By Dr Swati Shah
Bewitching beauty, captivating landscape, towering mountains, extensive coastline, frolicking rivers, natural abode of flora and fauna and enchanting temple and monuments are some of the natural jewels of this extraordinary destination – Odisha. The exquisite temples, prolific art work, bio – diversity of Odisha calls for no description. Odisha the unplumbed destination is also the home to a no. of creative artist and craftsmen and has the potential to satisfy tourist with diverse interest with its intrinsic peace, uniqueness and splendour. Tourism in the state is at a nascent stage and people are very welcoming. Odisha’s art and culture, dances and music, fairs and festivals are a treat for the tourists
The state offers a number of jewels and you can select any out of many as per your interest.
Temple treasure: For those having divine faith in God can undertake the pilgrimage tour to the state as Lord Jagannath temple at Puri is one of the four pious Char- Dham for Hindus, the magnificent sun temple at Konark, Sakshi Gopala temple, Lingaraja temple, Panchalingeswar temple, Sarala temple and Bhubneshwar is known to offers a number of admirable temples.
Beach and nature lovers: Odisha with a coastline of 485kms offers the most spectacular beaches, which provide numerous recreational activities. Chandipur beach often known as the beach of vanishing sea as the sea disappears time to time depending on the tide, with the sea water receding nearly 5kms during low tide and then advancing back to shore during high tide everyday is truly unique, captivating and not to miss sight. Others are Gopalpur beach, Konark and Puri beach. The place is also bestowed Asia’s largest brackish water lake – the Chilika lake which is a wintering ground for a large no. of migratory birds and is a home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.
Wild life enthusiast: For wildlife enthusiast adventures the place is blessed with national parks and reserves like Nandankanan National park known for blue eyes white tigers, Satkosia tiger reserve, Simplipal national park, the site of Olive ridley sea turtles and Bhitarkanika National park famous for mangroves.
Heritage circuit: Magnificent sculpture, rich architectural heritage of Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar forms the ‘golden triangle of East India’. The state is also the place of Buddhist heritage as Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri together forms the ‘Buddhist triangle of Odisha’ or ‘Diamonad triangle of Odisha’ and incorporates several monasteries, stupas, ancient temples.
Much more: The other prominent attractions are The 64 yogini tantric site, Sitabinji caves, the site of Sleeping Vishnu, Khandadhar Waterfalls, heritage craft village of Raghurajpur renowned for its master Pattachitra painters where painting are exceptionally detailed and laboriously crafted, Hirakud river dam, Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves, museum of tribal art and artefacts, Odisha state museum and Khandadhar falls, Daringbadi the beautiful hill station known as the ‘Kashmir of Odisha’.
So what are you waiting for?? Get yourself pampered in the picture perfect destination filled with eye – capturing beauty and tranquillity, colours and festivals. If you are looking for a beautiful yet untouched destination your search can end up in Odisha as the place will left you with unforgettable memories that you will cherish life-long. The state is blessed with hidden treasure, the more you will explore the more you will astonish.
