham lingam - half Shiva and half Vishnu. A large number of devotees visit the shrine, especially during Shivaratri festival (Feb.-Mar).

Parasuramesvera Temple : The Shiva temple built around 650 A.D. in classical style is the city's oldest surviving temple. It is noted for the finely detailed bas-reliefs depicting elephant and horse processions and Shiva images.

Mukteswar Temple : The small 10th century shrine regarded as the 'Gem of Orissan architecture' bridges the early and later phases of the Kalinga school of architecture. In front of the shrine is a stunningly beautiful archway.

Raja Rani Temple : The beautiful 11th century shrine amidst a well laid out garden is graced by erotic carvings and some of the finest Orissan temple sculptures.

Vaital Temple : The temple built in 800 A.D. was used mainly for tantric worship, which centered around shakti worship. A 'four faced' linga with unusual carvings is set in front of the entrance to the sanctum. The first erotic sculptures known in Orissan art are found here.

Handicrafts Museum : A rich variety of Orissan handicrafts - stone sculpture, patta Paintings, brass castings, horn toys and silver filigree etc. are displayed here.

Orissa State Museum : It exhibits a fine collection of sculptures, coins, copperplates, stone inscriptions, armours, rare palm-leaf manuscripts, bronze age'tools, natural history, geological objects, paintings, anthropological specimens and traditional folk and musical instruments etc

Cactus Garden : The beautiful garden near Ekamara Kanan' has a large collection of Cactii and is a worth visiting site.

RE ACHING THERE

Airport: Linked By 

Railhead: Well connected.

Road: Well connected.