Odisha – An enchanting travel destination

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February 22nd, 2016 by Abhijit Chakraborty

Odisha (formerly Orissa) is a state rich in biodiversity, cultural heritage, architectural splendours and a number of popular beaches, all of which make it one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. In this blog, we bring to you some of the best reasons to visit this spectacular state.

The Biodiversity

Blessed with a wide range of habitats home to numerous varieties of flora and fauna, over one-third of the state enjoys forest cover. This abundance of green is home to, among other animals, the famed Royal Bengal Tiger. The Chilka Lake enjoys the status of Wetland of International Importance and hosts local as well as migratory birds alike. Over 400 vertebrate species can be found in the vicinity of the lake including the extremely rare Irrawaddy dolphin and the green sea turtle.

Sunset at Chilika Lake — Sunset at Chilka Lake

The Food

Odisha is home to some of the most delicious food on the planet. The cuisine uses moderate quantities of oil and spices without sacrificing on the taste. A mixture of five spices, namely, mustard, cumin, fenugreek, aniseed and kalonji constitute Paanch Phutana, a key ingredient in Odia cuisine. Raw papaya, jackfruit and plantains are as common in Odia dishes as the potato is in the North.

And some people also claim that Odisha (and not West Bengal) is the actual origin of the famed Rasgulla!

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The Temples

It won’t be wrong to say that Odisha houses some of the most well-known temples in the world. In fact, Bhubaneshwar is often called the City of Temples.

Following the Indo Aryan Nagara style of architecture, these temples consist of two clear areas – the Vimana that houses the deity and the Jagamohana which is the congregation place for the devotees. The Nata Mandir and the Bhog Mandir are two additional parts of these temples which act as the space for ritual dances and offerings respectively. The Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Sun Temple in Konark, and the Lingaraja Temple and the Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneshwar are some of the more prominent ones among all. The Rath Yatra, an annual festival, sees massive participation from locals and tourists alike. Puri is also one of the four Dhams in India, and hence of great religious importance.

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The Beaches

Blessed with a 500 km long coastline, Odisha has a number of beaches that interest those who want to enjoy some time away from the hustle-bustle of the main cities. Some of the most interesting beaches are Chandrabhaga Beach, Chandipur Beach, Paradip Beach, etc.

With so many wonderful places to visit in Odisha, this state is always high on many travel itineraries. What about yours?

In case you are planning a trip to Odisha, do check out OYOs in this state to enjoy great stays at affordable prices. OYOs are present in Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Cuttack.

Related Blog Posts: Cultural Heritage of India