Puri
It is considered as one of the four holy dhamas of India that stands on a raised platform of stone, measuring about ten acres. The largest crowd in Puri is seen during the Cart Festival of Jagannatha which takes place every year in June-July. Akshayya Tritiya tithi that marks the beginning of the construction of the Rathas(chariots) for them ceremonial journey and sojourn of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra at the Gundicha temple for a week.
Khandagiri and Udaigiri
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves One of the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut shelters, the caves of Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hills)which has a rock-cut architecture, art and religion. The two hills rise abruptly from the coastal plain, about six km west of Bhubaneswar, separated by a highway. the caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri are essentially dwelling retreats of the Jain ascetics, opening directly into the verandah or the open space in front. Mostly excavated near the top of the ledge or boulder, they simply provided dry shelter for meditation and prayer, with very little amenities even for small comforts.
Dhauligiri
Dhauli hill is located on the banks of the river Daya, 8 km south of ghubaneswar in Odisha. It is a hill with vast open space adjoining it. It has major Edicts Of Ashoka engraved on a mass rock, by the side the road leading to the summit of the hill Dhauli.It is presumed to be the area where the Kalinga War was fought.It became an important centre of Buddhist activities. He got abodes excavated for the recluse, instructions inscribed for officials. expounded the main principles Of dandaniti for the public, provided special Status to his new kingdom including the stupas at dhauli.
Lingaraj Temple
The imposing temple standing at 180 ft strikes awe and respect amongst its visitors. Built during the 11th century AD. The temple has been described as “One of the finest examples of purely Hindu Temple in India” .The temple marks the culmination of the temple architecture in Bhubaneswar.It is considered a masterpiece of Indian Architecture for its detailed plan, proportions, seamless joints, elegant craftsmanship and impressive dimensions.
Konark
The Sun Temple at Konark is the pinnacle of Odisha Temple Architecture and an UNESCO World Heritage.The height of the Sun Temple at Konark is estimated to be around 227 feet, making it as one of the tallest temples ever built in the country. The temple was designed as a chariot of Sun God driven by twenty four beautifully carved wheels and pulled by seven horses. The temple was constructed using three types of stones – the laterite stone for the boundary walls, flooring and staircase, Khondalite for the structure and Chlorite stone for the door jams and lintel and the use of iron strips to hold the structure together.
Chilika Lake
Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon with water spread ranging from 1165 sq km m the rainy season to 906 sq km in the dry season is nestled in the heart. It is recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world because it is home to a phenomenal variety of birds.it offers visitors a spectacular display of its colorful avian charms in a thousand different hues presented by over 160 species. The lake and its reed islands teem with nesting birds-white bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers, gulls, include migratory ones flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia.
Puri Sea Beach
Located on the exotic coastline of Odisha Puri Beach is one of the wonderful destinations for holidaying where sun kissed beaches wet your feet and gentle wind simply elevates you from the earthy odor to the clouds. This beach will make you feel as if you are in dream world. Beach lovers extremely relish holidaying here as the beach enamors a bewitching opportunity to undergo its wild sea waves and enjoy water sports activities. This beach is best to watch sunrises and sunsets. The golden sands and the thunder of the breakers appearing from the Bay of Bengal have mesmerized tourists throughout the years and are the synonyms to the beach.
Chandrabhaga Beach
Chandrabhaga is situated around 3 kms from konark and 30 kms from Puri. It is believed that the sun god himself fell in love with a beautiful daughter of a sage, chandrabhaga. Chandrabhaga then didn’t surrender to the sun god and ran for her chastity. She then jumped into the nearby river to save herself. Hence forth the river was named as Chandrabhaga. From then onwards, the 7th day of the full moon of Magha month is marked as a tribute to her sacrifice.
Bindusagar Lake
Located on the exotic coastline of Odisha Puri Beach is one of the wonderful destinations for holidaying where sun kissed beaches wet your feet and gentle wind simply elevates you from the earthy odor to the clouds. This beach will make you feel as if you are in dream world. Beach lovers extremely relish holidaying here as the beach enamors a bewitching opportunity to undergo its wild sea waves and enjoy water sports activities. This beach is best to watch sunrises and sunsets. The golden sands and the thunder of the breakers appearing from the Bay of Bengal have mesmerized tourists throughout the years and are the synonyms to the beach.
Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan which is situated in the Chandaka forests, bears the lush green zoological park being spread in about 4 sq km of area, while the wildlife sanctuary is spread in around 5 sq km is also a home to various flourishing varieties of flora. The splendid environs of Chandaka forests and rippling waters of Kanjia Lake forms flora here. The area is densely greened with trees like Bija, Sal, Asana and Anala. Nandankanan Zoological Park boasts of a fascinating lake and wonderful lush green environs, which is a virtual paradise for birds inviting native as well as migratory birds.
