Vinod K
Things to do in Odisha
Rightly called the Goa of the East, Odisha maybe a land like no other. Yes, we all know that nature hasn’t been kind to the present eastern state but Odisha never ceased to fight back, it never lost its faith and spirit. Perhaps Lord Jagganath’s bounty blessings have given the Oriya people hope to persevere and courage to hold out their desired lifestyle. Not untouched by modernity, the state has bridged the gaps between its past and present by keeping its traditions and culture alive. From its beautiful Odissi dance to the exquisite Talapattachitra, from the magnificent rock-cut caves to the pristine Chandipur beach, and from the holy abode of Lord Jagganath to the Nandankanan Zoo, it’s unlikely to ascertain a land that flourishes so well with paradoxes.
Marvel at the Exquisite Art and Architecture of the Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves
Partially natural and partially man-made, the Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves are the landmark in Odisha. Situated in Bhubhaneshwar, these historic caves are ornately carved to please the eyes of the onlookers. Udaygiri features a group of 15 caves while Khandagiri is an 18 caves complex. The caves are famed for their impeccable sculptures and reliefs and Brahmi inscriptions.
Lose Yourself to Divinity at Konark Sun Temple
This 13th-century temple has been acclaimed worldwide for its beautiful architecture and complex carvings. Dedicated to Sun God, most of this temple’s parts now lie in ruins but remain worth paying a visit. Boasting Kalinga architecture and erotic sculptures of Maithunas this temple excites history buffs and someone who enjoys photography.
Take a Stroll Along the Shore of Peaceful Chandrabhaga Beach
At a brief distance from Konark Sun Temple is that the pristine Chandrabhaga Beach. The beach has religious importance as a seven-day fair in honor of Sun God. Devotees from all parts of the country come here to require a dip during the fair. aside from the fair, the beach may be a lovely place to be with family and friends. Witness beautiful sunset and take a stroll along the shore to best enjoy some time here.
Seek the Blessing from the God of Gods at Jagannath Temple
Now, Odisha possesses its fame marked by this grand Hindu temple. one among the four holy places for Hindu devotees, Jagannath Temple needs no introduction. Although a non-Hindu is prohibited from entering the temple, it’s a pure delight to urge the merely get the view of this sacred place from outside also.
Go Bird Watching at Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is another important identity of Odisha. This brackish water lagoon extended in a neighborhood of 1100 sq km in Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts are perhaps the most important coastal lagoon in India. The lake is additionally an ecosystem with an enormous fishery resource. One if lucky has the chance to identify dolphins here also. For those that love birdwatching, Chilika Lake might be a perfect place to go to in Odisha. The place also makes a superb backdrop for a few gorgeous pictures.
Get Amazed by the Architecture in Bhubneshwar
Dubbed because the ‘City of Temples’, Bhubaneshwar features a history that goes back to 2000 years. For the delight of history aficionados, Bhubaneswar offers a gorgeous picture adorned with intricately carved temples. Today, what we see may be a city that features a perfect blend of architecture from different eras. It indeed brings out the rich color of Indian culture and makes for a perfect place to find out about the vibrant history of Odisha. Amongst the must-see places in Bhubaneshwar are Lingaraja Temple, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Raja Rani Temple, Udaygiri, and Khandagiri Caves.
Explore Rural Odisha at Raghurajpur
Raghurajpur is a perfect destination to find out about the agricultural lifetime of Odisha. Nowhere are you able to see such a fine assemblage of artwork. The village has an inventive environment that exhibits the range of Oriya culture. it’s an honest platform to urge familiar with the lives of rural people and their art culture called Pattachitra. Craft items like palm-leaf inscriptions, stone and wood carvings, papier mache, Sodhi work, mural painting, wooden and trash toys, filigree, applique, terracotta are all created and proudly displayed here.
Shop for Oriya Craft at Pipli
Famed for appliqué work, Pipli in Odisha opens its doors for tourists to watch the creative side of the Oriya people. The Odia crafts involve stitching and embroidering small pieces of colored cloth with flowers, animals, village scenes, and traditional designs onto a bigger base cloth. At Pipli you’ll buy decorative Garden Umbrellas, Wallets, hanging, lampshades, Pouches, and Bags.
Witness the Widlife Diversity of Odisha at Nandankanan Zoological Park
Sprawling over 400 hectares of land, Nandankanan Zoological Park is an apt place in Odisha to require your kids to. Situated in Bhubaneshwar, this zoological park is about amidst Chandaka forest and features a beautiful lake called Kanjia. The park may be home to about 166 species of animals including White Tigers. It also runs an Adopt an Animal project under which a private can sponsor food and other necessary items for any animal of their choice within the park. it’s a stimulating place to show your children the worth of wildlife conservation.
Watch the Sun Go Down in Chandipur Beach
Set at the coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chandipur Beach in Odisha is understood for its 1 to 4km high rising tides. The beach is situated about 16kms from Baleswar railroad station in the Balasore district. aside from its amazing high water rise, Chandipur beach is understood for its beautiful sunset view. A pristine beach, it makes a perfect picnic spot and a romantic getaway for several.
Marvel at the Diverse Wildlife of Simlipal National Park
Simlipal park reflects the rich diversity of wildlife in Odisha. Situated within the Mayurbhanj district, Simlipal may be a popular elephant reserve. The park also houses some very pretty waterfalls like Barehipani and Joranda. An enthralling place, Simlipal is often enjoyed by both adults and youngsters. Like Nandankanan Zoological Park, this place also helps in understanding the importance of wildlife conservation.
Explore the Tribal Villages to Witness the Backbone of Culture of Odisha
Odisha is that the home of the many tribes who are farmers and food gatherers. These tribes despite their poverty have an upscale culture and traditions that include highly developed artistic skills like body painting, ornaments making, weaving, and wall paintings. Music and dance are also a crucial part of these tribes who rejoice at little happiness they will find. to find out about real Odisha, it’s advisable to require a tribal tour. Bondo, Didayi, Barogadaba, Kondhs, and Dongarias are a number of known tribes in Odisha.
Meet the King Crocodiles of Bhitarkanika Wetland
A paradise for nature lovers, Bhitarkanika Wetland may be a major attraction in Odisha. The mangroves reach a neighborhood of about 650 sq km river delta of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers. Home to 55 mangrove species, the mangroves harbor an outsized population of saltwater crocodiles. The beach called Gahirmatha that separates the Bay of Bengal from the mangroves is that the nesting hub for Oliver Ridley Turtles in India. there’s nothing so enthralling than to require a ship ride amongst the intricate mangroves and sight wildlife.
Pause the Time at Ratnagiri
Don’t confuse this Ratnagiri with the one in Maharashtra. This historic place is famed as a site of Mahavira and a crucial Buddhist monastery. Ratnagiri has situated in Brahmani and Birupa river valley in the Jajpur district of Odisha. Once, this place was referred to as an area for meditation and monastic life. Today, one can see most of the websites here during a ruined state but they still elicit the spiritual feel. If you’re looking for an area that’s historic and serene then Ratnagiri is ideal. There are some ways to ascertain Odisha and these are amongst the few. It takes extended holidays and a will to get this mesmeric land.
