Odisha

Your fascination with history will be met with an abundance of museums and heritage sites. Your palate for good food will be fuelled with delectable dishes. Your yearning for spiritual knowledge will be nourished by exquisite temples. Your thirst for experiences will be acquainted with nature’s many children – lakes, hills, wildlife. Your curiosity for the unknown will be satisfied by numerous fascinating tribes. Those who make the effort to visit Odisha, will be rewarded greatly!

Highlights of Odisha

Temples In Odisha

A giant ornamented chariot dedicated to God Surya; the Sun Temple is a spectacular façade. With 24 carved stone wheels, pulled by 7 majestic horses, the temple looks like its emerging from the blue sea with the sun in its hands. You must drink-in this view during sunrise or sunset.

Shree Jagannath Temple is a part of a complex that spans 400,000 square feet and consists of 120 shrines. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is an important Hindu pilgrimage destination. Make sure you check out all the grand sections, which include Throne of pearls, Frontal porch, Dancing Hall, and Offerings Hall.

Lingaraj Temple, the largest temple in the capital city, celebrates Lord Shiva. Built with sandstone and laterite, is a fine example of Kalinga architecture. When wandering through the complex you will uncover a sanctum, assembly hall, festival hall, and hall of offerings.

Ruins In Odisha

Once the site of a great Buddhist monastery, Ratnagiri was perhaps chosen for its immense seclusion and tranquil atmosphere. Archaeology has discovered votive stupas of varying sizes, sculptures, and even a single winged monastery with an airy courtyard. Try not to miss any of these excavated objects, as this is perhaps one of the most profound of all Pushpagiri sites.

Udayagiri is yet another set of excavated ruins from the Pushpagiri sites. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to view remnants of a stone jail embellished with a slithering 3 hooked snake!

Museums In Odisha

The Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts aims to preserve the rich and diverse history of Odisha tribes. In its repertoire is 5 halls - each symbolizing a distinct tribe and its lifestyle. With approximately 2,247 pieces, you can choose to look through photographs, personal belongings, clothing, and art. What better way to get acquainted with history than to gaze at objects that have stood the test of time?

Odisha State Maritime Museum will sail along the seas of your heart. Imagine this. The beautiful-musty smell of 1000 books and journals, 13 galleries filled with maritime vessels, boats, and other nautical paraphernalia.

Wildlife sanctuaries In Odisha

Take a peaceful boat ride from Khola to Dangmal, at Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Spot the graceful Kingfisher and the enchanting saltwater crocodile, at this eco friendly national park.

If you fancy some adrenaline pumping Tiger spotting, head to Satkosia Tiger Sanctuary. You can even boat across the Mahanadi River where you will find other exciting species to satisfy your love for animals.

Markets In Odisha

Ekamra Haat, nestled in the capital city, is a treat for your senses.  It consists of a charming cluster of huts, that pose as shops. You will also discover rustic grass mounds. This quintessential native village boasts of a beguiling collection of handicrafts and hand-looms. If you would like to pick a little something, check out the applique, terracotta work, palm leaf engravings, and art textiles.

Onkadelli Market is synonymous with its Bonda tribal village people. Go there early enough and you will witness the spectacular sight of hundreds of Adivasis arriving to set up their stalls. They carry cane baskets on their heads, filled with colourful goodies to sell!

Cuisine Of Odisha

Odisha’s khichdi also known as khicede is a lovely combination of cooked rice and lentils. But what makes it truly special is the big dollop of ghee that goes on top. Try this lightly spiced dish with fresh yogurt and a crispy papad. If you want to go all out, throw in some pickle. This comforting meal is a staple. We also recommend the Chungdi Malai, a creamy prawn curry served with basmati rice!

Interesting facts about Odisha

• Odisha is home to the world’s largest open-air theatre – Dhanu jatra. 
• Odisha’s national dance form – Odissi, is one of India’s oldest surviving dance forms. 
• Shree Jagannath Temple contains the world’s largest kitchen.
• Bhubaneshwar is blessed with approximately 600 magnificent temples.
• Mayurbhanj houses rocks that go back 3 billion years.

Location Of Odisha

Odisha is situated in Eastern India. The state shares its border with Jharkhand and West Bengal in the north, Andhra Pradesh in the south, and Chhattisgarh in the west.

Best Time To Visit Odisha

Summers in Odisha can go up to a stinging 37 degrees. This hot weather makes it extremely unpleasant to travel. As such, the winter season is the ideal time to make a trip as temperatures rise to a maximum of 28 degrees. Furthermore, the state is in its natural bloom – a visual treat for the eyes.

How To Reach Odisha

By Road – Orissa has an intricate network of state and national highways, rendering it easily accessible to the rest of the nation. In fact, the length of national highways has more than doubled in the last four years. Orissa State Road Transport Corporation consists of inter bus services. But you may also opt for other methods of road travel.

By Rail – Bhubaneshwar Railway Station is one of the most significant stations in the state. It is extremely convenient too! Just to name a few, the station is well connected to Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. No matter which state you come from, chances are, it has a direct train to Bhubaneshwar. 

By Air – Odisha’s only airport hails from the capital city. Biju Patnaik International Airport has direct flights to domestic destinations such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Raipur, Varanasi, and Chennai. Furthermore, it offers international flights to and from Thailand and Malaysia.

History Of Odisha

The discovery of Acheulian tools suggests the existence of the Palaeolithic era during prehistoric times. This was followed by battles, conquests and settlements of several kingdoms such as the  Mauryan Dynasty, Mahameghavahana Dynasty, Somavamsi Dynasty, Eastern Ganga Dynasty, Gajapati Kingdom, Mughal Empire, Bengali Kingdom, and Maratha Empire. By the late 17th century the British had annexed control over the state. Odisha was incorporated into the Madras Presidency, followed by the Bengal Presidency. It was only in 1936 that Bihar and Odisha were split into separate states.

Has this little snippet of history made you eager to visit Odisha? Don’t worry, because we know just the right places to peak your curiosity.