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..........Orissa,
the lush green state, girdled by the Bay of Bengal, has seen
some of the best fusion of traditional Indian art in its many
temples and monuments, and has been able to preserve much
of it, in an environment natural to its wonder and attractions.
It was in Orissa, that Buddhism found some of its strongest
exposure, and cult following. However, it was Hindu art that
dominated the landscape, eventually, and resulted in the profusion
of temple traditions, that have endured till now.
Heavily
forested, and isolated, Orissa was once famous for its majestic
battle elephants. But life in Orissa revolved around temples,
and that the Oriyas lived lives free of strife, is evident
from the fact that the state has few forts or fortified palaces
to its credit, indicative of centuries of peace and harmony.
Most
of the state's attractions are close to each other, and convenient
access is provided out of the state capital, Bhubaneshwar.
The capital itself is an intriguing amalgam of the old and
the new, an emerging modern Indian city, that is steeped in
the roots of the traditions of its glorious past, without
being overwhelmed by it.
Exquisite
temples, classic monuments, golden beaches, enchanting wildlife
and natural beauties are some of the characteristics of Orissa.
One can find the best of ancient and modern India in this
eastern state of India. This is the place of strong sense
of holiness and marvelous past.
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
Favourable
seasons to visit : October and April.
OTDC (Orissa Tourism development Corporation) offers sight-seeing
packages for all these cities at very economical rates.
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