ORISSA
 The state of Orissa holds special charm in the heart of tourists owing to presence of aplenty exquisite temples, imposing monuments, skilled artists and craftsmen, arresting beaches, exotic wildlife sanctuaries and scenically smart landscape. There is no exaggeration in the fact that the state is quite a unique and mesmerising land drawing attention of numerous tourists every year.
Located in the south-eastern fringes of India, the state of Orissa houses dozens of pilgrimages of religious sanctity, three mighty rivers, thousands of traditional hamlets with glorious history backgrounds. The state of Orissa is like a museum comprising sculptural and artistic heritage of India and has been a honey pot for many learned and enthusiasts owing to presence of famous Sun Temple at Konark, renowned temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri and temples of Bhubaneswar as well as spectacular Rath Yatra chariot.
History
The history of Orissa dates back to the rule of Ashoka around 260 BC. The state is associated with legendary that Ashoka challenged for fight to the king of Kalinga (today’s Orissa) which was answered by his son in a fierce fight between Ashoka and the prince of Kalinga. Though Ashoka won the battle but at the cost of thousands of lives massacred during the fight. The sight of blood-stained body of soldiers had instant effect of repulsion against war in Asoka’s heart and a great warrior of swords became humble apostle of Buddhism which he kept alive until his death.
The state of Orissa also experienced glorious culture and architectural beauty flourished during the rule of Ganga kings and Keshari in this land. They gifted the state many monuments; a masterpiece of their love for artistic beauty. You will find the monuments stood erect in a pose as if they are narrating the glorious past of their creator.
Cultural Spirit of Orissa
The land offers quite a blend of its cultural aspects present in the form of rural craftsmanship, artistic dexterity and designs and paintings of various beautiful scenes. Sambalpuri Sari made of high standard fabricated designs is famous not inside India but also in foreign lands. Those people of the state living a moral life based on religious principles celebrate various festivals with great pomp and shows. Festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Chaitra, Makar Sankranti, Parba, Muhharam, Id, Raja Parba etc hold great religious sanctity of the people of state.
Places to Visit in Orissa
Bhuabneswar
Quite famous for housing majestic blends of temples and shrines, the site is positioned in the eastern part of the state Orissa. The state is also famous for being combined forms of ancient customs, traditional as well as modern forms of history. That’s why the site of Bhubaneswar is catching up day by day in tourists.
Konark
A tour to the city will let you see the world famous Sun Temple, a shrine dedicated to Lord Surya. Located at the close proximity of 65 kms from Bhubaneswar, the city is also one of the three cities of India finding its place in Golden Triangle Tour of Orissa. You will enjoy a lot by seeing stunning architectural wonders as well as Konark Beach, a site never to be missed out.
Puri
Puri is one of the most sacred religious places of India; a dwelling place of lord Jagannatha. The place is situated in the proximity with capital city of Bhubaneswar at a distance of 60 kms. Various attractions of the city lie in the fantastic ranges of temples and stunning beaches. The city is also one of the members of Char Dham with nick names such as Sri Purusottama Dham’, ‘Martya Vaikuntha’ and Jagannatha Puri’.
Jagannatha Temple
The temple is the biggest temple of Orissa which was established in the 12th century by Raja Ananta Varman Chodaganga Dev. The statue of Lord Jagannatha (Lord Krishna) is enshrined in the temple. You need to travel at 60 kms from Bhubaneswar to access to this place of divine sanctity.
Udaigiri
The site together with Ratnagiri and Lalitagiri makes one of the most renowned places of Buddhist Triangle in India. The site is famous for being the largest busshist complex and the Madhavapura Mahavihara, a monastery unearthed through excavation of the site. The monastery is beatified with numerous Buddhist sculptures showing their artistic dexterity.
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