Tourism in Orissa

The places of tourist importance can broadly be classified into three groups - international, national and provincial. Apart from places of tourist interest, many festivals also attracts people from distant areas.

Among places of international repute, the Sun Temple at Konark is the most important. It is better known as the ‘Black Pagoda’. Its architectural beauty ranks with the best in the country. This temple, built on the Puri coast, was dedicated to Surya. It is built of black granite, and the sculpture marks the climax of Hindu architecture. Konark is linked by all weather roads to Bhubaneswar and Puri. An air strip is planned to be opened shortly.

Puri, famous for the temple of Lord Jagannath, is one of the four ‘dhams’ of the Hindus along with Varanasi, Dwarka and Rameshwaram. The temple of Lord Jagannath is a colossal one. The Puri coast, is shallow and offers excellent bathing facilities. Puri also has one of the best natural beaches in the country as far as scenic beauty and bathing facilities are concerned. Since the town is a religious place and a sea resort, it attracts devotees and fun-seekers alike. Puri is also famous for its car festival.

Bhubaneswar, the capital, known as the cathedral city of India, is the symbol of modernity. The Lingaraj temple, the Jain and the Buddhist caves at Khandgiri and Udayagri, the Ashokan inscription and the Shanti Stupa at Dhauli have made Bhubaneswar an important tourist centre. The ruins of the fort of Sisupal of Mahabharata fame can be seen on the outskirts of the city which is justly famous as the ‘city of temples’.

The ‘Nandan Kenam’, the Zoological park is the greatest attraction for children and grown-up alike. It is the only centre where white tigers breed in natural setting. It’s lion safari, boating facilities, rope ways, toy railways are some of the unique facilities provided in natural setting. All these three places are linked by an excellent rail and road network and form a ‘Golden Triangle’ from the tourist point of view.