ORISSA
Useful Info & Guides
AREA
155,707 km2
POPULATION
4.5 crores approx
MAJOR FESTIVALS
Holi, Diwali, Eid, Makar Sankranti / Lohri, Navratri, Dussehra
Festivals in Jagannath, Badabadua Puja, Balangir Lok Mahotsav, Bali Jatra, Bring Your Own Film Festival, Chaiti Festival, Rayagada, Danda Nata, Dhanu jatra, Dola Puja, Dola Yatra, Durga Puja, Festivals of Kalahandi, Festivals of Odisha, Gamha Purnima, Jagaddhatri, Jiuntia, Kalahandi Utsav, Kalasi Jatra, Kali Puja, Konark Dance Festival, Lanka Podi, Mage Parab, Manabasa Gurubara, Mondei, Nuakhai, Pana Sankranti, Prathamastami, Puspuni, Raja (festival), Samba Dashami, Sharad Purnima, Snana Yatra, Sulia Jatra, Vasant Panchami
NATIONAL PARK
Simlipal National Park, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhitarkanika National Park
UNESCO HERITAGE SITE
Sun Temple Konarak
CITIES OF ORISSA
BHUBANESWAR
Once the city had more than a thousand temples which made Bhubneswar (meaning Lord of the Universe) known as the Temple City of India, now the city has only around 50 of them. Most of the temples here are constructed in Kalinga style of architecture. These temples here are the center of attraction with their grand architecture built here centuries ago making the city a religious place. Along with Puri and Konark, this city makes the Golden Triangle of Orissa Tourism. An important economic center, the city is now an emerging manufacturing and IT hub. Otto Königsberger (German architect) designed the modern city of Bhubaneswar in 1946.
PLACE TO VISIT
Nandankanan Zoological Park, Dhauli Giri Hills, Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri Caves, Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts, Mukteswara Temple, Odisha State Museum, Ram Mandir, Khandagiri Caves, Rajarani Temple, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation, Chausathi Jogini Temple, Deras Dam, Parasurameswara Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Satkosia Tiger Reserve
PURI
Call it Jagannath Puri or Puri, this one of the four sacred cities represents a great religious significance for Hindu people. Located on the Eastern side on coastal front of Bay of Bengal, Puri is thronged with sadhus and devotees during the Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival). But the charm of the city doesn’t limit itself to ancient temples only, one can get away from the crowd and enjoy silent and sandy beach to stroll, surf or swim. Having a great historical background, the city has its roots of existence to 3rd century BC. The city had received great mass attention among hippies since Bhang was legislated back then.
PLACE TO VISIT
Jagannath Mandir, Puri Beach, Swargdwar, Raghunandan Library, Markandeya Tank, Narendra Tank, Raghurajpur Artist Village, Konark Beach, Chilika Lake, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Daring Badi, Puri Lighthouse
KONARK
Home to one of the most iconic Sun Temple built in the 13th century (UNESCO World Heritage Site); Konark treats its guests with the splendour of golden sand beaches and the annual Konark Dance Festival which lasts for five days in December. Other than this, the Sun Festival dedicated to God Sun is celebrated with great zeal and faith. The weather gets pleasant during October to January. One can seek tranquil moments at Konark beach which attracts visitors due to its clean sand and soothing wind.
PLACE TO VISIT
Konark Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, Ramchandi Beach, ASI Museum, Vishnu Temple, Sun Temple Museum, Amareswara Shrine
