Bhubaneswar, temple city, capital of an ancient kingdom and modern state, quintessence of the land of the past and the present that in Orissa, still reverberates with the echoes of the past amidst its bustling modernity. As one approaches Bhubaneswar, whether from air of by road and rail, one is struck with the magnificence of three ancient monuments that dominate its skyline: the soaring spire of the Lingaraj Temple, the white dome of the peace pagoda of the Dhauli hill and the pink temple of Mahavir Jina in the Khandagiri hills, which epitomize the rise and ascendancy of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism during different periods of Orissa's history.

PLACES OF INTEREST:
Dhauli Giri: Ashokan Rock Edict is situated at Dhaluli, 8 km south of the city. The sculpted elephant atop the edit signifies the Mauryan Emperor Ashok's conversion to Buddhism after his Kalinga victory. This is said to be the earliest rock-cut sculpture in India.

Khandagiri & Udayagiri: About 8 kms from Bhubaneswar. The double-storied Rani Gumpa (Queens' Cave) is the largest cave with ornate carvings.

Museum: The Orissa state museum in the city has a rich collection of sculptures, coins, copper plates, stone inscriptions, lithic and bronze-age tools, rare palm leaf manuscripts and traditional folk and musical instruments.

Getting There: Bhubaneswar is connected to Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Mumbai, Visakhapatanam, Nagpur & Hyderabad by flight. Bhubaneswar is well connected to major city of India by train.

FESTIVALS:
The greatest and most colorful festival of Orissa is Lord Jaganath's Rath Yatra. It is observed for ten days, beginning from the 2nd to the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha (June- July).

Rath Yatra Celebration (The Car Festival) - The three wooden deities of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadr & Devi Subhadra with Sudarshan are brought out of the main Temple and taken to Gundicha Temple for a weeks visit in three beautifully decorated chariots. Speciality- The most unique is that this is the only occasion to see, even embrace, the deities, irrespective of caste, color and creed outside the Temple. This festival is an unforgettable experience of faith, color & sound.

Puri Beach Festival- This festival highlights the dances, drama, handicrafts, textiles & various other aspects of Orissa's society/culture. A special feature of the festival is the impressive sand sculptures. It also offers beach sports. It is held during the winter (February).

Konark Dance Festival: Features the best of Odissi dance & other dance forms performed by renowned artists.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Swosti Plaza
Hotel Swosti
Hotel Trident
EXCURSION:
Nandan Kanan: Located 20 Km from Bhubaneswar is the biological park named after the mythological pleasure garden of the Gods- Nandan Van. The complex has a zoological park and botanical garden, lake and a ropeway. There are about 67 kinds of mammals, 81 kinds of birds, and 18 varieties of reptiles. Of special interest are the white tiger and Lion Safaries.The facilities include boating and elephant rides.

PURI Puri, the city by the sea, is a major pilgrim centre in India. Adi Shankara founded one of the Peethas here. But the fame of Puri emanates most from the 12th century Jagannath Temple. Puri is also famous for its Golden Beach, ideal for swimming and surfing.

JAGANNATH TEMPLE: The main temple, a majestic structure of 65 meters high, stands on an elevated platform in the heart of the city. It is a monument of the 12th century A.D. with all the richness and plasticity of the Kalinga style of architecture.

PURI SEA BEACH: Puri Sea beach offers colorful sunrise and sunset on the same beach where they can bathe and laze for hours on the golden sands. One can also see and enjoy traditional fisherman in hundreds, plying their catamarans or sail boats.

Getting There:
Air- Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport (60 Kms). It also connects from Delhi, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Chennai & Mumbai.
Rail- A terminus on the S.E Railway, Puri has fast & super fast train links with New Delhi, Kolkata & Baidyanath Dham. Etc.
Road- 60 km by state highway from Bhubaneswar. one can also approach by road via Konark.

KONARK: " The Black Pagoda "
Completes the Golden triangle of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark for the best of Orissan temple architecture. The Temple chariot of the Sun God (Black Pagoda) on the sands of the Eastern Coast is a 13th century architectural marvel. It is most famous for its erotic art.

The Konark beach offers a view of the glorious sunrise. Every day the Sun God rises from the lap of the blue ocean close by and casts his gentle rays on the sanctum sanctorum and then circles the temple during the course of the day, illuminating the three magnificent images of the morning sun, the mid-day sun and the setting sun. About 8 km along the beach is the famous Ramachandi Temple on the confluence of the river Kushabhadra and the sea.

CHILIKA LAKE:
Nestling in the heart of coastal Orissa, it is situated 100 km from Bhubaneswar. It is the Country's largest inland lake, spreading over 1100 square km joins up with the Bay of Bengal. Dotted with many emerald green islands, Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna. It is also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds, some come from as far as Siberia. Sunset and Sunrise are memorable experiences here. Boating and fishing facilities are available in this lake, which is rich in fish. One can view the dolphins at Chilika mouth near Satpara.

Attraction within the Lake:
Nalabrana (forest of reeds): For long-range migrants in winter. Birds Island: For resident and migratory birds. Satapada: For cavorting dolphins.

Cruises: Motor launches of OTDC Ltd at Barkul & Ramba. Country boats can be hired from private operators.

GOPALPUR-ON-SEA: (186 km) Beyond Chilika is a quiet and beautiful sea resort. An ancient sea port now only reminder of the seagoing days is a small light house. The port is only used by the fisherman.

SIMILIPAL NATIONAL PARK: This 2750 sq.km National Park in Mayurbhanj district is one of eighteen Tiger Reserves of India. Apart from more than 95 tigers, it is also the home of many wild animals including leopards, elephants and reptiles like the mugger crocodiles. Besides, it has 231 species of birds. The forest is full of hills and waterfalls. The Barehipani Waterfall is 399 meters high.