Bhubaneswar-the state capital with its over a hundred temples-provides an ideal introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the state of Odisha. Visits to the Lingaraja Temple and the Rajarani Temple (11th century AD) are a must. Those interested in ancient temple architecture may visit the temples of Laxmaneswar, Satrughaneswar and Bharateswar (6th century AD), Parasurameswar and Swarnajaleswar (7th century AD), Vaital Deul (8th century AD), Brahmeswar (11th century AD) and Ananta Vasudeva (13th century AD)
While in Bhubaneswar, the Odisha State Museum, Tribal Research Museum and Handicrafts House should also be on the visitors' lists. Nearby excursions (8 km) to the Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves belonging to the 1st-2nd century BC, to Dhauli (8 km) with the Buddhist Peace Pagoda constructed in 1972 and the Zoo and Botanical Gardens at Nandan Kanan (120 km) cater to a variety of interests.
A visit to Odisha will never be complete without witnessing its fairs and festivals. Besides Holi, Dussehra and Diwali, which are shared by the rest of India, there are numerous other festivals exclusive to Odisha and having their own unique myths behind them. The Raja-Sankranti or Raja Parva is observed on the first day of the solar month of Mithuna (mid-June) when the rainy season begins. The Garbhana-Sankranti is held on the first day of the solar month of Tula (November) when the paddy begins to sprout signifying fruition. On the full moon day of the lunar month of Ashwin (October), about five days after Dussehra, Odisha celebrates Kumarotsava-the 'festival of youth'. Kumara or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, symbolizes youth and is the chief deity to be worshiped during this festival. Unmarried boys and girls also worship the moon with great festivity on this occasion.
While in Bhubaneswar, the Odisha State Museum, Tribal Research Museum and Handicrafts House should also be on the visitors' lists. Nearby excursions (8 km) to the Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves belonging to the 1st-2nd century BC, to Dhauli (8 km) with the Buddhist Peace Pagoda constructed in 1972 and the Zoo and Botanical Gardens at Nandan Kanan (120 km) cater to a variety of interests. One of the four religious centres in India, Puri in Odisha is famous for its Jagannath Temple. Other temples of interest here are the Gundicha, Lokanath and Tota Gopinath and tanks like Sweta Ganga and indradyumna.
Puri, a popular beach resort is of special attraction for visitors fond of swimming in the sea. Excursions to Balighai (8 km), a picnic spot and Satyabadi (20 km) with its shrine dedicated to Lord Sakshigopal are recommended.
With its famous Sun Temple, Konark is the high point of a visit to the Golden Triangle of Odisha. The temple, built in the 13th century and now in ruins, is replete with stone sculptures. The temple is one of the unrivalled technical marvels of ancient India.
A visit to Odisha will never be complete without witnessing its fairs and festivals. Besides Holi, Dussehra and Diwali, which are shared by the rest of India, there are numerous other festivals exclusive to Odisha and having their own unique myths behind them. The Raja-Sankranti or Raja Parva is observed on the first day of the solar month of Mithuna (mid-June) when the rainy season begins. The Garbhana-Sankranti is held on the first day of the solar month of Tula (November) when the paddy begins to sprout signifying fruition. On the full moon day of the lunar month of Ashwin (October), about five days after Dussehra, Odisha celebrates Kumarotsava-the 'festival of youth'. Kumara or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, symbolizes youth and is the chief deity to be worshiped during this festival. Unmarried boys and girls also worship the moon with great festivity on this occasion. Of all the festivals of Odisha, the Rath Yatra (the procession of chariots) held in June-July at Puri is the holiest, most colourful and most important festival of Odisha. On this holiest of holy days, Lord Jagannath mounts his famous 45 feet high, wooden chariot flanked by the chariots of his elder brother, Balbhadra and their sister, Subhadra to make their symbolic tour of the universe and experience the destiny of mankind with ever faithful devotees pulling them on their way. Besides the major festival of Rath Yatra, there are no fewer than 60 other festivals held in honour of the three deities.