Odisha is a land like no other and is rightly called the Goa of the East. Unfortunately, nature hasn't been very kind to this state, but Odisha and its people never cease to fight back with their faith and spirit. Or maybe it's the blessings of Lord Jagannath that give the people of Odisha courage and hope despite such upheavals.
An ancient land with a rich history, Odisha was declared a separate state on April 1, 1936, and it is in this honour that the Odiya people celebrate Odisha Day or Utkal Dibasa. Utkal because Odisha was earlier called Utkal and then Orissa and now Odisha, has a mention in our National Anthem. Also, Odisha was the first state to be formed on the linguistic basis as the people of Odisha are called Odiya and the language they speak is also called Odiya.
If you are planning to visit Odisha on April 1st to celebrate the Utkal Dibasa then here are the top 15 nature and scenic beauty spots you wouldn't want to miss.
#15. Bhubaneswar – The Temple City Of India.
The capital of Odisha has a history that dates back to 2500 years. Famous for its ancient monuments and modern constructions, Bhubaneswar had over 2000 temples in the past. It is the perfect place to enjoy the rich colours of Indian culture and also to learn about the vibrant and political history of Odisha. The Lingaraja Temple, Raja Rani Temple, Khandagiri Caves, Nandankanan Zoological Park and Udaygiri are amongst the must see places in Bhubaneswar.
#14. Puri – Seek The Blessings From The Gods.
Puri is famous for one of the four holy places for Hindu devotees, the Jagannath Temple. Rath Yatra or the Festival of Chariot held in the temple is a world famous annual festival that attracts more than one million pilgrims from all around the world. The Sun Temple, Gundicha Ghar Temple, Raghurajpur, Atharnala Bridge are some of the must-visit places in Puri. For nature lovers, the top attractions are the beautiful beaches of Puri and Swargardar, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, and Daya River.
#13. Chilika Lake – The Second Largest Lagoon In The World.
#12. Mangalajodi – Go, Bird Watching.
Located in Khorda district, Mangalajodi is a small village on the northern edge of the famous Chilika Lake. Known for it being a paradise of birds, scenic beauty, and vast wetland, Mangalajodi is one of the prime tourist spots in Odisha. The vast wetland attracts thousands of migratory birds and is declared as an International Bird Conservation Area.
#11. Bhitar Kanika Wetland – Paradise For Nature Lovers.
One of the largest Ramsar sites in India, the Bhitar Kanika Mangroves is created by the river delta of the Baitarani and Brahmani rivers in the Bhitar Kanika National Park. The mangrove swamp is home to Saltwater Crocodile, White Crocodile, Indian Python, King Cobra and many other species of flora and fauna. The Gahirmatha beach separates the Bay of Bengal from the mangroves and is the nesting hub for Oliver Ridley Turtles in India. Take a boat ride amongst the intricate mangroves and enjoy the enthralling wildlife sight.
#10. Ratnagiri – The Mesmeric Land.
This Ratnagiri is not the one famous for mangoes. Ratnagiri in Odisha is a historic place that got famous as a site of Mahavira and a Buddhist monastery. Situated at the Brahmani and Birupa river valley in the Jeypore district of Odisha, Ratnagiri at one point of time was known for its monastic life due to it being a place for meditation. All those sites are still there in ruins, but still, don't fail to elicit the spiritual feel. The serene and mesmeric feel of this historic place gives it a perfect place to celebrate the Odisha Day.
#9. Konark – Honour The Sun God.
Thinking about Konark and the Sun Temple at the same time is but obvious. Although the 13th-century temple is now in ruins, even this fact doesn't deter tourists who visit Konark to see the ruins of the Sun Temple. There are other ancient temples too on the land of Konark that will definitely excite both history and religious minds.
If you really wish to honour the Sun God then at a short distance from the Konark Sun Temple is the peaceful Chandrabhaga beach that holds religious importance. The pristine beach plays hosts to a seven-day fair in honour of the Sun God, and devotees from across the country visit the beach to take a dip. Apart from the fair, the Chandrabhaga beach is also a lovely place to witness beautiful sunsets.
#8. Raghurajpur – Rural Odisha At Its Best.
Wish to explore the rural life of Odisha? Raghurajpur is the perfect place to do so as it is only here that you can see a beautiful assemblage of artwork. The small village of Raghurajpur boasts of an artistic environment and exhibits the diversity of the Odiya history and culture. Get acquainted with the lives of Odiya people and their fine art, 'Pattachitra'. You will be amazed to find craft items that range from terracotta, applique, cow dung and wooden toys, papier mache, palm leaf inscriptions, wood and stone carvings, filigree, mural paintings, sodhai work and more.
#7. Simlipal National Park – Marvel At The Diverse Wildlife.
A popular Tiger Reserve, Simlipal National Park is situated in the Mayurbhanj district and reflects the rich diversity of wildlife in the state of Odisha. It is a part of the Simlipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve. Barehipani and Joranda are among few amazing waterfalls that add extra charm to this National Park. Simlipal derives its name after the red silk cotton trees called 'Semul' that are found here in abundance.
The Simlipal National Park is home to 1076 species of plants, 42 species of mammals, 242 species of birds and 30 species of reptiles.
#6. Tribal Villages – Witness The Rich Culture And Traditions.
If you want to explore the rich culture and traditions of Odisha, then tribal villages are where you should be heading. Odisha is home to many tribes including Bondo, Didayi, Kondhs, Barogadaba, Dongarias and more.These tribes are farmers and food gatherersand despite being poor, are rich in culture and traditions. They are highly artistic people who indulge in skills like wall paintings, body paintings, weaving and ornament making. Dance and music is a big part of their life, and they rejoice through them. To learn about the real Odisha that is rich in culture, traditions, and history a tribal tour is a must.
#5. Pipli – Shop for Beautiful Applique Items.
Observe the creativity of Odiya people as Pipli is famous for applique work and you can shop for garden umbrellas, wall hangings, lanterns, wallets, bags, pouches and more. All the houses and shops along the road give out a loud burst of colour as the beautiful applique item are displayed. Applique work involves stitching and embroidering small pieces of cloth to a large base piece. The small pieces of coloured cloth have flowers, animals, village scenes or traditional designs on them.
Pipli was established in the 10th century to accommodate craftsmen who made applique umbrellas and canopies for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra.
#4. Udaygiri And Khandagiri Caves – The Exquisite Art And Architecture.
Famous for their impeccable sculptures and reliefs and also the Brahmi inscriptions, Udaygiri has a group of 15 caves while Khandagiri is a group of 18 caves situated in Bhubaneswar. These historic caves are partially natural and partially man-made and are ornately carved. A double storey monastery, the Ranigumpha cave among the group of Udaygiri caves is the most important one.
#3. Dhauligiri – Shanti Stupa.
Dhauli or Dhauligiri situated on the banks of River Daya is home to the marvelous Shanti Stupa. Dhauli Hill is believed to be the battlefield of Kalinga war where the bloodbath made the water of the River Daya red. It was at this place that King Ashoka realized the gloomiest side of battle turning him into a propagator of peace. Splendid Edicts of the great Ashoka are embossed on a mass of rock in Dhauli. It is home to Buddha statue, white peace pagoda, and an ancient Shiva Temple.
#2. Jeypore – Some Of The Best Works Of Nature.
The beautiful land of Jeypore is set amidst hills and it just the place if you wish to enjoy some of the best works of nature. Bagara, where water falls from 3 different waterfalls descending in River Kolaban is a sight to watch. The Gupteshwar Caves that beautifully hides the Lord Shiva Temple located on the banks of River Kolab, the Jeypore Palace is an architectural delight and also a must visit is the Kolab Hydro Electric Power Reservoir and Botanical Garden.
#1. Bargarh – Dhanuyatra.
Bargarh is the business hub of Western Odisha and was initially a fort called Baghar Kota. Famous for 'Dhanuyatra,' it is the biggest open theatrical stage that depicts the 'Krishna Leela.' Bargarh is home to various temples, Buddhist monasteries, and caves that show the settlement of different cultures. The temple of Nrusinghnath, one of the most worshiped deities in Odisha, Gandhamardana, the place where a part of the mountain fell while Lord Hanuman was carrying the entire mountain to Lanka, The Astasambu, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and The Mighty Mandap are a must visit when in Odisha.
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