Orissa the most pictureque state in eastern India is well known round the globe for its Tribes, Temples and Tigers. It is the land of 62 tribes, including some of the most primitive tribes, is the third tribal concentration in India has long eluded the western tourists. Mostly of proto Australoid stock, many of the Orissa tribes are high land tribes with rich ethnological character and customs, varying language and dialects. The territory conscious different tribes have long been able to reject the mainland influence and have preserved their social customs, living style and theological values. The most primitive among them are Bondas, Gadabas, Koyas, Kondhas , Birhors, Juang and the Sauras. Not much has changed in the life-style of the tribes since the day Elwin, the British anthropoligist visited the high landers in 1943. The unique rituals, Shamanism, sacrifices, housing pattern, wall paintings, handicrafts etc. still intact to be discovered by curious tourists like you.

Religion and culture: Bernard Shaw's "Religion is like Opium" is to be experienced in the pilgrim city of Puri-on Sea, one of the most sacred place for the Hindus. Located on the shore of Bay of Bengal it has the finest beach in the world. The city is famous for the magnificent and majestic structure of 65 meters high Jagannath temple, where Lord Jagannath or the Lord of Universe is worshiped on an alter with elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra since 12th century A.D., representing the joint family concept of the Hindu society. Devotees from all over India throng to the street of Puri with the hope to attain salvation. Frenzied crowd of 200-300 thousand people participate in the annual car festival in July to pull the three colourful chariots of the Lords.
The 54 metre high temple of Lord Lingaraj, dominates the landscape of Bhubaneswar, known as carthedral city of India. Temple like Lingaraj, Mukteswar, Rajarani and Vaital are of grandiose architectural design, in this city of thousand temples.
Bhubaneswar has the earliest rock cut sculpture in India in the shape of a magnificent elephant atop the Ashokan rock edict, which bears the testimony of victory of peace over violence. This is the spot where Emperor Ashoka has embraced Buddhism and hence is regarded as one of the important tourist spot of Buddhists round the globe.
The cave complex of Udayagiri with equally famous inscriptions of Emperor Kharavela and exquisite sculptures and reliefs on the rock surface of the canvas and colossal figure of Mahavir Jain on the Khandagiri hills mark the high point of Orissa's ascendancy.

Built in the 13th century A.D. the magnificent Sun temple at Konark is the crowning piece of Orissa Architecture. Popularly known round the world as the Black Pagoda, this temple has bold, imaginative erotica, amorous couples symbolizing the healthy attitude towards sex. The enormous magnificent horses, war elephants and other sculptures of this temple which was built in the shape of the chariot of Sun God attracts hoards of tourists from all over the world.

Beaches & Wildlife: The vast unspoilt 482 km long coast line of Bay of Bengal with golden beaches offer the tourists seaside holidays. Miles of uninhabited beach are waiting to be explored. The second biggest mangrove forest at Bhitarkanika, famous for salt water crocodiles, rich bird life and all kinds of reptiles in their natural habitats is the most sought after destination for the nature lovers. 'Similipal' the Tiger Park is an ideal tropical rain forest which is the natural habitat for Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Panthers, Elephants and varied bird lives. It also offers many unique scenic spots and waterfalls.


Orissa has it all !!!
From rocky terrain hills of the Eastern Ghats, where primitive tribes live, to the Indo-Aryans dominating coast line, Orissa is amalgamation of two distinct cultures. Thus contrast cultures, beautiful landscapes, beaches, rich wildlife offering the best of India to the deserving travellers.


Basic Facts:
Area: 1,55,707 Sq. kms.
Population: 3,16,59,736.
Language spoken: Oriya, Hindi, English.
Airport & Railway station: Bhubaneswar.
Temperature: Hot in summer Moderately cold in winter.
Wildlife Sanctuary: Bhitarkanika, Ushakothi.
National Parks: Similipal.
Best time to visit: September to March.
Travel Formalities: Free to all.
Roads: Good asphalt roads.
Accommodation: 5 Star to Budget. In Tribal areas hotels. 1 Star, Budget/ Tents.
Money changing/ ATM: Available at Puri and Bhubaneswar.