Orissa boasts a number of interesting things for travelers, making Orissa’s to-do list quite rich. The coastal state of India along the shores of the Bay of Bengal is an undiscovered gem. It was fortunate and not just because of Puri’s Chardham destination. Exotic wildlife, lush environments, ancient temples, pristine beaches, calm lakes, tribal culture, and more all contribute to its appeal. Not being unspoiled by modern curses, the state has something for tourists of different kinds of interests. To help you with your travel planning, here are Popular Things to Do and See in Odisha, India we would like to share with you.
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Chandrabhaga Beach
The beaches in Odisha are unlike others in India. Chandrabhaga Beach is at a distance of 37km from Puri and just 3km from Konark Temple. Pilgrims from the nearby towns and cities flock to this beach on the seventh day of Magha (according to the Hindu calendar) to offer their prayers to the sun god. This beach with a lighthouse is one of the best places to visit in Odisha, especially recommended for photography enthusiasts.
Pay homage to Self-Originated Lingam at Lingaraj Mandir
One of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneshwar, Lingaraj Mandir dates back to the 11th century. The red sandstone temple is dedicated to Tribhuvaneswar (Lord Shiva), is 54 m-high. The temple has mentioned in the ancient Hindu scripture Brahma Purana.
The Lingaraj temple was constructed by King Jajati Keshari of Soma Vansha. The reverence of the temple is owed to the fact that the Shiv Lingam is Swayambhu or Self-Originated. The granite linagm is bathed every day with milk, bhang and water. The main shrine is surrounded by a number of smaller temples.
This temple has a Kalinga style of architecture and has a huge gopuram with stunning craftsmanship. The main gate is guarded by 2 yellow-colored lion statues. Lingaraj Mandir is segregated into, the main sanctum, the Yajna Shala, the Bhoga Mandap, and the Natya Shala.
Go Bird Watching at Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is another important identity of Odisha. This brackish water lagoon extended in an area of 1100 sq km in Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts are probably the largest coastal lagoon in India. The lake is also an ecosystem with a giant fishery resource. One if lucky have the opportunity to spot dolphins here as well. For those who love birdwatching, Chilika Lake could be an ideal place to visit in Odisha. The place also makes an excellent backdrop for some gorgeous pictures.
Pause the Time at Ratnagiri
Don’t confuse this Ratnagiri with the one in Maharashtra. This historic place is famed as a site of Mahavira and an important Buddhist monastery. Ratnagiri has situated in Brahmani and Birupa river valley in the Jajpur district of Odisha. Once, this place was known as a place for meditation and monastic life. Today, one can see most of the sites here in a ruined state but they still elicits the spiritual feel. If you are looking for a place that is historic and serene then Ratnagiri is perfect. There are many ways to see Odisha and these are amongst the few. It takes extended holidays and a will to discover this mesmeric land.
Discover Ancient Buddhist Sites
Buddhism flourished in Odisha from the 7th to 10th centuries. You might not know about the state’s sacred Buddhist sites; after all, they’ve only been excavated relatively recently and are largely unexplored. However, the sites, which are located about two hours northeast of Bhubaneshwar, consist of a series of monasteries, temples, shrines, stupas, and beautiful sculptures of Buddhist images. Their rural setting, among fertile hills and paddy fields, is both picturesque and peaceful. The “Diamond Triangle” of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitagiri has the most significant and largest concentration of Buddhist remains.
Shop for Oriya Craft at Pipli
Popular Things to Do and See in Odisha- Famed for appliqué work, Pipli in Odisha opens its doors for tourists to observe the creative side of Oriya people. The Odia crafts involve stitching and embroidering small pieces of colored cloth with flowers, animals, village scenes and traditional designs onto a larger base cloth. At Pipli you can shop for decorative Garden Umbrellas, Wallets, Wall Hanging, lampshades, Pouches, and Bags.
Walk into the sea bed at Chandipur Beach
Chandipur beach is one of the most popular tourist places in Orissa. Set on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, the beach is not just beautiful but interesting. During the ebb tide, the sea recedes as far as 5 km away from the beach. Enjoy the memorable sunset views. You can also enjoy a family picnic or a romantic getaway.
As you walk towards Mirzapur, you can also see horseshoe crab. There is a fishing market nearby, worth visiting. Chandipur is around 200 km from Bhubaneshwar. Enjoy a walk a little further into the seabed as the waves are gentle here. There is a certain pleasure in writing your names in the sand. Walk along the waves or collect shells to take home. It is one of the cherished memories of your holiday in Orissa.
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