Konark Sun Temple Of Orissa

Konark Sun Temple is one of the well known tourist attractions of the state of Orissa near the sacred city of Puri. The temple is also known as the Black Pagoda is a masterpiece of Orissa's medieval architecture. Sun temple has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. It was built in Orissa red sandstone (Khandolite) and black granite by King Narasimhadeva (AD 1236-1264) of the Ganga dynasty.The temple takes the form of the chariot of Surya (Arka), the sun god, andd is heavily decorated with stoneg.


Sun Temple, Konarak The Konark temple is widely known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard the entrance, crushing elephants. A flight of steps lead to the main entrance.

Dhauli Hill In Orissa

Dhauli hill is presumed to be the area where Kalinga War was fought. Orissa's important centre of Buddhist activities and second Shanti Stupa is Dhauli. This stupa was built by the Indians, in collaboration with the Japanese. Dhauli hill is located near Daya River, which is10 km south of the present Bhubaneswar. It is a tourist place where the road connectivity is very fine.

Ashoka had a special weakness for Dhauli. Dhauli has main edicts of Ashoka engraved on a group of rock. The hill represents the place where, after witnessing the bloodbath of Kalinga War, Emperor Ashoka relinquished war and adopted Buddhism. Serving as a proof of this renunciation are the edicts of the Emperor, which have been preserved here.

Any one can travel by buses or by hiring a taxi. Dhauli is a Buddhist destination surrounded by lush green area having natural set up. Owing to provide special services, Govt. of Orissa & India has taken visible initiatives in building up Pantha Nivas and restaurants.The place has beautiful landscapes and a charm that can change the mind in a wonderful way, to change it spiritual, and hence soothe from many cares of life.

Chilika

Tours to Chilika Bird Sanctuary is a journey to remember for ever.South of Puri the sea mixes with Chilika Lake to create the largest brackish water (slightly salt) lake in Asia, and a spot of enchanting beauty.Spread over 1,100 sq km of clean blue water, evergreen hillocks.These shallow waters enclose an immense area of marshes, lowlands, and islands.

Easily accessible by air from Bhubaneswar, the best way to explore the flora and fauna inhabiting the numerous islands on the Chilika Lake is on a boat ride from Balugaon, Barkul, Rambha or Satapada. Fishing, bird watching, boating and cruises are some of the activities you can indulge in upon your arrival in Chilika, on your tour to Chilika with Tourism of Orissa packages.

There are many islands popular with tourists for their specific tourist attractions. The islands of Chilika are best toured on a cruise. The Kalijai Island is a place of religious importance for its temple devoted to the worship of Goddess Kalijai and a must visit is the fair held in the island during the festival season of Makar Sankranti.The Nalabana Island in Chilika is the chief bird watching region and forms the core area of the bird sanctuary.Here, migratory birds are the biggest draw that seek asylum during the harsh winter season back in Siberia and Iran. The Satpara Island is popular as a dolphin-spotting site in Chilika Lake,Orissa.You took can marvel at the wonders of nature on your tour to Chilika Wildlife (Bird) Sanctuary.

Puri Jagannath

The Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri is a famous Hindu templeand and located in the coastal town of Puri in the state of Orissa, India.With its roaring 65 mt high spire, the temple is visible even from the countryside. Decorated with four gates on each side, the temple also has a 16 sided monolithic pillar measuring 11 meters in height, Arunastambh; architectural zenith with exquisite carvings which was brought here from Konark in the 18th century.

The name Jagannath is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) nath(lord of). And puri also Known As Nilachal, Nilagiri, Niladri and Purushottama dham.Puri offers a number of colourful fairs and festivals such as Chandan Yatra, Snana Yatra (Bath festival), Anavasara festival and Nava- Kalevara and the famous for its annual Rath Yatra(Chariot Festival).The temple is sacred to the Vaishnava traditions and saint Ramananda who was closely associated with the temple.

The Puri Beach is one of the most sought after beaches in India and is an indispensable part of the city. The abode of Lord Jagannath attracts millions of tourists round the year who come here to take a holy bath, which they believe is a golden path to Moksha or Eternal salvation. Trimmed with gorgeous sand arts, the golden sand of this pristine beach allures every tourists to their brim.

Location of Orissa

Location of Orissa - The State of Orissa is located on the eastern coast of India at 17° 49' North - 22°0 34' North Latitude & 81° 29' East-87° 29' East Longitude. Carved out of Bihar in 1936, Orissa is located on the eastern coast of India. Bordered by Madhya Pradesh in the west, Andhra Pradesh in the south, West Bengal in north-east, Bay of Bengal in the east and Bihar in the north, the state extends to an area of 1,55,707 Sq. Km.

About Orissa

Situated on the coast along the Bay of Bengal, Orissa stands for its ancient glory and modern endeavour. Endowed with nature's bounty, a 482 km stretch of coastline with virgin beaches, serpentine rivers, mighty waterfalls, forest-clad blue hills of Eastern Ghats with rich wild life, Orissa is dotted with exquisite temples, historic monuments as well as pieces of modern engineering feat. The land, while retaining its pristine glory, also offers the visitors modern amenities.


Its lush green countryside and fertile plains, tiny hamlets fringed with palm, coconut trees and mango groves offer the charm of rural beauty while the urban pockets, the four cities in particular, with the splendour of modern technology provide the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay. This wonderful land of fascinating beauty boasts of colourful festivals round the year. Orissa is also the land of unique handicrafts and other excellent artefacts.

Orissa has a long tradition of art and architecture. The early monuments date back to the 300 B.C. The remnant of an Ashokan pillar, turned into a Siva Lingam and enshrined in the Bhaskaresvara temple at Bhubaneswar and the lion capital of an Ashokan pillar, presently in the State Museum, speak volumes of Orissa's past glory. The rock-cut caves of Khandagiri and Udaygiri and the inscriptions recording Kharavela's short but eventful reign during the first century B.C.

Orissa is also known for her exquisite handicrafts. Silver filigree work of Cuttack and the famous applique work of Pipili deserve special mention. Pattachitra, a form of folk painting of Orissa, is a unique craft. Brass and bell metalware, particularly vases and candle stands, are beautiful and longlasting. The blackstone bowls and plates of Nilagiri and Khiching and multi-coloured stone statues are other attractions. Silk and cotton handloom products, especially saris are simply bewitching. The Sambalpuri saris and Maniabandhi patas are matchless in their texture and designs.