Places to Visit
Bhubhaneshwar
It is 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.
Jajpur
A historic place of pilgrimage, Jajpur situated on the bank
of river vaitarani, has the sacred shrines of mother Goddess Viraja
(Durga), Sveta Varha (incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the white boar),
Sapta Matruka and a host of other shrines.
How to Get There : The nearest railhead is at Jajpur-Keonjhar Road on
the Howrah-Chennai main line of the S. E. Railway from where one can
reach Jajpur by an all-weather motorable road. Jajpur is 92 km from
Cuttack by road.
Where to stay : Viraja Panthasala of Orissa Tourism (Tel. 20029), Contact
Tourist Office , Cuttack, (Tel. 612225) for booking and assistance.
Phulbanis
Phulbanis, the headquarters town of Kandhamal district, has varieties
of 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.
Bhawanipatna
Bhawanipatna, the headquarters of Kalahandi District, is a town of 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.
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,
one of the longest mainstream dams in the world.
Keonjhar
Keonjhar, the district headquarters town,
has varieties of 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 a place having ancient fresco painting on a rock shelter called
Ravan Chhaya.
Keonjhar having exciting water falls,
are most popular picnic spots. 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.
How to get there
Keonjhar is linked with Calcutta, Bhubaneswar (227km), Ranchi, Tata
and important places of the State by regular bus services. The nearest
railhead is J. K. Road – 114 km.
Where to Stay
Hotel Ajanta, Tel : 3372, Hotel Plaza, Tel : 2246, Labanya Bhawan, Tel
: 2507, Hotel Baral, Tel : 2725, Hotel Mayur, Tel : 2245.
Similipal
It 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 and fishing
facilities are available in this lake, which is rich in fish.
One can view the dolphins at Chilika 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, located at Barkul.
How to get there : 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.
Puri
Puri, the city by the sea, 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.
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.
Lingaraj temple
Paradeep
Paradeep, a major sea port of India for trade activities with a fine
sea beach, is an enjoyable tourist resort – 94 km from Cuttack. 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.
Bindu sagar
The Ocean Drop tank just north of the great temple is said to contain
water from every holy stream, pool and tank in India.Consequently ,
when it comes to washing away sin this is the tank that washes whitest.There
are a number of temples and shrines scattered around the tank,ones at
the Lingaraj Temple.
Siddharanya
Close to the main Bhubaneshwar to puri road, on the same
side as the Lingaraj Temple,the 'Grove of the Perfect Beings' is a cluster
of about 20 smaller temples, including some of the most important in
Bhubaneshwar.
Chilika Lake
It spreads 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 and fishing
facilities are available in this lake, which is rich in fish. One can
view the dolphins at Chilika 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, located at Barkul.
How to get there
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.
Jeypore
Jeypore , the commercial nerve centre of Koraput district,
endowed with falls and forests thronged with colourful wildlife has
all such facilities to serve as the convenient base for visiting the
places of interest in and around.
Rourkela
It is famous for the Steel Plant, Rourkela has the beautiful Indira
Gandhi Park and 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.
Raj Rani
Across the road and about 100 metres to the right ,the Raj Rani stands
alone ina green field.Its one of the latest of the Bhubaneshwar temples
and is particularly finely sited. Brahmeswar : About a km east of the
main road , the Brahmeshwar temple stands in a courtard flanked by four
smaller structureswith erotic and sometimes amusing elements - such
as the young lady with the surprised look of her face, no doubt due
to her lovers hand in her pants! The temple dates from the 9th century.
Other temples
Close to the Bindu Sagar Tank, the Vaital has a double storey 'wagon
roof' , an influence from Buddhist cave architecture . Further north
the Lakshamaneshwar is a very plain temple. Dating from the 7th century
, it is one of the earliest specimens of Orissan architecture and acts
as a gateway to the city .
Museum
The museum is opposite the Hotel Ashok Kalinga and has an interesting
collection relating to Orissan history , culture and architecture and
to the various Orissan tribes. The Tribal Research Bureau is also here.The
museum is open from 10 am to 1 pm anf from 2 to 4 pm daily, except Mondays.
Udayagiri & Khandgiri Caves
About five km out of Bhubaneshwar , the two hills flanking the road
on each side are riddled with caves. On the right, of the road is ,Udayagiri,
or Sunrise Hill.
Puri
On the coast , 55km from Bhubaneshwar, Puri is one of the
four holiest cities in India . The city revolves around the great Jagannath
Temple and its famous 'Rath Yatra' or 'Car Festival'. The beach : Puri
has a fine stretch of white sand from which Indian pilgrims bathe in
their customary, fully attired manner.Orissan fishers , wearing conical
straw hats,guide bathers out through the surf.
Konark
Konarak is on the coast, 64 km from Bhubaneshwar and only
about 33 km north of Puri.The site consist of a little more than the
mighty temple and a handfull of shops , stalls and paces to stay . Pipli
: Athe junction where the Konark road branches from the Bhubaneshwar
to Puri road, this small village is notable for its applique craft.The
colourful materials are used to make temple umbrellas and wall hangings.
Chilka Lake
South of Puri , Chilka Lake is doted with islands and is
noted for the many migratory birds which flock here in winter (December
to January) . The shallow lake is about 70 km long and averages 15 km
wide, and is supposedly one of the largest brackish-water lakes in the
country.
Cuttack
Only 35 km north of Bhubaneshwar, this riverine city was
the capital of Orissa until the new city was constructed at Bhubaneshwar.
Balasore & Chandipurs
Balasore is the first major town on the railway line from
Calcutta in north Orissa. It was once important trading centre with
Dutch, Danish,English and French Factories .
Similipal National Park
The Similipal National Park is in the north-east of the state, 250 km
from Calcutta and 320 km from Bhubaneshwar.It is well known for its
varied wildlife including tigers, leopards and elephants .
