Places to Visit in Orissa – An Enthralling Journey to Unearth the Spectacular Heritage and Natural Beauty of India

 Places to Visit in Orissa – An Enthralling Journey to Unearth the Spectacular Heritage and Natural Beauty of India 

The eastern Indian state of Orissa is an enthralling destination to explore and experience the unprecedented natural beauty and rural India. A melting pot of a rich cultural and traditional heritage and contemporary development, the state has something to offer to visitors of all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking to explore some of the most stunning historical sites or contemplating a jungle safari, Orissa has a wealth of cultural and natural wonders to discover.

If you are visiting Orissa, here are some of the most popular places to visit:

1. Puri

One of the most visited spots of Orissa is the holy city of Puri. Situated on the banks of Bay of Bengal, the city of Puri is a major pilgrimage centre of India. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, this holy city is renowned for its serene beaches and beautiful temples. Every year, thousands of devotees come here to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath during the famous annual Rath Yatra Festival. Apart from visiting the holy temples, tourists also come here to explore the exquisite sculpture of ancient India and to witness the breathtaking sunsets by sitting at the famed beach of Puri.

2. Chilika Lake

The arresting Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon of the Indian Subcontinent. Located at the north-eastern corner of Orissa, this majestic lake covers an area of over 1,100 square kilometers. This spectacular lagoon is also the home to a variety of wetland birds, making it an ideal spot for bird watching. During the winter months, the lake is also inhabited by thousands of migratory birds, creating a surreal natural ambience. A number of activities such as boating, fishing and houseboat rides are also conducted here to explore the immense beauty of the lake.

3. Konark

The beautiful ruins of Konark are among the top visited attractions of Orissa. Famous for its majestic Sun temple, Konark is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing in the form of a huge chariot, the gorgeous Sun Temple is an epitome of the advanced architecture of India. Built by King Narasimhadeva I, the temple is also adorned with exquisite sculptures and carvings. The mesmerizing beach of Konark is also visible from the temple and serves as an ideal spot to relax and to observe the iconic architecture from closeness.

4. Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneshwar is the capital city of Orissa and serves as its administrative and business hub. Lined with numerous ancient temples, Bhubaneshwar is referred as the Temple City of India. The famous Lingaraj temple, dated back to 11th century, is the main religious attraction of this city and is dedicated to Vir Shiva. Every year, a grand fair is organized here to honor the Hindu God Shiva. Apart from exploring the religious sites, visitors can also traverse around the authentic old markets and savor the local flavors of Orissa.

5. Ratnagiri

Lying in the eastern part of Orissa, the hilltop town of Ratnagiri is home to some of the historical sites of India. The popular Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, which are surrounded with lush green meadows and rocks, are simply breathtaking. Inside the caves, there are numerous rock-cut sculpture, sculptures of famous Jain Tirthankaras and inscriptions from 3rd century BC. Apart from exploring the caves and sculptures, visitors can also visit the Jalpana Tirtha, which is a holy bathing ghat located in the campus of these two caves.

To make your journey to Orissa more exciting, you can also participate in the popular adventure activities of the state. The white-water rafting in the Mukhuri river is an absolute adrenalin rush, while the trek across the spurs of Eastern Ghats is a perfect way to experience the wilderness and beauty of the rural India. This eastern Indian state is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and has something or the other to offer to every type of traveler.

So, plan your trip to this enchanting state of eastern India and explore the historical sites, quaint villages, and beautiful natural scenery of Orissa.