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A vibrant state where throbbing living cultures and gods greet the tourist at each step, Odisha is one of India's less frequented states with a predominantly rural milieu. However, unknown to most tourists Odisha does offer a eclectic mix of places to visit with wildlife, religion, sea, unpolluted beaches, traditional music, dance, handicrafts, tribal culture and Buddhist relics. If on one hand you have the mighty temple chariots of Jagannath transporting God, on the other hand you can travel deep inside forests to discover the secrets of the tribal way of life. Witness the marvel of architecture at the Sun temple in Konark or just laze on the beach in Puri and see some sand art. Catch up with some Oddisi performances and pattachitra paintings and discover the unexplored sacred Buddhst sites. Travel to this little-known Eastern delight in this article and check out the best attractions and tourist places in Odisha.
Puri
Perhaps the most famous beach temple town in India, Puri is synonymous with Odisha. The Jaganath temple is the most famous temple here and a Hindu pilgrimage is considered incomplete without a visit to Puri. Apart from the world famous Jagannath Temple there are many temples here.
Pic credit: Wiki Commons
Rath Yatra and the Beach
The Puri Beach is another important tourist hotspot. The annual Puri Beach Festival boosts tourism in Puri. Don't miss the annual Rath Yatra festival here which happens every July/ August. It is the only occassion when non- Hindus can get to see the Jaganath temple deities. A mere glimpse of Lord Jagannath on the chariot, or even a touch of the chariot, is considered very auspicious. A Puri beach festival is also held every November.
Pic Credit: Wiki Commons
Raghurajpur Handicrafts Village
This small village in Puri is home to the master pattachitra artists and gotipua dance troupes, the precursor to the Oddisi dance, whose lineage dates back to the 5th century B.C.
Pic credit: Wiki Commons
Odissi and more
It is also the birthplace of Kelucharan Mohapatra, one of the finest Odissi exponents. The 100 households in this village have more than 300 artists, many of them national award winners.
Pattachitra
Stroll through the village, watch the artists in action and shop. Apart from the specialty of Pattachitra paintings (pattachitra literally means drawings on leaves), you will also find stone carvings, wood carvings and wooden toys.
Pic Credit: Wiki Commons
Konark Sun Temple
Arguably the most famous architecture in Odisha, the intricately carved Sun temple in the shape of a huge chariot for the Sun God Surya is 30 meters tall and sits on 12 massive wheels. Erotic carvings similar to Khajuraho temples are a renowned feature. The sun temple can be visited on day trip from either Puri or Bhubaneshwar. Here is more on how to reach the temple and what to see there. It is recommended to stay overnight in Konark and see the temple late in the afternoon.
Pic Credit: Wiki Commons
Chilika Lake
Here is a treat for nature lovers. Head to Chilika lake, Asia's largest barckish water lagoon, a 1000 square kilometer expanse full of fish and migratory birds. The lake has a number of islands. You can avail of Chilika lake bird watching cruises and camping trips. Try sighting the rare Irrawaddy dolphins here!
Pic Credit: Wiki Commons
See the tribal way of life
Odisha is tribal land with more than 60 tribal communities living here. Most of them dwell in Odisha's remote hills and deep forests and carry on their own way of life untouched by civilization. It is possible to see them but an organized tour is the best way to see them. Weekly tribal markets can be a wonderful way of seeing their way of life.
Pic Credit: Orissa Tourism
Buddhist Sites
Few people know that Odisha has a treasure trove of unexplored sacred Buddhist sites. Recently excavated, the sites consist of a series of monasteries, temples, shrines amidst picturesque settings. Not to be missed here is the 'Diamond Triangle' - Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitagiri.
Pic Credit: Wiki Commons
Chandipur Beach
What if you see the sea waters suddenly receding and making way for land as far as the eye can see and similarly covering the land in a dramatic manner? Visit the unique Chandipur beach to see this unique phenomenon with your own eyes! Chandipur also has a strategic importance as India's missile testing launch pad is located here and misiles like Agni, Prithvi and others have been launched from here. Visit to the testing range is possible with special permission. Chandipur beach is accessible from Bhubaneshwar, and also Kolkata in West Bengal.
Sand Art
If you happen to be strolling on the Puri beach do not be surprised if you see a spectacular palace arising out of the sand or perhaps a beautiful mermaid enticing you with her curves out of the sand. Welcome to the hub of sand art in India. Sudarshan Patnaik is one of the well-known sand artists here.
Pic Credit: Dr Rohit Choudhary Raj
