About Orissa :

Situated on the coast along the Bay of Bengal, Orissa stands for its ancient glory and modern endeavour. Endowed with nature's bounty, a 482 km stretch of coastline with virgin beaches, serpentine rivers, mighty waterfalls, forest-clad blue hills of Eastern Ghats with rich wild life, Orissa is dotted with exquisite temples, historic monuments as well as pieces of modern engineering feat. The land, while retaining its pristine glory, also offers the visitors modern amenities.

Its lush green countryside and fertile plains, tiny hamlets fringed with palm, coconut trees and mango groves offer the charm of rural beauty while the urban pockets, the four cities in particular, with the splendour of modern technology provide the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay.

Arcitecture

Orissa is a land of temples, which give a clear examples of a unique religious architecture. A synthesis of the inherent aesthetic sense of its people, and the values of the religious sects and cults. The Indian concept of beauty through ornamentation is evident. Flowers,jewels,strings of pearls and architectural motifs add to the enchanting scenes of myth, legend and life. If one wants the pleasure of experiencing the best of Oriya temple architecture, the `Golden Triangle' of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark is a must.

Buddhism and Jainism had considerable presence in some parts of the state. Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udaigiri situated in Cuttack district indicate an immense Buddhist monastic complex. Bhubaneswar also has got a strong touch Jainism attached with its history. This can be seen from several Jain architectures like Khandagiri & Udayagiri. Udaigiri has the famous Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave). The amous caves of Udaigiri include the Hati Gumpha(Elephant Cave).

Wildlife

Nandankanan, about 13 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, is a delightful place to visit the wild. The famous white tiger safari of NandanKanan attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world.

Similipal, the national park is a great place to watch the wild roam fearlesly.

Western part of the state can be a enjoyable place for the ones who love to see the nature untampered

Festivals

Some of the very famous festivals celebrated in Orissa are Makar Mela (mid January) in Kalijai, Chilika Lake. Tribal Fair (late January) at Bhubaneswar Konark Dance Festival (Nov-Dec) in Konark Sun Temple Rath Yatra (early July) in Puri.

Tourist's collection

It's always a delight to shop in Orissa. Each purchase can become a collection for the whole lifetime. Not just for reasons of variety, but for the sheer artistic skill used in the creation of each article. The choices vary from simple decorative articles, paintings, sarees, to georgious silver jewellery and pattachitra. Pattachitra is the folk painting of Orissa based on the events of historical imortance to the state and mythological storylets Great artwork from Pipli, near Bhubaneswar and on the way to Puri is worth a purchase.

Water Stretches

Orissa is more than a land of splendid architecture, warm people and fascinating traditions. It's a land blessed with a matchless waterstretches. Gopalpur-on-sea, an ancient seaport, is one of the most beautiful, untampered beaches one can visit. Puri, Konark & Chandipur are the other wonderful beaches in the state. Chilika, the greatest saltwater lagoon of Asia is a great place to cool yourself down.

Accesibility

Airport : Bhubaneswar Railway : All the major cities are connected by the Indian Railways from most of the major parts of the country Roadways: Accesssible from all the major cities in the country

Accomodation

Very good hotel and lodging facilities are available in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark, Chilika Lake and Gopalpur-on-sea.

Climate

Vavourable seasons to visit : October and April.