10 Most Beautiful Places in Orissa, The Land of Warriors

Orissa, the eastern state of India is known as the Land of Warriors. Be it the Lord Jagannath's famous Chariot Festival or the memories of Kalinga War in 261 BC, Orissa always takes pride in its rich culture and tradition. The state is also considered one of the most preferred travel destinations in India.

Far away from violence, terrorism and political disturbances, Orissa provides great comfort and peace to the tourists across the globe. Although there are hundreds of visiting places in the state, we have listed the 10 most beautiful places that are regarded as hot tourist attractions.

1) Puri Jagannath Temple:

Puri is located on the banks of Bay of Bengal. It is nearly 60 km away from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. Puri is the abode of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. These deity siblings reside in a large and beautifully-built temple, called Jagannath Temple, which was built in 13th Century AD. The temple is largely built with sand stone. The Chariot Festival or Rath Yatra at Puri has its parallel with the chariot procession of the Buddha's tooth at Dantapuri. It also represents one of the four peethas established by Sankaracharya, the main propagator of Hindu Religion.

The Chariot festival falls in the month June - July. The spectacular chariot festival involves the procession of three colossal chariots bearing the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra through the streets of Puri. The festival lasts for 9 days and millions people across the globe ascended on Puri to become a part of this festival. Puri is well connected via Rail, Bus and Taxi services.

2) Konark Sun Temple:

Konark is one of the well known tourist attractions of India. It houses a colossal temple dedicated to Sun God. The art and architecture used in building the temple still mesmerize the visitors. The place is visited by a large number of piligrims and tourists around the world. The sun Temple at Konark is one of the oldest temples in India. Most important parts of this temple are missing, but still it provides a great pleasure to the visitors. It is also referred as the Black Pagoda. It was built in 1278 CE.

Konark is just 65 km from Bhubaneswar. You can either take a bus or hire a taxi. Once there, the architectural grandeur and intricacy of sculpural work will sweep you off your feet. the entire temple is a chariot of the Sun God with 24 wheels, with a set of spokes and seven horses dragging it. Two lions crushing elephants guard the entrance. the entire temple throws a great artistic view.

3) Lingaraj Temple:

Lingaraj Temple, the great architectural beauty, is located in Bhubaneswar, the Temple City of Orissa. It was built in the 7th Century AD. The largest temple gives an outstanding specimen of the Orissa style of temple building. The Shivalingam in the sanctum of the Lingaraja Temple rises to a height of 8 inches above the floor level. It is 8 feet in diameter. You can also find Bindu Sagar, a man-made lake around the temple.

4) Chilka Lake:

The Chilka Lake in Orissa is said to be Asia's largest salt-water lagoon. It has several small islands including the Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island. The lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sand bridge. It spreads over 1,100 sq km area. Its unique ecosystem comprises of aquatic flora and fauna in and around the backish water of Chilka Lake.

Chilka is also one of the best places in the world for bird-watching, as thousands of birds from different places of the world visit Chilka each year. The most important species found in the lake include sea eagles, greylag geese, herons, jacana and flamingos. The lake is also home to the one of the world's largest breeding colonies of flamingos.

You can also see blackbuck, spotted deer, golden jackals and hyenas on the shores of Chilka. Around 200 species of fish are found in Chilka Lake. They include dolphin, prawn, crab and mackerel fish. Chilka is located at a distance of 120 km from Bhubaneswar and is easily accessible via road and rail.

5) Dhauli Stupa:

Dhauligiri Shanti Stup is located at a distance of 7 km from Bhubaneswar. It is well connected by rain, road and air. The stupa displays the Buddhist glory of ancient India. It is located on the banks of River Daya. Dhauli Stupa is also known as Peace Pagoda. According to Historical sources, Emperor Ashoka constructed the Dhauli Stupa after the Great Kalinga War in 261 BC that changed his life forever.

The war claimed lives of millions of people of Kalinga Kingdom (Ancient Orissa). Although Ashoka won it, he was heart-broken to see the horrors of the war. He laid down the weapons of violence and adopted Ahimsa (Non-violence), a form of Buddhism. He built the Dhauli Stupa at the same place where the Kalinga War had taken place, in order to promote peace and harmony all over world. Major Edicts of Ashoka have been engraved on a mass of rock at Dhauli.

6) Duduma Waterfall:

Duduma Waterfall falls from a height of 158 meters. It is also home to a hydro-electric project that supplies electricity to most parts of Orissa and neighboring states. It is located at Machhkund in the tribal district of Koraput. Duduma is 77 kms from Koraput and more than 500 kms from Bhubaneswar.

A small village Ankadeli, which is just 3 kms away from Duduma draws the attention of foreign tourists. The weekly market in that village witnesses a huge gathering of "Bondas", the most primitive tribe that live in dense forest.

7) Similipal Forest Reserve:

Similipal Forest Reserve is located in Mayurbhanj district of Orissa. The Similipal hill range has numerous peaks and valleys. Several streams flowing in all directions drain directly to the Bay of Bengal. It is located at a distance of 170 kms from Bhubaneswar. Similipal Tiger Reserve was created in 1973. The "Mugger Crocodile Scheme" was started in 1979 under the National Program of "Crocodile Bredding and Management Project".

The entire Similipal Sanctuary was given the status of a National Park in 1986. Tourist importance of this place increased manifold after the Government of India declared the creation of Similipal Biosphere Reserve in 1994. Millions of tourists visit Similipal every year.

8) Nandankan Zoological Park:

Nandankanan Zoological Park was established in 1960. The Park is located over a large area that includes Kanjia Lake and many other private lands. It is just 20 kms from Bhubaneswar and is well connected via rail and road. The Nandankanan Zoo is home to a large number of known and endangered species. A large number of birds, elephants, snakes and crocodiles draw the attraction of thousands of tourists every day.

The State Botanical Garden is located just right to the entrance of Nandankana Zoo. It is a great place for plant lovers. You will find Mughal garden, Holiday cottage, Children's Park, Glass House and Japanese garden inside the Botanical Garden. It is also a perfect place for love birds who throng to the place in large numbers.

9) Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary:

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, located at a distance of 190 kms from Bhubaneswar, is rich with mangroves. It has a vibrant eco-system situated in the region of Brahmani-Baitarani. Its 672 sq. km mangrove forest houses over 215 species of birds including migratory birds from Central Asia and Europe. Most of the Birds that visit Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary are Black Ibis, Cormorants and Darters.

10) Gupteswar Cave:

Gupteswar is a famous cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located near Jeypore, the major city of the tribal district Koraput. The cave is located at the top of a limestone hill, which is about 500 metres above sea level. The Gupteswar Cave is surrounded by a dense forest and River Kolab. The meaning of "Gupteswar" is "Hidden God'.

There is a large stone inside the cave, which is worshipped by people as the udder of God Kamadhenu (The Divine Cow). Gupteswar is considered as one of the holiest places in Orissa and draws lakhs of visitors every year.