ODISHA/ORISSA: Want to explore Indian Sea, temples, stunning beaches, natural landscapes, forest, awe inspiring monuments, and mountains at one place only then come & explore Orissa. Orissa is the 9th largest state in area & is bounded by the states of Jharkhand & West Bengal to the north, by Bay of Bengal to the east, by the states of Andhra Pradesh to the South & Chsattisgarh to the west. The state has fertile green coastal plains that rise up to the hills of the Eastern Ghats. The world famous Jaggannath Rath yatra – an annual festival attracts thousands of tourists from world over. Odissi is the major classical dance form of the state of Orissa.
CAPITAL: Bhubaneswar or Bhubaneshwar
WEATHER & LANGUAGES: Orissa has tropical wet-dry climate. Three major seasons in Orissa are Summers i.e. from March to June, Rainy i.e. from July to September & Winters i.e. from October to February. Official language is Oriya. Among other languages Bengali, English & Hindi are also in use.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Orissa is very well connected through air, road & railways network.
By Air: The state has only sole domestic airport at Bhubaneshwar - Biju Patnaik Airport that connect it to all the major cities of the country such as Calcutta, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Raipur. Mini buses, Cabs, airport to city shuttle bus services, auto rickshaws are available outside the airport.
By Road: Odisha /Orissa have an extensive & good road network that is well connected to its neighboring states.
By Rail: Bhubaneshwar and Behrampore are the two most important railheads in the state that are connected by trains to all the other metro cities -Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: One can visit Orissa throughout the year but October to March would be the best time.
FAMOUS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: Famous for its exquisite temples- Mukteswara, Parasurameswara & Lingraj temple at Bhubaneshwar, Lord Jagannath temple at Puri & Sun temple at Konark. It is also famous for its superb monuments, inviting beaches, enchanting wildlife, natural landscapes, traditional dance, music & handicrafts. Must visit places are Chandipur Beach, Gopalpur on Sea, Buddhist caves - Khandagiri & dayagiri, Rath Yatra in Puri, Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Konark Dance Festival, Bhitarkanika National Park, Similipal National Park, Chilka Lake. Visit to Wonder Triangle the heart of Budhhist Culture –Lalitgiri, Udaigiri & Ratnagiri – is must.
ORISSA SHOPPING: The beach city is very famous for distinctive kinds of shells; fabulous handicraft decorative items that make an extensive use of the colorful seashells; you can buy Passapali, Bomkai and Ikat saris. For your living room and bedroom you can buy Patta paintings, the paintings drawn on the palm leaf. Tarkasi, delicate silver filigree work; appliqué work, stone carvings, brass and bell metal work and articles made of horns are some of the traditional items that you can buy for your friends & family members as a souvenir. Oriya craft forms are available in abundance in the local markets of its major cities. |
