The sun is a constant motif in Odisha, a calm, sun-drenched state that runs along the coast of eastern India. In fact Odisha Tourism’s symbol is a colourful and childlike drawing of the sun.
Odisha reminds me a little of Kerala, but it has its own unique flavour.
And I was pleasantly surprised by what the state had to offer. Simplicity, beauty, arts and crafts, architecture, history and such beautiful natural settings. The weather was perfect, a little cold in the night but pleasant.
I had just three days with me and I decided to divide them equally between heritage,pilgrimage and nature.
There is so much to see and do in Odisha, so grab your popcorn while I give you a brisk of few best things to do in Odisha with a brief Itinerary.
I went for the Darshan the same day. Hired a Pandit who took me around the temple and shared the history about it. The temple has an interesting story and it is best to visit it and know all about it.
This temple of Lord Jagganath (Shree Krishna) dates back to 12th century and is among the most important temples of Odisha. Jagannath Puri is an important Hindu pilgrimage center of India, mainly because of the fact that this temple happens to be one of the four destinations in Chaar Dhaam Yatra.
It has a unique architecture and from my observations every temple in Odisha has a similar architecture.
Rest of the day was spent completely at leisure in Puri.
Reinvigorating … is the term to express the state of mind, when you awake and see the roaring sea. The February morning had a pleasant chill in the air, when I quickly rushed to the beach. The sky was receiving its initial orange glow and sun was yet to emerge on the horizon.
It was one of the best mornings of my life.
One of the largest lakes of the world is home to a number of beautiful birds. Watching a sunset here should be on top of your bucket list. I was totally taken aback by this view in Odisha.
Primary reason for this trip to Odisha was to visit Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri with which I completed the Char Dham Yatra of India.
I took a flight from Delhi to Bhubaneshwar(capital of Odisha) and left for Puri(80 Mins drive from Bhubaneshwar)directly from the airport.
The Sun Temple- Konark
Next highlight of the day was The Konark Sun Temple
Sun Temple of Konark - The highest point of achievement of Kalinga architecture.
Sun Temple of Konark (Orrisa) is popular for its beautiful and intricate design. This temple is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God).
The temple looks like a chariot, which is believed to belong to the Sun God. The outer wall of the temple is embellished with 24 chakras(12 on each sides). 24 chakras symbolise the 24 hrs of the day.
It is an unholy temple because of certain incidences that took place and no one is allowed to pray there. I would suggest to know the story behind this by visiting this beautiful temple.
Reinvigorating … is the term to express the state of mind, when you awake and see the roaring sea. The February morning had a pleasant chill in the air, when I quickly rushed to the beach. The sky was receiving its initial orange glow and sun was yet to emerge on the horizon.
Trust me it was one of the best mornings of my life.
From Konark I drove back to Puri which is just 35 kms away. Enroute we stopped at the Chandrabagha beach which is one of the largest and most beautiful there.
Overnight I stayed in Puri.
Rest of the day was spent completely at leisure in Puri.
Raghurajpura Village- Pattachitra Painting
Today I was suppose to catch a flight back to Delhi from Bhubaneshwar in the evening. So I checked out early from the hotel.
My guide told me that we will be visiting a village called Raghurajpura which was declared as the heritage village. It is famous for its Pattachitra paintings and handicrafts. Village compromises of 140 houses and every house does the same work.
The paintings are beautiful and creative, it takes a lot of time and effort to make one.
It is an unholy temple because of certain incidences that took place and no one is allowed to pray there
It is the largest Shiva temple in Odisha. Not just the largest but it is one of the most beautiful temples I have ever been too. The design is intricate and unique.
Even if you are an atheist I suggest you to visit this temple only for its design.
Watching a sunset here should be on top of your bucket list. It is one of the largest lakes of the world which is home to a number of beautiful birds. I was totally taken aback by this view in Odisha.
I went for the Darshan the same day. Hired a Pandit who took me around the temple and shared the history about it.
This temple of Lord Jagganath (Shree Krishna) dates back to 12th century and is among the most important temples of Odisha. Jagannath Puri is an important Hindu pilgrimage center of India, mainly because of the fact that this temple happens to be one of the four destinations in Chaar Dhaam Yatra.
Lingaraj Temple
It is the largest Shiva temple in Odisha. Not just the largest but it is one of the most beautiful temples I have ever been too. The design is intricate and unique.
Even if you are an atheist I suggest you to visit this temple only for its design.
Time is always a constraint when you are traveling in India. 3 days were definitely not enough for me to explore a state so rich in its history, culture and heritage which makes it mandatory for me to vist Odisha again.
Yes, there are certain things in Odisha which leaves tourists with a dissatisfactory experience. The high ratio of poverty there gives rise to the crime rate (theft is common) because of which everyday we were told to be back to the hotel before the sunset.
Apart from this it is all wonderful and a must explore state.
Note: In Puri I was staying in the Mayfair Heritage resort which is suppose to be the best there. If you want a complete leisure trip and can spend good money I suggest to book it in advance.
Expenditure - 25k for 3 days.
PS:- Feel free to ping me if you need any assistance for planning a trip to Odisha.
The temple looks like a chariot, which is believed to belong to the Sun God. The outer wall of the temple is embellished with 24 chakras(12 on each sides). 24 chakras symbolise the 24 hrs of the day.
Frequent Searches Leading To This Page:-
Odisha tour holiday packages, odisha beach holiday packages, Orissa vacation packages, exciting deals on Orissa tour, otdc tour packages