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 here have been uncountable descriptions in Indian history and mythology about this land then
was known as
Kalinga and Utkal. Since time immortal this region has remained a symbol of Indian essence- spiritually, culturally and architecturally. The reason to visit the
golden tourist triangle of Orissa is still just that. Among the most striking features of a tour to this region are the enormous Hindu temples that are considered as the most perfect forms of
Hindu temples (having everything from perfect shape of the spire to a series of mandapams or halls for ceremonies). The unbridled faith of the people that bring them in these temples and their involvement in spectacular ceremonies have to be seen to
be believed. Adding to this are the lovely arts and crafts of this region. Plus vast stretches of
tro
 pical
beaches, unspoiled nature and last but not the least, the warm friendly and hospitable people of Orissa are sure ingredients of a perfect Indian holiday.
Bhubaneshwar is a pleasant green city also known as City of Temples. The most important temple is
Lingaraj Temple, the sculptures and grand conceptualization involved in this granite temple is amazing. Among the 500 old remaining temples around
Bin
 du Sagar Tank out of the original 7000 temples are the 7th century Parsurameshwar temple (Lattice work
on windows is noteworthy), Vaital Mandir (Resembling more like a Buddhist Chaitya, it is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda- the most terrifying and cruel form
of Goddess Durga. The image of Goddess in dark Sanctum is a very chilling scene), Muktesvara Mandir (Very ornate with torana), Siddeshwar and Gauri temples. There
are also Rajarani Mandir having a very beautiful Sanctum and Brahmeshawar Mandir.
Among the best museums in India is Orissa State Museum. One of Indias better-kept Zoos the
Nandankana is also worth a visit. A few kilometers out is a group of caves, chiseled out by Jain ascetics during first century BC. There are several interesting
fig ures and inscriptions on the surface of the caves. Orissa has a sizeable tribal
population and from Bhubaneshwar it is possible to visit tribal villages to have a look ion their interesting lifestyle. Bhubaneshwar is also an ideal place to appreciate and
 learn the
classical Odissi dance and local Chhau dance.
Puri is a peaceful little town rated among the four most important pilgrimage
sites for Hindus. The
Jagannath temple is the main temple here having superb architecture and sculptures. More than the sight of temple, it is the reverence and faith of people that makes it special. Thousands are people are employed in service of the Lord and the kitchen where offering for the Lord is prepared everyday is the largest in the world! Once a year the deities of the temple are taken out in grand procession through the grand road to
Gundicha temple for a week. The unstoppable procession known as Rath Yatra carried in huge wooden cars is a mammoth
specta cle of faith and festivity. Puri also
has a long silver sand beach. Around Puri are a few interesting villages where people practice unique crafts like appliquι work and pattachitra. The villages of
Raghurajpur and Pipli are particularly interesting.
A small distance away from Puri is the World famous Sun temple of Konark. The temple conceived as chariot of Sun God faces the sea. Though the Sanctum of the temple (built in 13th century) has collapsed and what remain is the main assembly hall (Jagmohan) and other part of temple, it is no doubt an amazing piece of architecture and sculpture. Besides the scattered idols of horses and lions, every surface of the temple is studded with very finely carved and expressive sculptures including
some erotic ones. The finely carved wheels of the chariot are particularly noteworthy. Though in ruins, it is definitely among the most beautiful monuments of India.
Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Konark are three corners of Orissa golden circuit. They also represent three faces of Orissas identity- People, faith and worship.
| QUICK FACTS |
| Getting there |
Bhubaneshwar is the main airport of the region. Both Bhubaneshwar and Puri are well served by train connections.
Major highway connecting Chennai with Kolkata passes through the region. Other roads link the western (tribal) parts of Orrisa and Chattisgarh. |
| Further connections |
Chilika Lake, Gopalpur on Sea, Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, Simplipal National Park, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunderbans National Park and western tribal districts. |
| Best time to visit |
Warm tropical. Cool in winter. Monsoon rains are very heavy. Devastating cyclones are quite common. |
| Important Festivals |
The grand rath yatra of Jagannath Puri is a major event worth witnessing. The city of Puri always bears a festive look to its religious importance. |
| TOURS TO ORISSA TRIANGLE | |
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