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The state of Orissa has often been referred to as the soul of India. It has deep spiritual connections and numerous temples that can be found in cities like Puri and Bhubaneshwar. Orissa tourist places most certainly include these two cities, especially if visitors are on pilgrimage or love to visit temples. Apart from the temples, some of the places to visit in Orissa include its beaches and national parks that are full of natural beauty and wildlife.
Orissa is a developing state with a focus on regional and tribal lives. The food here is also excellent and healthy. Culinary traditions make up a big part of the state’s culture. In fact, the Jagannath Temple is known for the Mahaprasad that it offers to all the devotees. The temple’s kitchen is one of the largest in the world. Orissa’s strong connection with culture results in numerous festivals and fairs which take place at different times of the year. Here are some of the must-visit Orissa tourist places.
Considered to be one of the holiest places for Hindus, Puri is one of the four important holy cities in India. It is located near the Bay of Bengal and is believed to be the resting place of Lord Shiva. One of the top Orissa tourist places in Puri is the Jagannath Temple which is one of the most important Hindu temples in India. Puri is a spiritual city and the Rath Yatra that takes place here every year is very important. While there are around five beaches in Puri, the main one, known as Golden Beach is very important. This is where the annual Puri Beach Festival is organised every November. It is also the place where the world-famous sand sculptor Sudarshan Pattnaik creates his sandy masterpieces. Puri is also an excellent place for shopping of handicrafts and other traditional items such as handloom sarees and seashell products.
One of the most important places to visit in Orissa is Bhubaneshwar, the capital of the state. It is also known for its many temples and exquisite ancient architecture that brings numerous visitors to the city. Bhubaneshwar’s famous temples are Lingaraj Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Parasurameshwara Temple. If you’re visiting the city, don’t miss visiting the Bindusagar Lake. There are numerous Jain temples here which you can explore. Although Bhubaneshwar is a historic city, it’s one of the topmost places to shop for handicrafts, souvenirs and terracotta items. Other places to see here include Pathani Samanta Planetarium and State Museem. The city is also an excellent place to try local Oriya cuisine, especially fresh seafood preparations such as Maccha Jholo.
Konark is one of the most famous places of Orissa because of the Sun Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an architectural wonder. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God. The 13th-century temple was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Every year, dancers from all over the world are invited to the famous dance festival organised within the Sun Temple complex.
The historic city of Jeypore is blessed with freshwater lakes, waterfalls, caves and other bountiful natural delights. It is also famous for its annual Rath Yatra. Another popular festival that is celebrated here with enthusiasm is Ghata Porbo, which is also known as Thakurani Yatra. This is a summer festival and sees a lot of participation from locals and visitors alike. Other places to see here include Gupteshwar Caves and Shakti Waterfall. People also enjoy visiting the Jeypore Park and the Kolab reservoir. Bagara and Duduma waterfalls are two of the most-visited tourist spots in the city.
Not too far from Bhubaneshwar is the small town of Dhauli which is an important destination for Buddhists. Dhauli is the place where Ashoka transformed and renounced violence. In the 3rd century BC, this is apparently the place where the Kalinga War was fought. The River Daya, on whose banks Dhauli is located, turned red with the casualties of the war. The massacre changed King Ashoka significantly and he stepped into Buddhism to atone for his sins. One of the famous things to see here is the Peace Pagoda. Every year, thousands of visitors from all over come to gaze upon it. There are several other interesting things to see here such as rock cut caves, and the Sadharma vihar monastery. There’s also a mesmerising 35-minute-long light and sound show that depicts the events of the Kalinga War which was fought on Dhauligiri Hill. This show is held every evening between 7.45 and 8.20 pm.
Known as the largest internal saltwater lake in India, Chilika Lake attracts thousands of nature lovers and bird watchers every year. The lake has some small islands as well as fisheries and salt pans. But it is best-known for the Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary which is home to a number of birds. Birds from far off countries migrate here during winter. It is a delight for ardent bird watchers who get to see birds such as egrets, flamingos, gulls, herons and white bellied sea eagles to name a few. Chilika Lake is also home to numerous wild animals such as golden jackal, spotted deer and hyenas.
If you are making plans to visit Orissa, do take a moment to check the SOTC website for offers and deals on holiday packages.
