The tropical state of Orissa lies along the eastern seaboard of India, south of Bengal. Its main attractions are the temples of the capital Bhubaneshwar, the long sandy beach at Puri and the great Sun Temple at Konark. These three sites make a convenient and compact triangle. Orissa is predominantly rural, with fertile green coastal plains rising to the hills of Eastern Ghats. The state is mineral rich and is a big exporter of iron ore, with a large factory at Rourkela. The Oriyas, 25% of whom are indigenous tribal peoples, are particularly friendly and hospitable.
History :
At least since the time of Ashoka, the history of Orissa has been shaped as much by the forces of the spirit as by the forces of the spirit as by the forces of power and politics. The visible remains of the millenia of intense religious and artistic activity lead us through all major periods of Orissan history, and make the entire state into veritable museum. Orissa has a chequered history which has successfully assimilated and synthesised the best of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cultures. Orissa or Kalinga as it was then called was a settlement of non-Aryan and Aryan settlers. It was a formidable maritime empire with trading routes stretching up to Bali, Sumatra, Indonesia and Java. The key to international trade and immense wealth, it was coveted by many rulers. In fact, it was here that the famous Battle of Kalinga was fought in 261 BC, which made the great Mauryan Kshatriya (warrior caste) king Ashoka forsake war. He became a follower of Buddhism and spread the spirit of ahimsa and peace, the message of Buddhism, to Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka) and the Far East, Exquisite remains of the Buddhist past still remain in the areas of Udaygiri, Lalitagiri and Ratnagiri. Kharavela, who came to power in Kalinga, around 1st Century BC, was a staunch follower of Jainism. It is to this period that Orissa owes its Jain art and architectural tradition.
Cities of Orissa
Puri, Konark, Bhubaneshwar more...
Tourist attraction of Orissa :-
Konark
The beautiful Sun Temple built in the 13th century in honour of the Sun God, contains exquisite carvings, life sized lions and elephants, colossal figures of warriors on horses, scenes of battle and chase - all carved with great imagination and skill, testify to the high standard of ancient Indian art and engineering skill.
Udaygiri Khandagiri
7 kms from Bhubaneshwar are the twin hills of Udaygiri and Khandagiri. Built by Kharavela around 1st - 2nd Century BC for Jain monks, they are excellent examples of Jain Cave art. The famous caves of Hathigumpha (elephant cave) in Udaygiri, RaniGumpha (Queen’s cave) also in Udaygiri, with upper and lower stories, spacious courtyards and extremely delicately designed friezes bear witness to the sophistication the architectural styles had attained as early as the first Century BC.
Puri :-
The seat of Lord Jagannath, Site of Renowned Rathyatra Festival and one of the most popular sea side resorts on the Bay of Bengal, Puri is an ideal travel destination all the year round.
Gopalpur-on-Sea :-
Gopalpur-on-Sea is a quiet and charming sea resort along the Bay of Bengal, in the district of Ganjam, Orissa. It offers secluded environment and magnificent sun, surf and sand for most of the year.
