Orissa is situated on the eastern coast off the Bay of Bengal. It is bordered in the north by Jharkhand, in the north-east by West Bengal, in the south by Andhra Pradesh and in the west by Madhya Pradesh. Once a part of the Kalinga kingdom, the State is best known in ancient history for its valiant resistance against the invasion of the Mauryan King Asoka in the 3rd century BC. The bloodbath in Kalinga War transformed Chandashok to Dharmashok. He turned to Buddhism and helped spread the religion in India and abroad. This was the turning point in the history of Orissa giving a boost to art and architecture in the ancient kingdom.

The ancient state rose to prominence under Kharavela, a great conqueror and patron of Jainism, in the second half of the 1st century B C. Other great rulers were the kings of the Kesari dynasty and the Ganga dynasty who were also great builders.

The Kalinga school of architecture flourished from 7th to 13th century AD. The spectacular monuments of this period can be seen in and around Bhubaneswar and Puri. The Lingaraja Temple, Jagannath Temple and the Sun Temple are some of the finest architectural marvels of this period. The entire state is dotted with about 4,000 monuments and archaeological sites. They include early Jaina caves and temples; Buddhist monasteries (viharas), domed structures and pillars; Hindu temples; mosques, churches; ancient and medieval forts, palaces and colonial architecture.

Orissa is possessed of an extensive plateau in the interior with sprawling coastal plains in the foreground. An extensive 482 km palm fringed coast-line., serene beaches, pronounced rural environs and charming blue hills make Orissa a favorite destination for domestic as well as foreign tourists.

The state is criss-crossed by the rivers Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Vaitarani flowing in the south-easternly direction before merging in the Bay of Bengal. These rivers and their tributaries provide the state with rich alluvial tracts.

Orissa has vast mineral, marine and forest resources for setting up large, medium and small scale industries. The state boasts of Steel Plant at Rourkela, Sand Complex at Chhatrapur, Heavy Water Project at Talcher, Aluminium Smelter at Anugul and a fertilizer plant at Paradeep. In spite of rapid industrialization, Orissa remains mainly an agricultural state with over 76 percent of its population is dependent on agriculture. Rice, pulses, oil seeds, jute, sugarcane, turmeric and coconut are its main crops.

Orissa is also noted for its classical dance Odissi and many folk forms like Chhau, Ghoda Naacha, Gotipua Naacha and many other performing arts. It is also famous for its traditional handicrafts which include glass beads, stone carvings, silver filigree, horn-work, wood carvings, lacquer and bamboo wares, toys, sea-shell work, banana fibre works, tassar fabrics, lustrous handloom silks and curtains and appliqué works.

The tribals of Orissa

In Orissa one out of every four persons is a tribal. These tribals are heavily concentrated in the hilly tracts of the State. The aboriginals still lead a simple, traditional and colourful life in spite of modern civilization. Over 62 distinct tribal groups live in the State, each one with its own culture and traditions. The prominent tribal groups include Kondh, Bondas, Santals, Juangs, Parajas, Oraon, Gadabas and Koyas. The simple and colourful tribal life can be a great source of entertainment and education to the visitors. Their life is characterized by dance, music, rituals, hunting and gaiety.

Important towns

Bhubaneswar: The capital city of the modern state and the ancient kingdom of Kalinga, Bhubaneswar is known as the Temple City of India. Among the finest of its 600 temples is the Lingaraja Temple of Shiva, built in the 11th century. It is also the biggest in Bhubaneswar.

No less famous is the Mukteswara Temple which was built in the 10th century. It is well known for its stone arch at the entrance and is richly sculpted. With the tales from the Panchatantra carved on it, the temple is a magnificent example of Orissan architecture. The Rajarani Temple, set in picturesque surroundings, is noted for its intricate carvings of floral, animal and human figures. Constructed in the 11th century, it has an unusual tower. More interestingly, the temple has no deity.

Close to the Mukteswara Temple is the Parsurameswara Temple, a small but richly decorated shrine of Shiva that was built in the 7th century. It is one of the best preserved architectural monuments of the State. It has sculptures featuring amorous couples, animals and floral motifs. The Svarnajaleswara Temple located a little south of Parsurameswara Temple has beautiful depictions from the epic Ramayana. Vaital Temple is architecturally striking. It is a temple for Goddess Chamunda (Kapali) and is influenced by the tantric cult. About 15 km from Bhubaneswar is the Yogini Temple at Hirapur. One of the four Yogini Temples in India, it has beautiful Yoginis carved from black chlorite.

The Buddhist influence is spread all over Bhubaneswar. Ashokan Rock Edict is situated at Dhauli, 8 km south of the city. The sculpted elephant atop the edict signifies the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism after his Kalinga victory. This is said to be the earliest rock-cut sculpture in India.

On the Dhauligiri Hills, where the great Kalinga war was fought, stands a very modern monument, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. This magnificent Buddhist Temple was built in Indo-Japanese collaboration. Below the Dhauligiri Hills, the river Daya flows peacefully.

Rock-Cut Caves are also seen on the hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, about 8 km from Bhubaneswar. The double-storeyed Rani Gumpha (Queen’s Cave) is the largest cave with ornate carvings. The Hati Gumpha (Elephant Cave) has the Chronicle of King Kharavela carved on it.

The excavated ancient township Sisupalgarh lies a few kilometers southeast of the city towards Puri. A fortified town surrounded by a natural moat, was probably the capital of Kalinga in the 2nd century BC.

Bhubaneswar has three museums, one celebrating Orissan heritage and the others; the handicrafts and the tribal research museum. The Orissa State Museum in the city has a rich collection of sculptures, coins, copper plates, stone inscriptions, lithic and bronze-age tools, rare palm leaf manuscripts and traditional folk and musical instruments. The Handicrafts Museum has a handsome collection of stone sculptures, patta-paintings, brass castings, horn toys and silver filigree. A Natural History Museum has also come up at the Science Centre in the city.

The vibrancy of life throbs in the sprawling Nandan Kanan Zoological Park where animals and birds have been kept in natural enclosures. Endowed with a natural lake, it is known for the rare white tigers and migratory birds which nest here during winter. It has also the country’s largest Lion Safari Park and White Tiger Safari with Ropeway and Toy Train facilities, which make the visitors’ day memorable. The park, located about 20 km from Bhubaneswar, is closed on Mondays.

Much to the delight of the star gazers, a state-of-the-art planetarium has also come in recent times. It has been named after the world famous astronomer and son of the soil Pathani Samant, who prepared the undisputed almanac with the help of two hollow bamboo sticks.

Another attraction is the Atri Hot Sulphur Spring. 42 km from Bhubaneswar, near the famous Hatakeswara Temple. It has a Bathing Complex for tourists.

Puri: Puri  is a major pilgrim centre in India. Adi Shankara founded one of the Peethas here. Puri is also famous for its golden beach, ideal for swimming and surfing. However, the fame of Puri emanates most from the Jagannath Temple, which contributed the word ‘Juggernaut’ to the English language. This 12th century temple is known for its annual Rath Yatra. Within its precincts are the smaller temples of Vimala, Lakshmi, Vishnu and innumerable Gods and Goddesses and the Ananda Bazar, the world’s biggest food market. Gundicha Ghar is a small temple about 2 km from the main temple, where the idols are taken during Rath Yatra for a 9-day sojourn. On the outskirts of the city is Shri Lokanath, a revered shrine of Lord Shiva.

The grand road called Bada Danda is a shopper’s delight. It offers typical Puri handicrafts like miniature stone sculptures, wood carvings, sea-shell items, patta-paintings on cloth and appliqué work. Shoppers have another avenue at Swargadwara (the gateway to heaven) at the southern end of the beach. The atharnala bridge near Puri spans seven centuries. Built in the 13th century AD this engineering marvel over the Madhupur stream is still in use. Talking of beaches, never miss the Balighai. This is an estuary of the river Nuanai, 8 km north of Puri. A famous picnic spot, it abounds in deer and colourful birds.

Brahmagiri, 25 km from Puri, is known for the Alaranath shrine. The nearby Baliharachandi shrine is also a picnic spot. Satpada, an ideal place to enjoy Chilika, the world famous horse-shoe lagoon and to have a glimpse of Erawadi Dolphins, is only 27 km from Brahmagiri. The Sakshigopal Temple, with a life-size image of Lord Krishna and Raghurajpur village, famous for Patta Chitra, are 25 and 15 km respectively, from Puri.

Konark: Konark completes the Golden Triangle of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark for the best of Orissan temple architecture.
The Temple Chariot of the Sun God (Black Pagoda) on the sands of the Bay of Bengal is a 13th century architectural marvel. It is designed as a celestial chariot of the Sun God, complete with twelve pairs of wheels and seven horses. The main sanctum sanctorum is in ruins, but the Dance Hall and Audience Hall are intact. This legendary temple has sculptures of great beauty, covering all aspects of life. The sun temple museum of the Archeological Survey of India has a good collection of sculptures from the temple ruins. The Konark Beach offers a view of the glorious sunrise. About 10 km along the beach is the famous Ramchandi Temple on the banks of the river Kushabhadra.

Jajpur: A historic place of pilgrimage, Jajpur situated on the bank of river Baitarani, has the sacred shrines of Goddess Viraja (Durga), Sveta Varah (incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the white boar), Sapta Matruka and a host of other shrines.

Paradeep: Paradeep, a major sea port of India with a fine sea beach, is an enjoyable tourist place. It is about 94 km from Cuttack. Two fertilizer plants _ Iffco plant and Paradip Phosphates Limited _ are situated here.

Kendrapara: Important pilgrim centre Kendrapara is 65 km from Cuttack. Known as Tulasi Kshetra it is famous for the temple of Lord Baladeva. A grand car festival is held here annually which draws a mammoth crowd. Also 60 km from Cuttack, Jhankad, houses the shrine of Goddess Sarala and the place is associated with poet Sarala Das, the first epic poet of Orissa.

Bhitarkanika: Exciting moments can also be had at the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Sprawled over 672 square kilometres, it has a variety of animals in its mangrove forests criss-crossed by rivers and creeks. Know for crocodiles, sea-turtles (on the Gahirmatha beach) and water monitor lizards, it has rare white crocodiles. It is also a sanctuary for deer and migratory birds. One can also see 10th-11th century temples, sculptures, and mud-forts and pottery.

Berhampur: It is one of the major commercial towns of Orissa, famous for silk sarees and handicrafts. Gopalpur-on-sea is a sleepy resort in Ganjam district with its deep sea was once an ancient sea port. It is 16 km from Berhampur replete with tourist facilities. Taptapani hot sulphur spring, 50 km from Berhampur, is an ideal Health Resort and picnic spot. Jaugarh, 35 km from Berhampur, is famous for Ashokan Rock Edicts and other archaeological remains.

Chilika: Spread over 1,100 sq. km. Chilika is the country’s largest inland lake. Dotted with islands, it has the richest variety of aquatic fauna and is a bird watcher’s paradise when migratory birds arrive in winter. Sunset and Sunrise are memorable experiences here. Boating facilities are available in this lake, rich in fish. One can view the dolphins at the sea mouth near Satpara. For cruising and visiting the islands, one can make use of the motor launches of the OTDC at Barkul and Rambha, and of the Revenue Department at Balugaon. Private boats are also available. OTDC organises water sports in Chilika at the Water Sports Complex, Barkul.

The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, 100 km away. The Calcutta-Chennai rail route touches Chilika Lake at Balugaon, Chilika Khallikote and Rambha. National Highway No. 5 runs along the lake and touches Balugaon, Barkul and Rambha. Buses and Taxis are available from Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Berhampur to Chilika. OTDC provides luxury coaches and cars from Bhubaneswar and Puri.

Keonjhar: This district headquarters town, has attractions like Vishnu Temple, Jagannath Temple and on its outskirts the shrines of Siddha Jagannath, Siddha Kali and Panchabati amidst picturesque settings. Sitabinji, 30 km from Keonjhar, on river Sita, is known for ancient fresco paintings on a rock shelter called Ravan Chhaya. Sanghagra 6 km, Badaghagra 9 km and Khandadhar - 60 km Keonjhar with exciting water falls, are popular picnic spots. Just 50 km from Keonjhar is Ghatgaon, home to Goddess Tarini. Also Gonasika, the origin of river Vaitarani, surrounded by a series of valleys and wooded hills, is a place of pilgrimage for the shrine of Lord Brahmeswar Shiva 45 km.

Keonjhar is linked with Kolkata, Bhubaneswar (227km), Ranchi, Tata and important places of the State by regular bus services. The nearest railhead is J. K. Road - 114 km.

Phulbani: Phulbani, the headquarters town of Kandhamal district, has virgin attractions with a rich Tribal Culture. Balaskumpa, 18 km from Phulbani house goddess Barala Devi, Putudi is a place of natural beauty having a charming waterfall-15 km. Chakapad is renowned for the Shiva Temple of Lord Birupaksha and Learning Trees on the river Brutunga-60 km, Charisambhu, otherwise known as Jagati, has the temple of Lord Charisambhu Ananta Vishnu - 85 km.

Daringibadi, nicknamed as the Kashmir of Orissa, is an ideal Summer Resort - 135 km. Amidst dense forests, Belghar is a place for viewing colourful wildlife, especially elephants - 158 km Boudh, the district headquarters of the newly formed Boudh district, is a place with great cultural heritage. The presence of a huge Buddha image has carved out a niche for the place in the Buddhist Map of Orissa.

Motorable roads connect the place with Bhubaneswar (211 km), Berhampur and other important places of the State by regular bus service.

Balangir: A well laid out town from the time of the Maharajas, Balangir still possesses the charm and serenity of the days of yore. It is one of the major commercial towns in the western part of Orissa.

Ranipur-Jharial, 104 km from Balangir, house one among the four existing Hypaethral Temples, dedicated to sixty-four Yoginis in India a wonder in the world of archaeology and a cluster of other temples.

On the southern slope of Gandhamardan hills, Harishankar, 81 km from Balangir is a place of pilgrimage and rare scenic beauty with gurgling waterfalls.

Patnagarh, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Patna, has some unique momuments, 38 km from Balangir. Also Sonepur, on the confluence of rivers Mahanadi and Tel, known as Paschima Lanka in scriptures, is a beautifully laid out town. 48 km from Balangir, it has a cluster of temples, each with a story of its own.

Balangir is 327 km from Bhubaneswar and has direct road connections to major towns of the State. It is also a railhead on the East Coast Railway.

Jeypore: Jeypore, the commercial nerve centre of Koraput district, endowed with falls and forests populated by colourful wildlife has all such facilities to serve as the convenient base for visiting the places of interest in and around.

Bagra (15 km) has the charming waterfall on the river Kolab and an ideal picnic spot. Also the waterfall at Duduma on the river Machhakund, 70 km from Jeypore, is a place of pilgrimage and rare scenic beauty. Gupteswar (58 km.) is a scenic spot with the cave shrine of Lord Shiva Gupteswar. The place is aglow during the Mahashivaratri. The Shiva Temple with Champak trees at Papadahandi (52 km) is worth visiting. Sunabeda is a place of scenic beauty amidst lush green valleys with an Aero-Enginee Factory-40 km. So also ‘Batris Simhasan’ (a throne with 32 steps) at Nandapur - 69 km,
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Visakhapatnam (220 km) in Andhra Pradesh and Bhubaneswar (521 km) are the nearest Airports for Jeypore which is on N. H. No. 43 connected by regular bus services from Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and other important towns of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh.

Sambalpur: An ancient centre of diamond trade, Sambalpur is famous for its tie and dye textiles; folk dance and music; and also for the Hirakud Dam, the longest earth dam in the world.

Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary : This 130 sq. km forest has wild elephants, leopards, bisons, black panthers and many other animal  and bird species. There are watch-towers for visitors for viewing the animals. The sanctuary is 48 km east of Sambalpur on NH_6.

Huma’s Leaning Temple is 32 km from Sambalpur. It is a Shiva temple on the bank of Mahanadi.

Nrusimhanath : Famous for its 15th century temple, Nrusimhanath is 164 km from Sambalpur via Bargarh. The place is also known for its waterfalls. There is a Panthasala ( Tel. No . 72436) for accommodation.

Pradhanpat : The Pradhanpat hill with its pictursque waterfall offer a rare scenic beauty. These falls are close to Deogarh, a district headquarters town- 96 km from Sambalpur. Sambalpur has direct train links and bus services.

Rourkela: Famous for the Steel Plant, Rourkela has the beautiful Indira Gandhi Park with a zoo. The Hanuman Batika in the centre of the city is also added attraction. It is the most convenient base for visiting other interesting places in Sundargarh district.

Do not fail to visit Vedavyas, a picnic spot on the confluence of two rivers. It is also a place of pilgrimage, 9 km from Rourkela. There is a dam at Mandira, which offers boating facilities. It is 28 km from Rourkela and one may stay in the Mandira Guest House. Contact the Manager Water Supply Plant, SAIL, Rourkela.

Darjeeng is a picnic spot on the river Brahmani. Nearby is Deodhar. A gorge on the river. It is 51 km from Rourkela on National Highway No. 23. About 180 km from Rourkela, Junagarh has a fort of historical and archaeological importance with ancient caves. Another haunt of the tourists is the Mirig Khog Waterfall, a picnic spot, 111 km from Rourkela. The 244 mtrs. High Khandadhar is the loveliest waterfall in Orissa. 114 km from Rourkela via Bonaigarh, it offers a delightful refreshing sight.

Rayagada: Rayagada, the headquarters town of the district of same name, is on the way to Koraput from Berhampur. It has the facilities to serve as a base for visiting the nearby places of interest.

Hatipathar, only 3 km from here, is a place of great scenic beauty with two waterfalls on the course of river Nagavali. The boulders here appear like huge elephants.

On the confluence of three rivers, Minajhola is a scenic spot as well as a place of pilgrimage, 134 km.
Padmpur, housing the shrine of Manikeswar, is identified to be the seat of Dharmakirti, the Buddhist Logician-Philosopher-94 km. Rayagada is connected by regular bus services from Berhampur, Koraput and Bhubaneswar (390 km). It is railhead on the rajpur-Vizianagaram rail line of East Coast Railway.

Bhawanipatna: Bhawanipatna, the headquarters town of Kalahandi district, is famous for numerous temples dedicated to different deities of Hindu pantheon. Named after its presiding deity ‘Bhawanishankar’, it is the most convenient base for touring various places of interest in the district and the nearby district of Nawapara.

Phurli Jharan, a perennial water fall of 16 mtrs high has a special charm of its own. The old capital of the ex-State of Kalahandi, Junagarh was a well built fort with Oriya inscriptions on its temple walls. The historic fort Asurgarh is only 35 km from the district headquarters town.

Karlapat, known for charming wildlife, is 32 km from Bhawanipatna. Nearby is Khanduala fall. A short distance from Karlapat is Thuamul Rampur, a little slice of paradise on earth. On the confluence of the rivers Tel and Utei, Belkhandi, 67 km from Bhawanipatna is a place of archeological importance.

The Ampani hills (77 km ) with its frolicking valley called ‘Haladigundi’ is a place for viewing colourful wildlife and 7 km away from here is the prehistoric cave paintings at Gudahandi.

About 418 km from Bhubaneswar, Bhawanipatna is connected by all-weather roads and regular bus services from important parts of Orissa. The nearest railway station is at Kesinga.