Hallow orissa
Orissa has a glorious and ancient history spanning a period of over 2000 years. In ancient times, it was the proud kingdom of Kalinga. Kalinga was a major seafaring nation that controlled most of the sea routes in the Bay of Bengal. For several centuries, a substantial part of Southeast Asia, such as Kampuchea (Cambodia), Java, Sumatra, Bali and Thailand were colonies of Orissa. In fact the name of the country "Siam" is derived from Oriya/Sanskrit Shyamadesha. The temple of Angkor Wat is a fine example of Orissan architecture, with some local variations. Bali still retains its Hindu Orissan heritage. A major turning point in world history took place in Orissa. The famous Kalinga war that led emperor Asoka to embrace non-violence and the teachings of Buddha was fought here in 261 BC. Later on, Asoka was instrumental in spreading Buddhist philosophy all over Asia. In the second century BC, Kalinga flourished as a powerful kingdom under Kharavela. It is he who was built the superb monastic caves at Udayagiri and Khandagiri.Subsequently, the kingdom was ruled under various monarchs, such as Samudragupta and Sasanka. It also was a part of Harsha's empire. In 795 AD, the king Yayati united Kalinga, Kosala and Utkala into a single empire. He also built the famous Jagannath temple at Puri. King Narasimha Dev is reputed to have built the magnificent sun temple in Konark. Although now largely in ruins, the temple would easily have rivaled the Taj Mahal in splendor. The ruins of a major ancient university and center of Buddhist learning, Ratnagiri, was recently discovered in Orissa. Scholars from far away lands, such as Greece, Persia and China used to study philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and science at this famed University. Taxila, Nalanda and Ratnagiri are the oldest universities in the world. The ruins of Ratnagiri University have not been fully excavated yet. During the dark ages of Indian civilization, Orissa was ruled by a succession of Muslim kings. It was later annexed by emperor Akbar and became part of the Mughal empire. After the fall of the Mughals, the Marathas under Shivaji invaded the land and continued to rule until 1803 AD when Orissa fell prey to the barbaric British. Modern Orissa was carved out of Bihar in 1936. Contemporary Orissa has a proud cultural heritage that arose due to the intermingling of three great religious traditions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It has been further enriched by Islam and Christianity.
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 third century 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. constitute the second phase of the evolution in Orissan art. The Naga and Yaksha images found in places around Bhubaneswar belong to the post-Kharavela era. The fortification of Sisupalgarh near Bhubaneswar is yet another monument of ancient Orissa.
Orissa is also known for her exquisite handicrafts. Silver filigree work of Cuttack, horn work of Cuttack and Parlakhemundi 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 design
Puri :- A heaven on earth is the common description of Puri. Both the devout and the pleasure-seeker bestow such praise on the place. The world's biggest Vishnu temple dividing the skyline through a host of smaller temples overlooking Puri's wide, sprawling, clean, sunny, buoyant, and vibrant beach, which too is one of world's finest of its kind are its chief attractions
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Bhubaneswar :- Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, is also popularly known as the "Temple City of India". Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord Lingaraj', Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.
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Konark :- Konark (lat. 19.53'N; long. 86.06'E) is a small town in Puri distrit. The Bay of Bengal is barely 4 kilometer away. It is 70 km from Bhubaneswar. The name Konark is a variant of Konark which means the Arka (Sun) of Kona (corner), the corner being that of Trikona on the bank of the Kushabhadra.
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Cuttack :- Cuttack, the former capital and one of the oldest cities of Orissa is the administrative headquarters of the district. The town is situated at the apex of the delta formed by the rivers Mahanadi in the North and Kathajodi in the South. It serves as a convenient base for touring the various places of interest in the district.
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Destinations & Wildlife Covered: Balasore - Similipal Park - Kuldiha - Bhadrak - Chandbali - Dangamal - Bhitarkanika -Ekkakula - Garhimata - Nandankanan - Chilika Lake- Bhubaneswar
Orissa Wildlife Tour Duration - 09 Days / 08 Nights
Day 01: Balasore - Similipal Park
Arrival at the Balasore Railway Station:
Received at the station and escorted to the Ramtirtha Forest Lodge
Nature Walk and Nature Study at Herbal Nursery.
Visit to Crocodile Breeding Farm, subject to time of arrival.
Day 02: Similipal Park
Breakfast at the lodge.
Drive to Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls.
Jungle safari.
Option to proceed to Gurguria Forest Lodge, or return to Ramtirtha Forest Lodge.
Dinner and an overnight stay in Forest Lodge (Ramtirtha/Gurguria)
Day 03: Similipal Park - Panchlingeshwar - Kuldiha
Breakfast at Ramtirtha/Gurguria
Drive to Panchlingeshwar on the Nilagiri Hills, Balasore distrct
Check in at Panthasala Lodge
Visit Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, 272 sq. km
Wide variety of wild life tiger, gaur, sambar, reptiles and birds, among others
Dinner and overnight stay at Panthasala
Bhitarkanika are a group of islands in north-eastern Orissa yet unexplored, with trekking trails, unexplored beaches and dense forests. An amazing variety of birds can be seen on the cruise to the island of Dangamal. The island also has a crocodile sanctuary. Look out for wild life, small pools within the thick forest, and the ruins of a temple. Take a boat ride within the wildlife sanctuary.
Day 04: Bhadrak - Chandbali - Dangamal
Post breakfast drive to Chandbali via Bhadrak by jeep.
From Chandbali, motorboat cruise to Dangamal Island.
At Dangamal, check in at the forest rest house
Dinner and overnight stay at Dangamal Island
Day 05: Dangamal - Bhitarkanika Sanctuary
Breakfast at Dangamal Island
Proceed to Bird Island and observe the thousands of migratory birds from the watch tower
Cruise across to the Bhitarkanika island.
Dinner and overnight stay at lodge.
Day 06: Bhitarkanika Sanctuary - Ekkakula island - Garhimata
Breakfast at lodge
Take the motorboat to Ekkakula, 4 hours away.
An island on the Bay of Bengal, unknown and unspoilt, with a breathtaking view of the sunset. Look out for wildboars, hyenas, and jackals. Dolphins can also be spotted in the sea.
Visit the Olive Ridley Turtle nesting site on the beach at Garhimata
Return to Bhubaneswar
Dinner and overnight stay at Bhubaneswar
Day 07: Bhubaneswar - Nandankanan
Nandankanan Zoo, located in Chandaka Forest along the Kanjia Lake is the habitat of the White Tiger, 67 other animals, 18 reptiles, and 81 species of birds. The Zoo has successfully bred black panthers, white tigers and the gharial crocodiles in captivity.
Drive to Bhubaneswar/ Nandankanan Zoo in Chandraka Forest, 25 kms
Enjoy White Tiger Safari and Lion Safari, Botanical Garden
Lunch at Nandankanan
Return to Bhubaneswar
Dinner and overnight stay in Bhubaneswar
Day 08: Bhubaneswar - Chilika Lake
1,100 sq. km of Asia's largest brackish water lake is home to thousands of birds. The hills ringing the lake are inhabited by wild animals like the blackbucks, cheetahs and porcupines. Islands dot the vast lake, the best visited ones being Nalbana, Kalijal, known for the Makar Sankranti Mela, Satapada, Parikud, Malud and Brahmapura
Post early breakfast, drive to Chilika Lake
Check in at Lodge in Barkul, 105 kms
Cruise on the Chilika by motor launch to the islands
Return to Barkul Lodge
Dinner and overnight stay at Barkul
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 third century 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. constitute the second phase of the evolution in Orissan art. The Naga and Yaksha images found in places around Bhubaneswar belong to the post-Kharavela era. The fortification of Sisupalgarh near Bhubaneswar is yet another monument of ancient Orissa.
Orissa is also known for her exquisite handicrafts. Silver filigree work of Cuttack, horn work of Cuttack and Parlakhemundi 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 design
Places of Interest in Orissa
Puri :- A heaven on earth is the common description of Puri. Both the devout and the pleasure-seeker bestow such praise on the place. The world's biggest Vishnu temple dividing the skyline through a host of smaller temples overlooking Puri's wide, sprawling, clean, sunny, buoyant, and vibrant beach, which too is one of world's finest of its kind are its chief attractionsMore Details
Bhubaneswar :- Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, is also popularly known as the "Temple City of India". Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord Lingaraj', Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.
More Details
Konark :- Konark (lat. 19.53'N; long. 86.06'E) is a small town in Puri distrit. The Bay of Bengal is barely 4 kilometer away. It is 70 km from Bhubaneswar. The name Konark is a variant of Konark which means the Arka (Sun) of Kona (corner), the corner being that of Trikona on the bank of the Kushabhadra.More Details
Cuttack :- Cuttack, the former capital and one of the oldest cities of Orissa is the administrative headquarters of the district. The town is situated at the apex of the delta formed by the rivers Mahanadi in the North and Kathajodi in the South. It serves as a convenient base for touring the various places of interest in the district.
More Details
Orissa Wildlife Tour
Destinations & Wildlife Covered: Balasore - Similipal Park - Kuldiha - Bhadrak - Chandbali - Dangamal - Bhitarkanika -Ekkakula - Garhimata - Nandankanan - Chilika Lake- Bhubaneswar
Orissa Wildlife Tour Duration - 09 Days / 08 Nights
Day 01: Balasore - Similipal ParkArrival at the Balasore Railway Station:
Received at the station and escorted to the Ramtirtha Forest Lodge
Nature Walk and Nature Study at Herbal Nursery.
Visit to Crocodile Breeding Farm, subject to time of arrival.
Day 02: Similipal Park
Breakfast at the lodge.
Drive to Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls.
Jungle safari.
Option to proceed to Gurguria Forest Lodge, or return to Ramtirtha Forest Lodge.
Dinner and an overnight stay in Forest Lodge (Ramtirtha/Gurguria)
Day 03: Similipal Park - Panchlingeshwar - Kuldiha
Breakfast at Ramtirtha/Gurguria
Drive to Panchlingeshwar on the Nilagiri Hills, Balasore distrct
Check in at Panthasala Lodge
Visit Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, 272 sq. km
Wide variety of wild life tiger, gaur, sambar, reptiles and birds, among others
Dinner and overnight stay at Panthasala
Bhitarkanika are a group of islands in north-eastern Orissa yet unexplored, with trekking trails, unexplored beaches and dense forests. An amazing variety of birds can be seen on the cruise to the island of Dangamal. The island also has a crocodile sanctuary. Look out for wild life, small pools within the thick forest, and the ruins of a temple. Take a boat ride within the wildlife sanctuary.
Day 04: Bhadrak - Chandbali - Dangamal
Post breakfast drive to Chandbali via Bhadrak by jeep.
From Chandbali, motorboat cruise to Dangamal Island.
At Dangamal, check in at the forest rest house
Dinner and overnight stay at Dangamal Island
Day 05: Dangamal - Bhitarkanika Sanctuary
Breakfast at Dangamal Island
Proceed to Bird Island and observe the thousands of migratory birds from the watch tower
Cruise across to the Bhitarkanika island.
Dinner and overnight stay at lodge.
Day 06: Bhitarkanika Sanctuary - Ekkakula island - Garhimata
Breakfast at lodge
Take the motorboat to Ekkakula, 4 hours away.
An island on the Bay of Bengal, unknown and unspoilt, with a breathtaking view of the sunset. Look out for wildboars, hyenas, and jackals. Dolphins can also be spotted in the sea.
Visit the Olive Ridley Turtle nesting site on the beach at Garhimata
Return to Bhubaneswar
Dinner and overnight stay at Bhubaneswar
Day 07: Bhubaneswar - Nandankanan
Nandankanan Zoo, located in Chandaka Forest along the Kanjia Lake is the habitat of the White Tiger, 67 other animals, 18 reptiles, and 81 species of birds. The Zoo has successfully bred black panthers, white tigers and the gharial crocodiles in captivity.
Drive to Bhubaneswar/ Nandankanan Zoo in Chandraka Forest, 25 kms
Enjoy White Tiger Safari and Lion Safari, Botanical Garden
Lunch at Nandankanan
Return to Bhubaneswar
Dinner and overnight stay in Bhubaneswar
Day 08: Bhubaneswar - Chilika Lake
1,100 sq. km of Asia's largest brackish water lake is home to thousands of birds. The hills ringing the lake are inhabited by wild animals like the blackbucks, cheetahs and porcupines. Islands dot the vast lake, the best visited ones being Nalbana, Kalijal, known for the Makar Sankranti Mela, Satapada, Parikud, Malud and Brahmapura
Post early breakfast, drive to Chilika Lake
Check in at Lodge in Barkul, 105 kms
Cruise on the Chilika by motor launch to the islands
Return to Barkul Lodge
Dinner and overnight stay at Barkul
ORISSA
