Orissa tourism is dominated by temples and sea-side experiences. Bhubaneshwar is called the temple city, and has over 400 exquisite shrines. Purithe holy city of Lord Jagannath has one of the most famous temples of India, and is also a favourite sea-side resort. The magnificent Sun Temple of Konark is a World Heritage Site. Gopalpur-on-Sea is another popular draw of Orissa tourism, while the ChilikaLake is the country's largest salt-water lake with a large variety of marine and bird life. For more wildlife, visit Simlipal Tiger Reserve, and BhitarkanikaNational Park, a mangrove forest on whose coast the Olive Ridley Turtles come to breed.
Temple Towns
Sakshi Jain persuaded her parents to take her to Bhubaneshwar since she had learned Odissi dance for years in Delhi, and wanted to see the sculptures depicting dance poses on the temple walls.
The Banerjis of Salt Lake, Calcutta love the sea far more than the mountains ? they regularly visited the pretty coastal town of Puri in Orissa, as well as
Rajni and Ratna both senior students at the Wildlife Institute Dehradun, visited this marine sanctuary in Orissa to witness the annual nesting of the Olive Ridley Turtle that is famous all over the world.
The Dwivedis of Patna wanted a completely peaceful holiday in an unusual destination -they decided to visit Chilika Lake as they had heard of its unique landscapes and rich wildlife.
Orissa Portal - Welcome to Orissa - In this Web site, you will find information on all aspects of Orissa. Discussions on varied issues that Orissa faces etc.,
Orissa Blog - Your informal resource to Orissa. Blog on Orissa, People, Culture, Traditions, Links, News, Articles, Tourism, Places etc.,
Official Websites
Orissa Tourism - Orissa Tourism Government portal - Official website of Dept. of Tourism, covers Places of Interest in Orissa, List of Temples in Orissa and Transportation in Orissa.
Government of Orissa - Orissa Government portal covering diverse topics including health, tourism, culture, climate, Tenders and e-Governance.
Other Useful Links
Forts of Orissa - Orissa is a land of rich cultural beauty and heritage. The fort of Barabati, was the last greatest citadel of the monarchs of Orissa.
History of Orissa - The origin and early history of the land, known as Kalinga in ancient times, is lost in dim past, though it is mentioned in ancient Indian epics and other texts.
