Orissa is the land of Oriyas, earlier it was called as Kalinga, is flanked by the Eastern Ghats on the west and Bay of Bengal on the east. The 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, Indonesia, Bali and Sumatra. This state was invaded and conquered in 261 BC by Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor. But the spoils of war changed the heart of Ashoka and the embraced Buddhism.

The lord of the universe, Bhubaneswar is studded with hundreds of temples and it is popularly called as the cathedral city or temple city of the east. This abode of Tribhubaneswar or Shiva, the lord of the three worlds is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centers. It is believed that the city once upon a time had about 7000 temples of which 500 temples still exist. These shrines are a gentle reminder of the splendor of ancient India. Bhubaneswar is the ancient capital of the Kalinga Empire is today the modern capital of Orissa. Some of the famous traveler destinations of the capital city are Parasuramesvera temple, Vaital temple, Handicrafts Museum, Orissa state museum, Cactus garden, Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves, Atri, Nandan Kanan zoo, Cuttack, Paradeep, the three hills Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri.

Berhampur is the silk city of Orissa is an important commercial center of the region. It is also well known for fine work on gold ornaments of southern design and delicious cuisine. Some of the attractions are the Neelakantheswar temple, Thakurani temple, Jagannath temple. Around Berhampur, Aryapalli is famous for charming beach and bracing climate. Gopalpur-on-sea is the tranquil sea-side town has emerged as a fine beach resort. Taptapani is the hot water springs amidst lush forests are worth visiting. The hot water is channelised to pond nearby to facilitate comfortable bathing. It is conveniently accessible by bus. Taratarini is the hill top temple, the twin goddesses is endowed with immense natural beauty. The scenic beauty is further enhanced by river Rushikulya.

Konark is the small sea-side town was an important ancient port and is now world renowned for the majestic Sun Temple which was built in the year 1278 by Ganga king Narisimha – I is the crowing glory of Orissan temple architecture. The museum of archeological survey of India lies just outside the temple enclosure. It exhibits sculptures and carvings recovered from the Sun Temple. Konark beach is one of the most attractive beaches of the country. Konark dance festival is the famous festival held in early December and attracts eminent dancers from all over the country. Around Konark Pipli is the famous for handicrafts called as appliqué work. Beautiful bedspreads, cushion covers, bags, wall hangings, umbrellas etc. are prepared using this art work.

Puri is the abode of Lord Vishnu, as Jagannath is regarded by Hindus as one of the four holiest pilgrim center or char dhams. Lord Jagannath temple was built by Chodaganga Deva in the typical Kalinga style of architecture during the year 12th century AD.

Thus, Orissa is a kaleidoscope of past splendors as well as contemporary expression, blessed with nature’s bounty. This state is known for its hot sulphur springs, beautiful beaches, temples, mountains teeming with wildlife, waterfalls, and lakes.