Orissa India. Four main attractions of Orissa. The beauty of the world from your window. House in Agra

Orissa is an amazing state in the eastern part of India. From a tourism point of view, Orissa may not be as popular as other states like Goa, Kerala or Kashmir. This region of India stands apart. It features a number of attractions, from religious monuments to natural beauty. If you are a traveler who doesn't like to go off the beaten path, then Orissa is just for you. Here you can see and visit several most wonderful places. Here are some of them.

Obviously, the main reason why people visit Orissa is to see the Jagannath Temple in the city of Puri. This is one of the most large temples in India and it constantly attracts crowds of Hindu pilgrims. Best time to visit this place - during the Rath Festival, which takes place here in the second half of August. However, keep in mind that the city will be crowded with crowds of people these days. Therefore, if this option does not suit you, come at any other time.

Even amateurs will like it in Orissa beach holiday. Swargdwar Beach in Puri is undoubtedly the best beach in the entire state. By the way, translated from Hindi, Swargadwar means “Heavenly Gate”. Anyone who wants to spend some quiet time on the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal can find peace within the walls of this hospitable city. There are excellent multi-star hotels and resorts here. The food is quite good, although it mainly consists of vegetarian options. The reason is that the population of the city of Puri is very religious and worships the deity Jagannath. The beach is famous for its sea shells and crabs. Here you can ride a pony or do other traditional activities marine entertainment. In this part of the world you can also admire the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

This temple is a landmark from the 13th century. It is famous for its architecture and rich historical heritage. The temple is designed in an impeccable manner and is shaped like a chariot (rath in Hindi). It is located in the small town of Konark, near Puri. You can easily get there by car. The whole area here seems to be shrouded in serene tranquility. Among the unique carved decorations of the temple, you can also see those that have an erotic orientation. They are very similar to the carvings depicting scenes from the Kama Sutra in the famous Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

If you are a nature lover and enjoy bird watching, best place than Chilika Lake you will not find in all of India. It is considered one of the most beautiful and photogenic. This brackish lake is the largest in Asia and covers an area of more than a thousand square kilometers. It goes without saying that this place attracts many species of birds, including several migratory species. Here you can enjoy boating. And if you're lucky, you'll even see one or two dolphins. Yes, Chilika Lake is home to some of the local dolphin species.

Chilika Lake

Orissa not a tourist state at all. White travelers come here on their Indian circumnavigation, on their way from Varanasi, Bihar or Kolkata V Madras. As a rule, Europeans limit themselves to visiting Puri, Konark and Bhubaneswar. Some go on a short trip to the south of the state in the lands adivasis- ancient, preserving the archaic traditional way of life and customs of the tribes inhabiting the hills of Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.

Orissa, but it’s more correct to speak and write Odisha). In November 2010, the Indian Parliament, wiping away traces of the colonial past, approved a new, historically and linguistically more correct name. Odisha comes from Sanskrit Odra Vishaya or Odra Desa - people of Odra. This is exactly what Ptolemy, ancient Chinese travelers, Buddhist chronicles and Muslim sources called these lands in their chronicles. Personally, I find the old name much nicer - it’s more romantic and feminine.

Orissa famous for its legendary Temples and caves, southern mountains. IN Orissa vibrant and wonderful cuisine, replete with fish and seafood, a unique school of Odissi dance, painting and engraving on palm leaves and the famous Cuttack filigree silver. IN Orissa the largest lake in Asia, the only one inhabited by freshwater dolphins. Endless sandy beaches and the roaring waves of the Bay of Bengal, many legendary ancient temples, the hills of the Eastern Ghats, inhabited by ancient exotic primitive tribes. Orissa- not a tourist state at all, but for those who want to see the real India and make real discoveries, for those who prefer the adventure and exciting format when traveling, Orissa will exceed all your wildest expectations.

Ancient Orissa, Odra Desa, was inhabited by Dravidian tribes, many of which still preserved traditional life and rituals. Most famous episode ancient history Orissa associated with Ashoka, the emperor of the Ganga dynasty, and the war with the Kalinga Empire. In 261 BC, Ashoka won a bloody victory over Kalinga and, shocked by the horrors of war, adopted Buddhism and the concept of non-violence, which was immortalized in the famous rock paintings Edicts of Ashoka. Buddhism turned out to be not a completely suitable ideology for governing the empire, and during Ashoka’s lifetime the empire declined and collapsed. The new flourishing of Orissa is associated with the name of Emperor Karavela, during whose reign the famous cave temples were built. Famous in Puri and founded in the reign of Emperor Yayati Kesari, who united the empires of Kosala and Utkala and moved the capital to the lands of Orissa.

The Last Hindu King Orissa was killed in the battle of Gohiratikiri by the Mughal Empire in 1576. The Muslims divided the lands of Orissa into six administrative districts. The British took control of Orissa in 1761 and in the 19th century they stubbornly fought against human sacrifice in the cults of local tribes. It should be noted that it was very successful.

Territory of the present state Orissa(capital - city Bhubaneswar) is part of the ancient Kalinga kingdom. In 261 B.C. Kalinga was conquered by the cruel king Ashok. But Kalinga defeated the winner - soon Ashok, pacified by the local nature and life, accepted Buddhism and became a follower of pacifism.

The 7th-13th century was the heyday of architecture for Kalinga, surviving examples of which are scattered throughout the state today. Orissa gained independence in 1936. Today it is mainly an agricultural area, with many small villages and local "holy people". Mining is also developed here. Two-thirds of Orissa's territory is Precambrian rocks containing many minerals, including chromium, iron, vanadium, dolomite, granite, etc.

The best time to visit is between October and March. During this period, the weather here is very pleasant and conducive to travel and relaxation. This is also the time when millions of migratory birds come here from the north to build nests in the forests and lakes of Orissa. The most heat- in May-July. At the beginning of autumn there are several weeks of heavy rains.

Orissa stretches along the Bay of Bengal, and its length coastline- 482 km. The beaches of Orissa are famous for having the best white sands in the world.

Puri

Beach Puri- one of four holiest places India. And one of the peaks of the Golden Triangle of Orissa. But today, its golden sands and the crashing waves of the Bay of Bengal attract not only pilgrims, but also tourists from everywhere. The best time to visit is early November. At this time, the traditional Puri festival is held here. Catamaran rides are popular here.

Balighai

The beach is located 8 km from Puri, at the confluence of the Nuanai River into the Bay of Bengal. Surrounded by casuarina grove. There is a research center nearby that studies sea turtles.

Konark

Konark is famous throughout the world for its unique Sun Temple (13th century), which attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Every year in December, a dance festival is held near it in a specially built open theater. The event brings together classical dancers from all over India.

Konark - more calm beach than Puri, but the waters here are more unpredictable, even experienced swimmers must be careful.

Gopalpur

The most popular place for lovers aquatic species sports. In past - sea port, Gopalpur is perfect beach For sea trips under sail and on catamarans and is surrounded by the ruins of ancient port buildings. Today, colorful dance evenings and parties are held in former warehouses that last until the morning. The beach is favored by wealthy Bengalis from Kolkata.

Recently, with the increase in the flow of tourists, Gopalpur is being rebuilt. New luxury hotels are being built here, the number of souvenir sellers is increasing, and numerous restaurants are opening. But the beach is not yet crowded with vacationers.

Chandipur

Another famous resort Orissa. This unique beach, where twice a day the water retreats 5 kilometers during low tide and then returns to its original position. So here you can watch the sea disappear before your eyes. The low tide leaves behind shells, crabs and other marine life, which are always interesting to look at. The beach is surrounded by sand dunes and casuarina thickets.

If you are tired of sunbathing or swimming in the sea, you can rent a fishing boat and go to day trip along the bay until the Budhabalanga River flows into it. They also offer jeep rides, and professional troupes regularly stage dance performances for vacationers.

Paradip

Paradip is a major seaport playing an important role in Indian trade. The beach is surrounded by coniferous forests. The Mahanadi River delta is home to many picturesque islands and cool streams. Beautiful place for boat trips.

(separated from) in the west, the state in the north and East Bengal in the northeast.

Away from the central Golden Triangle, there are few foreign tourists, but you will see many Bengalis traveling in family groups throughout coastal Orissa. These outskirts with their minimal infrastructure and congested public transport, are of interest primarily to researchers wildlife, birds or wildlife, interested in temples or tribal culture.

Odisha (Orissa) is about 155.707 km. The state can be divided into four geographical regions: the eastern plateau, the central river basin, the eastern hills and the coast. The state is home to six important rivers: Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Brahmani, Mahanadi and Rusikulya. The western and northwestern regions of the state are rich in minerals. .

Population of Orissa (Odisha) is about 30 million, of which 22% are Adivasis, or “tribal” (literally “first”) people, who live mainly in the regions of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh and Koraput.
In corners inaccessible to civilization, many tribes were able to preserve unique cultures and languages. In you can see signs for "tribal tours". visiting tribes is not recommended or is directly prohibited depending on the region, sometimes it is simply dangerous; local travel agencies themselves make the necessary permits and ensure that only adivasis who are friendly to tourists visit.

The native language of the people of Orissa is Oriya, but most of them understand Hindi. Part of the population also speaks Bengali, Telugu, Urdu, a little Gujarati, in addition, there are various tribal dialects. Educated
part of the population understands English.

Despite being one of the poorest regions of India, Orissa has a distinctive and rich cultural heritage. The coastal plains are home to a concentration of historical and religious monuments.
Orissa is famous for its ancient tradition of art and architecture.

History of Orissa
The oldest monuments date back to the 3rd century BC.
The past glory of Orissa is narrated by the remains of the Ashoka pillar, converted into a Shiva lingam in the Bhaskareshwara temple in Bhubaneswar, the lion capital of the Ashoka pillar, which is now in the State Museum.
The second stage of the development of Orissa art is represented by the cave temples of Khandagiri and wall inscriptions telling about the brief but eventful period of the reign of Kharavela in the 1st century BC. The images of Nagas and Yakshas found in the vicinity of Bhubaneswar belong to the post-Kharavela period. Another ancient monument is Shishupalgarh near Bhubaneswar.

Orissan art flourished between the 7th and 13th centuries AD. The earliest temples around Bhubaneswar were built during the Banpur Sailodbhava dynasty. The Bhaumakaras, Somavamis and the resplendent Ganges are known primarily for their temple construction. The oldest surviving temple is the Parashurameshwara Temple in Bhubaneswar. The Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Sun Temple in Konarak are silent witnesses to the former greatness of Orissa. Some more examples of Orissa's architecture are the Rajarani and Mukteshwara temples in Bhubaneswar, the Biraji temple in Jaipur, the Kichakeshwari temple in Khiching and the temples in Ranipur Jharial.

Orissa is also famous for its handicrafts. Mention should be made primarily of Cuttack silver, horn carvings from Cuttack and Parlakhemundi and the famous appliques from Pipili. The unique painting of Orissa - pattachitra - deserves special attention. Bronze products - especially vases and candlesticks - attract people with their beauty and durability. Another interesting destinations local art - vases and dishes made of black stone Nilagiri and Khiching and multi-colored stone. You will be fascinated by the homespun silk and cotton clothes, especially the sarees. Sarees from Sambalpuri and pata from Maniabandha are famous for their unique texture and designs.

The people of Orissa love holidays and fairs. Celebrations are associated with religious practice, but in the festive atmosphere they often fade into the background. Most holidays are celebrated throughout the state, but some places have their own holidays that correspond to the seasons. A particularly cheerful atmosphere prevails on Chandan, Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra in Puri, although the latter of these festivals is celebrated in Baripada, Athagarh, Dhenkanal, Koraput and other places, even outside the state. The entire state celebrates puja, especially in Cuttack. In different parts of Orissa they celebrate puja, or

Peculiar and rich cultural heritage ORISHA is felt throughout this small state on east coast subcontinent. The mighty Mahanandi and Brahmani rivers meander down from the densely forested mountains, where the adivasi tribes continue to live their very traditional lives, into the fertile alluvial plains that stretch along the coast of the Bay of Bengal.

Anyone visiting Orissa cannot help but notice the stark contrast between the vibrant temples and monuments of powerful past dynasties and the desperately poor, drought-prone Orissa of today, whose economy is based on rice cultivation. Despite the seemingly idyllic existence of villages with their thatched roofs and whitewashed temple towers, scattered among palm groves and surrounded by green fields, villagers constantly have to contend with destructive and unpredictable cyclone-prone tropical storms. natural conditions, as well as dealing with equally volatile politics.

The coastal plains claim India's highest concentration of historical and religious monuments - the main tourist attractions of Orissa. Where is Puri? famous temple Jagannath and hosts one of the most picturesque religious processions, the Rath Yatra, combines the intoxicating intensity of a Hindu pilgrimage center with the most hedonistic pleasures of the beach. Not far away, along the main Kolkata-Chennai road and railway, there are many inexpensive hotels that, coupled with the relaxed lifestyle here, attract a certain number of wild tourists with backpacks. At Konarak, a little further along the coast, are the ruins of the most interesting temple in Orissa. For many years it was hidden under a giant sand dune, its surface is decorated with beautifully preserved sculpture, including several amazing examples of erotica. The ancient rock-cut caves and ornate sandstone temples of Bhubaneswar, the state capital - often overlooked by tourists - take you back to an era when the city ruled a kingdom stretching from the Ganga delta to the mouth of the Godavari River.

Away from the central “golden triangle”, here tourist places scattered far from each other and there are few foreign tourists, which cannot be said about the Bengalis who travel around coastal Orissa in whole family groups. Those who come to this region usually have some special interest, such as bird and animal watching, temples or tribal culture. In these remote areas, similar passion is needed to defy the odds of minimal infrastructure and overtaxed public transport. National Park Simlipal National Park), located deep among the sal forests of the far northeast, features spectacular habitats inhabited by tigers, elephants and hundreds of other species of animals, birds and reptiles that have become virtually extinct in more polluted areas. In winter, the small islands scattered across Chilika Lake, a huge brackish lagoon south of Bhubaneswar, become a bird lover's paradise. Further north, at the end of Orissa's river delta, is the Bhita Kanika Sanctuary, a secluded stretch of beach that is home to the breeding masses of giant olive sea turtles that migrate here in February and March from the South American coast.

Judging by the number of temples, pilgrims and roadside altars in Orissa, one might easily think that Hinduism was the only religion here. But in fact, almost a quarter of the population belongs to the adivasi, or tribes (literally “first inhabitants”), which are supposedly descended from the pre-Aryan aborigines who lived in the area. In the most inaccessible parts of the state, such as a strip of almost impassable mountainous areas, stretching along the entire length of its interior, many of these groups have retained unique cultural traditions and languages. However, the scourge of “ethnic” tourism is the latest intrusion into the Adivasi way of life following dam builders, missionaries and “development programs” initiated by the state government. Hotels and travel agencies all over Puri offer “tribal tours” for a large number of dollars, from which nothing ever trickles down to the Adivasi villages themselves.

Orissa most The year has a fairly favorable climate, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C between November and March, to a tolerable summer temperature of 32°C, although it can be humid. The monsoon begins to blow around mid-June, just in time for the start of the Rath Yatra festival. The best time to visit is during the cool winter months, especially during Makar Sankranti in January, when Orissa's villages celebrate the end of the harvest with colorful festivities.

Getting around is relatively easy as long as you stick to the more populated coastal areas. National Highway 5 and Southeast Railway, which run along the coastal plain through Bhubaneswar, are the main transport arteries of the region. There is also a metre-wide side track that extends all the way to Puri, from where direct trains often depart to Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai. In other places, the best way to get around is by bus. Regular government buses and private buses that are constantly expanding their routes ply along all major roads and reach most more remote areas.

Historical facts

The earliest archaeological finds Orissa, apart from some scattered remains of prehistoric settlements, dates back to the 4th century. BC e. The fortified city of Sisupalgarh, located near modern Bhubaneswar, was the capital of the Kalinga dynasty, about which little is known except that its power was based on its dominance over the lucrative land and sea trade routes leading to the south. The existence of such rich wealth so close to the borders was too much of a temptation for the ambitious Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. In the 3rd century. BC e. he descended on ancient Kalinga with his entire imperial army and plunged the kingdom into a battle so bloody that it was supposedly the massacre that prompted his legendary conversion to Buddhism. Edicts carved into rocks erected throughout the empire extolled the virtues of the new faith, the dharma, and the principles that Ashoka hoped to instill in his conquered subjects. After the departure of the Mauryas, Kalinga experienced something of a revival. Under the Chedi dynasty, which professed the Jain faith, huge sums were spent on expanding the capital and creating intricately decorated monastic caves carved into the nearby hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri. During the 2nd century. BC e., however, the kingdom gradually split into warring cliques. The influence of Buddhism waned, Jainism almost completely disappeared, and Brahmanism, spread through the teachings of the Saivist zealot Lakulisha, began to emerge as the dominant religion.

By the 7th century Orissa has already achieved a strong position. Over the next five hundred years, successive powerful and prosperous Hindu dynasties ruled the region and produced some of the finest artistic and architectural works in South Asian history. When in the 12th century. The Eastern Gangas came to power and this “golden age” reached its zenith. Reaping significant profits from a thriving trade network (which extended as far east as Indonesia), the kings of the Ganga dynasty erected magnificent temples at Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konarak, in which the veneration of Shiva and the secret tantric rites followed by the early rulers of Orissa gave way to new forms of worship Vishnu. The Puri sanctuary, dedicated to the most famous deity of the ruling dynasty - Lord Jagannath, had by this time become one of the four holiest religious centers in India.

With the exception of the brief invasion of Feruz Sultan in the 14th century, Hinduism in Orissa was largely unaffected by the Muslim occupation of Bihar and Bengal. This luck, however, was not destined to last. In the 15th century Afghans from Bengal annexed the region, with Man Singh's Mughal army hot on their heels in 1592. It is a miracle that at least a few medieval Hindu monuments escaped destruction by militant religious fanatics; fortunately this happened, although non-Hindus have since never been allowed to enter most of the holy temples in Puri and Bhubaneswar. In 1751, the Marathas from western India ousted the Mughals and began to rule the region themselves. The East India Company, meanwhile, also carried out raids in the coastal areas and, 28 years after Clive's victory at Plassey in 1765, Orissa finally fell into British dependence.

Since Independence, the state has developed rapidly. The discovery of reserves of coal, bauxite, iron ore and other minerals stimulated significant industrial growth and infrastructure improvements. Yet despite this urban progress, Orissa remains a poor agrarian state, heavily dependent on agriculture, unable to provide for the basic needs of its 32 million people. Orissa's transition into the new millennium has not been smooth: recent political instability and the October 1999 “super cyclone” that swept through the northern and central coastal plains have caused significant damage to the people of Orissa, resulting in despair.

Holidays

The chances of being in Orissa during the festival period are quite high, since, in addition to the usual Hindu holidays, the region celebrates many of its own. To get more detailed information about the festivals of Mayurbhanj.

Makar Mela (mid Jan). Pilgrims throng the tiny island on Lake Chilika to make votive offerings in the cave of the goddess Kali.
Adivasi Mela (Jan 26 - Feb 1). This tribal fair in Bhubaneswar is a disappointing mix of Coney Island and an agricultural show, although there is some good live music and dancing to be had.
Magha Saptami (Jan and Feb). During the full moon phase of the month of Magha, the small pond at Chandrabhaga beach near Konarak is thronged with thousands of devotees. This is a festival in honor of Surya, the sun god who also heals skin diseases.
Panashankanti (early April). IN different regions On the first day of the month of Vaisakh, penitents dressed in saffron-colored robes carry peacock feathers, go into a trance and walk on hot coals.
Chaitra Parba (Sep Apr). The Santals, the largest of Orissa's numerous Adivasi ethnic groups, perform dances at Baripada in Mayurbhanj district, northern Orissa. Some fishing castes also perform “horse dances,” which involve the use of wooden horse costumes, the beating of drums, and parades through the streets.
Ashokastami (April and May). Bhubaneswar Chariot Festival (procession of temple chariots) when the deity Lingaraja takes a dip in the Bindu Sagar pond.
Shitalashastha (May and June). The wedding celebrations of Shiva and Parvati taking place in Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar.
Rath Yatra (June and July). The largest and grandest of the festivals of Orissa. Giant images of God Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra perform sacred journey from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Mandir in Puri.
Badi Yatra (Nov and Dec). Dedicated to the travels of Orissa traders to Indonesia. Takes place during the full moon on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack.
Konarak Festival (early December). A classical dance festival where dance forms from Orissa and other states of India are showcased at the Sun Temple in Konark.