Orissa State Museum
The State Museum of Orissa is divided into eleven sections namely Archaeology, Epigraphy, Numismatics, Armoury, Mining, Geology, Natural History, Art & Craft, Contemporary Art, Patta painting, Anthropology and Palm leaf manuscripts. It was founded in the year 1932 and was later shifted to the present building. Prior to the shift, this museum was housed within the premises of Ravenshaw College, Cuttack.
Konark Sun Temple
The name Konark is an amalgamation of two words, Kona meaning corner and Arka meaning the sun. Konark is a medium town that houses a massive temple dedicated to the Sun God. This temple is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most popular tourist attraction in town. Konark is also known as Arka Khetra.
Puri
Puri is situated alongside the coast of the Bay of Bengal in the state of Orissa. One of the major attractions here is the Jagannath Temple. There are many places to visit in Puri, namely, the Chilika Lake, Puri Beach, Gundicha Ghar and Sun Temple. This town is also turning into an industrial hub due to major manufacturing companies.
Chilika Lake (Rambha)
Chillika Lake is home to diverse flora and fauna. It is the largest coastal lagoon and the largest wintering grounds for migratory birds. It hosts over 160 species of birds during the peak migratory season because of its large fishery source. Therefore, this lake sustains the life of a large number of fishermen living nearby. Rambha is a popular tourist town situated to the south of Chilika Lake.
Chilika Lake (Barkul)
Chilika Lake in Barkul is a hub for tourism. This lake is home to many migratory birds and other endangered species. Tourists enjoy boating here, and the main attraction of this activity is the Kalijai Temple and Nalbana Bird sanctuary. During the month of February and November, visitors can see the island of this lake filled with beautiful birds.
Narayani Temple
Narayani Temple is dedicated to the ten-armed goddess, Narayani or Lakshmi, and is located in Narayani Village near Khalikote, Odisha, India. The temple is popular for its Durga Puja celebrations and the fair held in the Indian month of Chaitra. The temple was renovated by the zamindars of Khalikote in the early 18th century.
Khandagiri & Udayagiri
These caves, located in the vicinity of Bhubaneswar, have both religious and historic importance to the state of Odisha. There are a total of 33 rock cuts in these caves, out of which 18 on the Udayagiri Hills are excavated, while the remaining 15 are on Khandagiri Hills. There are single and double storied caves here that represent the Jaina rock-cut architecture.
Lingaraj Temple
Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to the Hindu God Harihara, an avatar of Lord Shiva. It is also one of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneswar. This temple was first built by the ruler Jajati Kesari during the 7th century. Lingaraj Temple has a remarkable structure that attracts a vast number of tourists to the city.
Parasurameswara Temple
Parasurameswara Temple is one of the oldest temples in the state of Bhuvaneshwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the northwest corner of the complex, there are one thousand Lingas and beside it, there are beautiful carvings of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Lord Parvati. Parashurashtami is a major festival celebrated in the temple during the month of June and July every year.
Dhauli Giri
Dhauli Giri lies across the Daya River and has the major edicts of Ashoka engraved on a mass of rock. This area is believed to be the battlefield where Ashoka had slain over 150,000 people. It is a pilgrimage site for both the Hindus and Buddhists. The hills are dotted with a number of rock-cut caves and temples along with numerous stupas, pillars, and monasteries.
Mukteshvara Temple
The term 'Mukteshvara' translates to 'Lord who gives freedom through yoga'. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva houses the Mukteshvara Mandir, a perfect example of Odissan architecture which dates back to 950-975 CE. The temple is often described as one of the 'Jewels of Odisha' with exquisite sculptures and elegant styling. This temple is one of the prominent tourist attractions in the city.
ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple has idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, Lord Krishna and Radhaji. The entire temple is built with pure white stone, which is its distinguishing feature. The ISKCON temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and organizes Bhajans, Kirtans, and Poojas on a regular basis. The temple also promotes the Sankirtana movement or chanting the holy name of God.
Raja Rani Temple
Raja Rani Temple is locally known as the 'love temple' and is built in the Pancharatha style. The temple is constructed with dull red and yellow sandstone. There are no images inside the sanctum, but has erotic carvings of women and couples. The architecture of the other temples in central India is believed to have been adopted from this temple.
Nandankanan Zoo
Nandankanan Zoo, also known as Nandankanan National Park serves as the first Gharial breeding centre of India. The name Nandankanan means 'garden of pleasure' and was established in the year 1960. It also houses a botanical garden and part of it has been declared as a sanctuary.
Hirapur
Hirapur is situated on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. It is home to a Chausathi Jogini Mandir which was built by the Queen Hiradevi of the Brahma Dynasty during the 9th century. This temple, built in a circular fashion, is also known by the name 64 Joginis Temple. The temple has around 56 idols made of black granite.
Raghurajpur
Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village widely known for its master Pattachitra painters. It is also the birthplace of the famous Odissi dance Guru Sri Kelu Charan Mohapatra. There are many craftsmen in this village who supply decorative items to the temple and mathas. In this village, during the car festival, several chariots are decorated by Chitrakaras, the local artisans.
Pipili
Pipili Village has houses and shops with beautiful applique work in different colours, on display. This village is believed to be established by the king of Odisha for the craftsmen who used to make applique umbrellas and canopies for the annual Jagannath Yatra. One can find a variety of crafts for decorating ones household and ceremonies here.
