GENERAL INFORMATION
Orissa is situated in the north-eastern part of the Indian peninsula, it is bordered by the Bay of Bengal on the east, West Bengal in the north east, Bihar on the north, Madhya Pradesh on the west and Andhra Pradesh on the south. The state extends between the latitudes 17°49' North and 22°34" North and longitudes 81°29' East and 87°29' East.It can be divided into two major parts, one being the coastal plains and other the northwestern plateau. The coastal region varies in width except in the Ganjam district where the eastern hills attain their highest altitude at 1,500 metres. Mahanadi and its tributaries cross through this region and create a large delta, which is very fertile. The rivers bring enormous water and sometime cause dangerous floods.
HISTORY OF ORISSA
In its long history spanning more than just the present millennium, the region of modern Orissa was known by different names at different points of time-Kalinga, Utkala, Kongada and Odr-desha.Ancient Orissa had a number of important ports such as Paloura, Tamralipti and Dharmra along Orissa's 482 km long open coastline. It is little wonder then that a flourishing maritime trade existed between Paloura (now Puri) and the Indonesian islands. As a result, the influence of the Pali language and Buddhism spread, in due course, to Southeast Asia. The old Buddhist connection with these regions is visible in the 'Peace Pagoda' built by the Japanese Buddhists in this century and the Dhavateswar temple on the Dhauli hilltop near Bhubaneswar.It is noteworthy that the first Aryan immigration from India into Ceylon also took place from the shores of Kalinga. The first known history of the state comes into light with the Ashokan victory over the independent ruler of this place, which led to mass killings and devastation of the region. The extent of violence perpetrated by his men and its effect of the victims led to a change in the heart of Ashoka and he accepted Buddhism as his way of life.
In the first century BC, under King Kharvel, the most famous of Kalinga rulers, Buddhism declined as the major religion and Jainism was restored. The cave inscriptions of Khandgiri and Udayagiri give a lot of information about the rule of King Kharvel and much other information about the society at that point of time. Later, Jainism gave way to Hinduism in around 7th century AD. This was the time when the ruling dynasties were the Ganga and Kesari, who constructed some of the most magnificent temples in India.After the decline of these dynasties, the local kingdoms fought hard to keep the Muslims away, but by the end in 16th century, the Mughals defeated them and gained control over this region. After the decline of the Mughals, Orissa was ruled by the Marathas and the British. Orissa became a separate province under the British Government in 1936.
TOURISM IN ORISSA
Orissa, the lush green state, girdled by the Bay of Bengal, has seen some of the best fusion of traditional Indian art in its many temples and monuments, and has been able to preserve much of it, in an environment natural to its wonder and attractions. It was in Orissa, that Buddhism found some of its strongest exposure, and cult following. However, it was Hindu art that dominated the landscape, eventually, and resulted in the profusion of temple traditions, that have endured till now.Heavily forested, and isolated, Orissa was once famous for its majestic battle elephants. But life in Orissa revolved around temples, and that the Oriyas lived lives free of strife, is evident from the fact that the state has few forts or fortified palaces to its credit, indicative of centuries of peace and harmony. Most of the state's attractions are close to each other, and convenient access is provided out of the state capital, Bhubaneshwar. The capital itself is an intriguing amalgam of the old and the new, an emerging modern Indian city, that is steeped in the roots of the traditions of its glorious past, without being overwhelmed by it. With the presence of vast, thick and dense forests, which cover almost 55,000 sq km area of Orissa, there are quite a few areas that have either been reserved, demarcated protected, undemarcated protected, or just unclassified. The important among these are the Simlipal National Park, Bhitar Kanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandan Kanan Zoological Park and the Chilka Lake. These forests shelter a great variety of avifauna, animals, and plant species.
BEACHES IN ORISSA
Aryapalli Beach 30 km from Berhampur and 6 km from Chhatrapur, the beach at Aryapalli is quiet and charming where the waves speak volumes. Its bracing and invigorating climate adds freshness to the soul. A nature-loving tourist can enjoy the Sun, Surf and Sand amongst the green casuarina plantations, far from the madding crowds.
Baliharachandi Beach Though Baliharachandi, located 27 km from Puri, is known for the shrine of Goddess Harachandi, the lonely beach with its meandering sand dunes can be quite enchanting.
Gopalpur Beach One of the most pristine beaches of Orissa, this quiet beach is a splendid retreat for sea-worshippers, located about 16 km from Berhampur. Once a humming seaport, Gopalpur offers its visitors a slice of serenity in environs that are conducive to introspection and conviviality. You can still see the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty, witness to its past glory of commercial activity. Now, plans are on to revitalise the port again and make it fit for modern ships. The pleasures of the Blue Beach and the Blue Bay with her backwaters continue to lure the water babies… Gopalpur is a surfers delight and is excellent for sailing too.
Ramchandi Beach On the confluence of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal, Ramchandi is a beautiful beach. Goddess Ramchandi, the presiding deity of the Konark region is worshipped here with reverence. Situated 7 km from Konark on the Marine Drive, Ramchandi is an ideal place to spend a couple of fun-filled hours.
Astaranga Beach This little beach 91 km from Puri presents a panoramic view, especially during sunset on a multi-coloured horizon as though seeking to justify its name as "Colourful Sunset".
Beleswar Beach Site of a Shaivite shrine, Beleswar, located 15 km from Puri, has an interesting beach where several fun filled hours can be spent.
Paradeep Beach A major port of Orissa, Paradeep also boasts of a fine beach where visitors can easily spend a couple of hours soaking in the sun or frolicking in the lovely blue waters.
Talasari Beach At a distance of 88 km from Balasore, 4 km from Chandaneswar and 8 km from Digha (West Bengal) is the tranquil beach at Talasari. One could behold with wonder the glistening glory of the Bay of Bengal spread like a bejewelled carpet as far as one's eyes could reach. The shimmering surface, the myriad twinkles all around give this calm beach a status of its own.
Balaramgadi Beach The confluence of the river Budhabalanga with the sea at Balaramgadi, located 2 km from Chandipur, presents visitors a scenic view with fishing and boating.
Chandipur Beach Situated 16 km from Balasore, the beach at Chandipur is surely one of the finest in India. This peaceful resort with sand dunes green with wild creepers and casuarina trees whistling in the breeze has a special secret. The sea recedes nearly five kilometres everyday with the tide - a sight not to be missed.
Pati-Sonapur Beach Approximately 20 km from Berhampur, 35 km from Gopalpur and 4 km from the National Highway No.5 which connects Chennai and Calcutta, the virgin beach at Pati-Sonapur is one of the most exquisite on the east coast. Right on the confluence of the river Bahuda and the Bay of Bengal, the scenic beauty of the place is simply enchanting.
Balighai Beach The casuarina fringed Balighai beach, located 8 km from Puri, is a famous picnic spot. The juxtaposition of gentle casuarina-lined river with crashing, desolate ocean coast is a strange and extremely beautiful one. One may also catch a glimpse of the shy Baliharina a kind of deer who inhabit the area. The Sea Turtle Research Centre is another attraction of this beach.
Chandrabhaga Beach Close to the famous Sun Temple of Konark, is a lovely and quiet beach - Chandrabhaga. The beach, known for its beauty and solitude, has long served as a counterfoil to the exquisite and intricate sculptures on the Sun Temple, where visitors would let the simple lines of the sea wash away all their worries and refresh them.
Puri Beach For centuries now, the beach at Puri has been the venue of countless pilgrims taking the traditional purification dip for Puri is the abode of Lord Jagannath and considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destination. However, for decades now, both Indian and foreign beach lovers have made it their special haunt.
WILDLIFE IN ORISSA
Nandankanan Zoo A short distance from the capital city, Bhubaneswar, the Nandankanan Zoo lies in the splendid environs of the Chandaka forest, along the rippling waters of the Kanjia Lake. It also contains a Botanical Garden and part of it has been declared a sanctuary.Famed for its white tiger population, Nandankanan, or the 'Garden of Gods', has become a hot family favourite, with visitors getting an excellent opportunity to enjoy seeing these regal animals in their natural glory - in an environment conducive to their growth. Over 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds co-exist in the deeply forested boundaries.The zoo enjoys an excellent reputation internationally, for successfully breeding black panthers, gharial crocodiles and white tigers in captivity.
LAKES IN ORISSA
Ansupa Lake This small but extremely picturesque lake holds a prominent position in the tourist map of Orissa for its beauty, proximity to Cuttack and the fact that till the recent past, it used to play host to migratory birds during winter.
Chilika Lake Just south of Puri, the sea mixes in with the 1100 sq.km inland Chilika Lake to create the largest brackish water lake in Asia. These shallow waters enclose an immense area of marshes, lowlands, and islands. There are more than 160 varieties of fish, and, in the winter season (from November through March), the area is home to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds as well.The surrounding hills and sandy stretches abound in cheetals, blackbucks, monkeys, fishing cats, mongoose, and porcupines. At the channel meeting the sea, dolphins can be seen cavorting playfully. Snakes, turtles and lizards inhabit the surrounding beach area and wooded undergrowth.A number of islands dot the expanse of the lake. Nalbana Island, because of its varied flora and fauna, forms the core of the Chilika sanctuary. Kalijai Island is home to the Goddess Kalijai, venerated by the local fisher folk. This island plays host to a huge fair on 'Makar Sankranti' held annually in the month of January. The large fishing community adds flavour to the lake with their traditional colourful sail boats bobbing expertly across the water, reminiscent of the ancient maritime heritage of Orissa. In fact, the fisher folk can be persuaded to take visitors on their boats.Chilika is worth visiting the year round, however, the winter months, when the air reverberates with the din of the birds, are the nicest times. Barkul, Rambha, Balugaon and Satpada are the bases for visiting Chilika, where boats can be hired.
CLIMATE
The climate of the state is primarily tropical with the coastal climate being distinct from the rest of the state. During the monsoon, the region comes under tropical depression and is hit by heavy rain and tropical cyclones that create heavy damage to property and crops.
State Capital Bhubaneswar
Area Covered 155,707 Sq km
Language Oriya
Best Time to Visit October to March |
