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Orissa, the land of Oriyas,
earlier known as Kalinga, is flanked by the Eastern Ghats on
the west and the Bay of Bengal on the East. This 'jewel of
the east' endowed with some of the great wonders of India's
cultural and natural heritage, is still largely unexplored
and untouched by modernity. Kalinga was a flourishing
maritime kingdom having trading links up to Java, Sumatra,
Bali and Indonesia. In 261 B.C., it was invaded and
conquered by the Mauryan emperor, Ashoka. But, the spoils of
war changed the heart of Ashoka and he embraced Buddhism.
Orissa, a
kaliedoscope of past splendours and contemporary expression,
is India in essence, right down to her roots. Blessed with
natures bounty, the State is known for its beautiful
beaches, mountains teeming with wildlife, waterfalls, hot
sulphur springs and Chilika Lake. Sun Temple at Konark is in
itself a reason enough for a trip to India, like the Taj
Mahal at Agra or Kailasa Temple at Ellora. The sacred city
of Puri is considered to be one of the four holiest places -
"Char Dhams" and other ancient Hindu and Jain temples
attract millions of pilgrims from all over the country.
Great traditional dances and music, exquisite handicrafts,
temple architecture and sculpture, the colourful hospitable
people and above all the excitement of modern India's
technological achievements in the form of Hirakud Dam and
Raurkela Steel Plant are part of Orissa 's resplendent blend
of past and present. |
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