Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar “The Lord of the Universe” is studded with hundreds of temples and is populary known as the “Temple City” or the "Cathedral City" of Tribhubaneswar, the “Lord of the Three Worlds”, is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centres. It is believed that the city once had about 7000 temples of which 500 still exist. These shrines are a gentle reminder of the splendour of ancient India. Bhubaneshwar, the ancient capital of the Kalinga empire is today the modern capital of Orissa.

Lingaraja Temple :

The 11th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, as Lingaraja is The culmination of orissa style of temple architecture. The temple set in a walled compound is noted for its imposing 54metres high spire, dominating the skyline of the town. The main sanctum surrounded by about 150 subsidiary shrines has a unique hari hara lingam- half Shiva and half Vishnu. A large number of devotees visit the shrine, Especially during Shivaratri festival (Feb-Mar).

Parasuramesvera Temple:

The Shiva temple built around 650 A.D. in classical style is the city’s oldest surviving temple. It is noted for the finely detailed bas-reliefs depicting. elephant and horse processions and Shiva images.

Mukteswar Temple :

The small 10th century shrine regarded as the 'Gem of Orissan architecture bridges the early and later phases of the Kalinga school of architecture. In front of the shrine is a stunningly beautiful archway.

Raja Rani Temple:

The beautiful 11th century shrine amidst a well laid out garden is graced by erotic carvings and some of the finest Orissan temple sculptures.

Vaital Temple:

The temple built in 800 A.D. was used mainly for tantric worship, which centered around shakti worship. A 'four faced' linga with unusual carvings is set in front of the entrance to the sanctum. The first erotic sculptures known in Orissan art are found here.

Handicrafts Museum:

A rich variety of Orissan handicrafts - stone sculpture, patta paintings, brass castings, horn toys and silver filigree etc. are displayed here.

Orissa State Museum:

It exhibits a fine collection of sculptures, coins, copper plates, stone inscriptions, armours, rare palm-leaf manuscripts, bronze age t.ools, natural history, geological objects, paintings, anthropological specimens and traditional folk and musical instruments etc.

Cactus Garden :

The beautiful garden near 'Ekamara Kanan' has a large collection of Cactii and is a worth visiting site.

AROUND BHUBANESHWAR

Dhauli (8 kms.)

The historic site is located on the Puri -Konark highway, across Dhauli hill on the banks of river Daya. The 3rd century B.C. Ashokan Rock Edicts, on the foot of the hill indicate that the great 'Kalinga war' was fought here. The bloody war transformed emperor Ashoka, who renounced his blood thirsty campaign and embraced Buddhism. A Buddhist Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) was established on the opposite hill in the early seventies by the Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha.

Khandagiri and Udaygiri Caves (7 kms.)

The rock-cut caves at the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, were the ancient Jain monasteries and are one of the most important Orissan historical monuments. The caves dating back to 2nd century B.. C., were carved out by the first known Orissan ruler, Kharavela. The famous Hathi Gumpha ('Elephant Cave') and Rani Gumpha ('’Queen’s Cave') here are adorned with early sculptural art depicting the life and times of Jain ascetics.

Atri (42kms.)

It is well known for the hot sulphur water spring and the temple of Lord Hatakeswar. The spring water is said to possess curative properties.

Nandan Kanan Zoo (20 kms.)

The beautiful zoo carved out of the Chandaka forest is perhaps the finest in the country. The animals are kept in their natural habitat and a centrally located lake divides the Zoo from the Botanical Gardens. The zoo is famous for white tigers as well as migratory birds, which come here during winters. It also has the country's largest Lion Safari Park and White Tiger Safari with Ropeway and Toy Train.

Cuttack (30 kms.)

Cuttack is said to be founded by Nripati Kesari (920-935) and is one of the oldest towns in Orissa. It lies at the head of the Mahanadi delta and is virtually an island surrounded by the great river and its tributary, the Kathajuri. A stone embankment on the Kathajuri river, built in the 11th century by a king of Kesari dynasty is a marvel of engineering. A shrine of Kadam Rasul set in the heart of the town enshrines some holy relics of Prophet Mohammad, which were brought from Mecca. The ruins of 14th century Barabati Fort are about 3 kms. north of city centre.

Paradeep (94 km) :

It is a major sea port and a fine beach resort.

Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udayagiri :

These three hills have ruins of a remarkable Buddhisl complex. Hieun- T'sang, the Chinese pilgrim found it to be the seat of a flourishin Buddhist University called "Puspagiri". Extensive ruins of brick pagodas, sculptured stone portals and esoteric Buddhist images have been excavated from here. Ratnagiri is 70 kms. Lalitgiri is 55 kms. and Udayagiri is 60 kms. from Cuttack