Orissa Tourism - Soul Of India

Orissa is a state in the Indian subcontinent that stretches along the east coast of India lapped by the Bay of Bengal. The Orissa tourism industry thrives on a wide variety of options that this beautiful state offers its visitors. The sandy white beaches lined with swaying coconut palms lure the beach hedonists, while the sacred pilgrimage destinations satisfy even the most pious pilgrim. Nature and wild life lovers also won’t be disappointed with what the Orissa tourism industry has to offer.

Orissa is most famous for its pilgrimage centres, which are mostly clustered along the coast in the regions of Bhubaneshwar, Konark and Puri. The sacred Sun Temple at Konark, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is a major attraction of the Orissa Tourism industry. The Sun Temple is a 13th century temple dedicated to the sun or ‘surya’, built in the form of a giant chariot of the sun complete with 12 pairs of wheels and pulled by fourteen ferocious looking horses. This city is also renowned for its dance festival held annually called the Konark Dance Festival during the month of December, when classical dancers from all over the nation come together to compete with one another.

The seaside town of Puri is renowned as a religious destination attracting pilgrims from all over to pay tributes at the Jagannath temple, a huge 12th-century temple. This temple is said to have an astounding 6000 priests and 400 cooks to perform the daily deities rituals. Another important event at the Jagannath temple is its annual chariot procession or ‘Rath Yatra’ of Lord Jagannath, pulled by over a thousand devotees.

Although these pilgrim destinations are one of the major draws of Orissa tourism, many tourists do flock to Orissa for various other reasons too. Puri is home to one of the most tranquil beaches along the east coast. Not only are the waters here sparkling blue and untouched by commercialisation, but the sands are also soft and silvery making for a perfect beach getaway. The most popular of Orissa’s beaches include Puri, Gopalpur-on-Sea, Chandipur, Ramachandi Beach, Balighai Beach, Astarang Beach and Paradeep Beach.

Orissa is also famous for being home to a treasure trove of flora and fauna. Bhitar Kanika National Park is famous for its second largest mangrove ecosystem. The bird sanctuary in Chilika, which is Asia's biggest brackish water lake and the Simlipal National Park, which is famous for its tiger reserve are integral part of any eco tours in Orissa. The Gharial Sanctuary at Tikarpada and the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles in Gahirmatha turtle sanctuary are the gems in the crown of Orissa tourism.