A Little History of the State of Odisha for Travellers

The state of Odisha is located on the eastern coast of India. The states of West Bengal border it to the north-east, Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the south.

The Bay of Bengal lies to the east. The state has an area of 155,707 square kilometres and a population of over 41 million (as of 2011). The capital city is Bhubaneswar.

The state has a long coastline of 485 kilometres and some rivers, including the Mahanadi, Bramhani, Baitarani, and Rushikulya. The state is rich in minerals with iron ore deposits, bauxite, manganese, and chromite. The economy is primarily dependent on agriculture and fishing.

Rice is the main crop grown in the state. Other crops include sugarcane, cotton, jute, oilseeds, and pulses. This tourist place is also a land of outstanding natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. The state is an ideal destination for those who love to explore new places and experience different cultures.

When to Visit Odisha?

The best time to visit Odisha depends on what you want to see and do. October to March is the best time for temple visits and beach holidays. However, the state sees a surge in religious tourism during February and March, when the world-famous Rath Yatra festival is celebrated in the sea-town of Puri.

April to September is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy these tourist places in peace; this is also when most of the state’s festivals are held.

When it comes to weather, Odisha has a tropical climate with three main seasons: summer (March to June), monsoon (July to October), and winter (November to February). The state is at its hottest during summer, with temperatures often reaching 40°C.

The monsoon brings much-needed relief from the heat but can also cause flooding and disruptions to travel plans. Winter is the best time to visit Odisha when the weather is pleasantly cool and dry.

Getting There in Odisha? Here’re the Hows

This tourist attraction is well connected by road, rail, and air. Bhubaneswar, the capital city, has an airport connected to major Indian cities.

By air:

The best way to reach Odisha for most of India is by air. The state capital Bhubaneswar has an airport connected to all the major Indian cities. Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India operate regular flights to and from Bhubaneswar.

By rail:

Another convenient way to reach Odisha is by train. The state has a vast network of railways with several trains operating on different routes daily. Some of the major railway stations in Odisha are Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, and Berhampur.

By road:

Odisha is also well connected by road. In addition, there are several National and State Highways crisscrossing the state.

Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) operates regular bus services connecting all the major towns and cities in the state.

Private operators also ply their buses on various routes. However, travelling by road is a good option if you want to explore the state at your own pace.

Where to Stay?

There are many options for where to stay in Odisha, ranging from luxurious hotels to more affordable on Cleartrip, options. For those looking for a truly unique experience, there are also a number of heritage properties that have been converted into hotels, providing guests with a taste of the past. No matter what your budget or preferences, you are sure to find the perfect accommodation for your stay in Odisha.

There are plenty of camping options available for those who prefer to rough it in Odisha. Just be sure to bring your tent and sleeping gear.

What To Do in this Tourist attractions

There are several things to do in Odisha, from visiting temples and archaeological sites to exploring the state’s natural beauty. Here are some of the top attractions in Odisha and what to do there:

1. Visit the Sun Temple at Konark: The Sun Temple at Konark is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Odisha. Built in the 13th century, this temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture dedicated to the Sun god, Surya.
2. Explore the ancient city of Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneshwar is the capital of Odisha and is home to many temples and other architectural wonders. The city is also a great place to shop for traditional handicrafts and textiles.
3. Visit the temple complex at Puri: The temple complex at Puri is one of the most tourist attractions and religious sites in India. It is home to the world-famous Jagannath Temple and some other temples and shrines. The complex is open to all Hindus, regardless of caste or creed, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian religion or culture.
4. Take a scenic train ride through the countryside: One of the best ways to see the beauty of Odisha is to take a train ride through the countryside. The East Coast tourist attractions by Railway offer some scenic train routes that pass through some of the most beautiful parts of the state.
5. Visit the Nandankanan Zoo: The Nandankanan Zoo is one of India’s largest and most popular zoos. Located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, it is home to various animals, including tigers, lions, leopards, and elephants. The zoo also has a botanical garden and a snake park.
6. Go on a wildlife safari: Odisha is home to some national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, making it an excellent place for a wildlife safari. Some of the best places to go on a safari are the Simlipal National Park, the Nandankanan Zoological Park, and the Bhitarkanika National Park.
7. Visit the beach: Odisha has a long coastline with several beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches in the state are Puri Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, and Gopalpur Beach. These beaches are perfect for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing.

What to Eat in Odisha?

There are a variety of food options available in Odisha. From traditional delicacies to modern fusion cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Some of the popular dishes from the tourist places that you can try while in Odisha include:

1. Dalma: A classic Odia dish made with dal (lentils) and vegetables. It is usually served with steamed rice.
2. Maha kali Dal: Another popular dish made with black lentils, this one has a unique flavour and is perfect for those who love spicy food.
3. Machha Jhola: A fish curry cooked in a gravy made of coconut milk and spices. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice or plain rice.
4. Pitha: A sweet dish made with rice flour, jaggery, and ghee. There are various pithas available, each with its unique flavour.
5. Chhena Poda: A dessert made with cottage cheese, sugar, and spices. It is baked until the top becomes brown and crispy.

What to buy in these Tourist places?

There are some things that you can buy when you are in Odisha. Some of the popular items include:

• Silver Filigree Work: Silver filigree is a popular craft in Odisha, and you will find some products made out of it. A wide range of silver filigree products is available, from earrings to pendants to necklaces.
• Stone Carvings: Odisha is also known for its stone carvings. You will find various stone carving products like statues, idols, figurines, etc.
• Wooden Toys and Dolls: Wooden toys and dolls are other popular items from tourist places that you can buy in Odisha. These are usually made out of locally sourced wood and are very beautiful.
• Textiles: Odisha is also known for its textiles. You will find many textile products like sarees, dupattas, stoles, fabrics, etc.
• Brass and Bronze Products: Brass and bronze products are also quite popular in Odisha. You will find a wide range of products like statues, idols, figurines, utensils, etc.

Conclusion

Odisha is a beautiful state in India with a lot to offer tourists. From its temples and shrines to its beaches and national parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The state is also home to some delicious food, which you can enjoy while here, so if you plan a trip to India, include Odisha in your itinerary.

Key takeaways

• Odisha is home to the world-famous Jagannath Temple and some other temples and shrines.
• The complex is open to all Hindus, regardless of caste or creed, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian religion or culture.
• Odisha has a long coastline with several beautiful beaches and other tourist attractions. Some of the most popular beaches in the state are Puri Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, and Gopalpur Beach.
• There are various food options available in Odisha, from traditional delicacies to modern fusion cuisine.
• Some of the popular items that you can buy in Odisha include silver filigree work, stone carvings, wooden toys and dolls, textiles, and brass and bronze products.

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