Orissa is a kaleidoscope of past splendours and present glamour.A fascinating state with unspoilt beaches, sprawling lakes, luxuriant forests, teeming wildlife, superb monuments, exotic handicrafts, traditional tribes, colorful fairs and festivals, scintillating music & dances and what not. It is a land of unforgettable memories; a land of hidden treasures, comparatively undiscovered and relatively unexplored.

Traditionally known as the land of Lord Jagannath, Orissa has innumerable temples. It is probably the only state where one can find the chronological development of temple architecture starting from 2nd century B.C. to the 13th century A.D. and beyond even to the modern times.

The Temple City of Bhubaneswar, the magnificent Sun Temple of Konark and Jagannath Temple of Puri constitute the Golden Triangle of Orissa. The 13th century monument at Konark is not only a World Heritage Site, but also a monument par- excellence.

Orissa has a 480 km. long coastline. Stretching from north in the West Bengal to down south touching Andhra Pradesh, it abounds with beautiful and unspoilt beaches. The Beaches of Orissa at Chandipur, Konark, Puri, Gopalpur, Paradeep, Pati Sonapur, Balighai etc are rated among the best. It’s a pleasure to swim with the rolling waves and take up adventure activities as well. Chandipur is a unique beach where the water recedes about five Kms. and proceed rhythmically at regular intervals twice a day - a marvel of nature rarely found anywhere in the world.

Asia’s largest brackish Water Lake, Chilika is a Ramsar Site. With an area of more than 1100 sq.kms. It is home to millions of resident and migratory birds who come from as far as Siberia during winter. The cavorting Dolphins are a feast to the eyes. Cruising in the lake at any time is a memorable experience. The confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the lake at the new mouth near Rajhans Island provides a panoramic view. The lake is dotted with numerous islands with romantic names like Honeymoon Island and Break Fast Island besides the Kalijai Island with a religious shrine. Delicious dishes made out of the Chilika fish, prawn and crab are really mouth watering. The lake can be visited through Satpada, 50 Kms. from Puri, Barkul or Rambha 105 Kms. and 130 Kms. from Bhubaneswar.

Orissa is a treasure house of nature. More than 37% of the land mass is covered with thick and dense forest. There are two National Parks (Similipal and Bhitarkanika) and more than twenty sanctuaries. Similipal is one of the best tiger reserves in the country. Bhitarkanika is one of the two Mangrove Forests of India and is rich in crocodile population and migratory birds. Down the creeks at Gahirmatha, millions of Olive Ridley Turtles come to lay eggs twice a year. Nandankanan on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar is a biological park also imbued with a safari tour. It is also a major center for white tiger breeding and conservation programme of the Govt. of India. It is also here that Gharials were bred in captivity for the first time.

There are a plethora of fairs and festivals, celebrated with pomp and gaiety in every nook and corner of Orissa. Rath Yatra of Puri is perhaps the grandest festival of Orissa that attracts pilgrims tourists alike. But festivals like Dhanuyatra of Bargarh, Chadak Mela of Chandaneswar, Durga Puja of Cuttack, Laxmi Puja of Dhenkanal etc. lend more colour and gaiety to Orissa’s celebration of life. Festivals like Konark Festival, Rajarani Festival, Shreekshetra Festival, Kalinga Mahotsav, Puri Beach Festival, Baripada Chhow Festival, Sambalpur Folk Festival, Koraput Tribal Festival are theme-based tourism festivals which have become a major draws for tourists.

Orissa is known for its own form of classical Odissi Dance. The graceful dance is mentioned in scriptures and depicted in sculptures. Prominent among folk and tribal dances are Sambalpuri, Ghoomra, Ranapa, Koya, Gadaba and Chhou, all a continuing manifestation of non-verbal art of expression.

The Orissan Handicrafts like the Silver Filigree of Cuttack, Applique work of Pipili, Pata Paintings of Raghurajpur, Stone Sculptures of Puri and Textiles of Sambalpur represent creativity expressed in art. Tourist can either see people working on their designs at the sites or even sample a souvenir or two at various curio shops.

There are 62 tribes in Orissa. The Tribals mostly inhabit the hilly regions of Orissa. The Socio-cultural life of Orissa has been greatly shaped and influenced by the long continuing tribal traditions. Their lifestyles and socio-cultural ethos are manifested through colourful display of dance and music, which is unique and spectacular. To this day, communities like the Bonda & Gadaba still follow their ancestral customs despite the onslaught of changing times.

Tourism today gets top priority in the government agenda. Some mega projects are underway in different parts. Under Circuit Development Scheme, the Buddhist Circuits of Orissa comprising Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udayagiri-langudi have been integrated with Dhauli for development of the region. A Peace Park and Amphitheater at Dhauli is being developed. Raghurajpur, near Puri has been designated as a Rural Tourism hub, the first of its kind in India, for the promotion of indigenous art and crafts.

Orissa today is at the crossroads of development. The state is fast emerging as the IT hub of eastern India with presence of Infosys, Satyam, TCS, Wipro, Mindtree, Hexaware and many more. Several large hotel projects are in the pipeline. When these are completed, they will cater to the needs of the ever increasing number of visitors across all segments.

Harnessing and promotion of natural and historical wealth, coupled with large-scale investments in infrastructure, Orissa is poised for grater heights. Come and witness the wonders of Orissa anytime and with anyone.