Tourist Cities in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, is also popularly known as the "Temple City of India". Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord Lingaraj', Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style flowered from its very inception to its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years.

The new Bhubaneswar with its modern buildings and extensive infrastructure perfectly complements its historic surroundings. With facilities to cater to every type of visitor, Bhubaneswar makes an ideal tourist destination.

Approach: Bhubaneswar is well connected by air, rail and road to the rest of India. The modern Biju Patnaik airport is being extended to receive wide bodied aircraft, and one may well see international charters landing here soon.

Best time to visit: Bhubaneswar can be visited round the year, but the ideal time, especially for visitors from colder climes, would be from October to March.

Puri: It is one of the most frequented tourist destinations of Orissa and is known to be the abode of Lord Jagannath. Its beaches and splendid temples form the most important Orissa tourist attractions. Puri is also among one of the four important Hindu Dhams in India and is quite revered by the Hindu pilgrims. The leading attraction of Puri is the Jagannath Temple, one of the most popular as well as the biggest temples of Orissa. This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and was established in the 12th century.

Chilka Lake: Chilka Lake is recognized for its exotic splendor and is one of the largest lakes not only India, but in the entire Asian continent stretching over an area of 1,100 sq km. It is an ideal picnic spot and offers ample scope for boating, fishing and bird watching. You can relax and spend some quality time here during your tour to Orissa.

Konark: It is well-known all over the world for its outstanding Sun Temple, which is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. In addition to its breathtaking architectural wonders, the Konark Beach is also a famous place of tourist interest which also has one of the most delightful beaches of eastern India.

Ratnagiri: It is an impressive Buddhist site which is located on a small hill and is surrounded by rivers all over. While ascending the hill you will come across wonderful vistas of vast plains with lush greenery. Two large monasteries, including Sri Ratnagiri Mahavihara Aryabhikshu Sangha were unearthed during the excavations that were carried out here.