Orissa Travel Guide
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Guidebooks
Orissa is a tangibly religious place. The state was once a center of Buddhist learning, but changes in ruling dynasties brought revolutions to spirituality, moving away from Buddhism, first to Jainism and then to Hinduism. Bhubaneswar, the capital, with its hundreds of temples; Puri, with its impressive Jagannath Temple, one of Hinduism's holiest shrines; and Konark, renowned for its extraordinary Sun Temple, are showcases for Orissa's distinctive sacred architecture, characterized by unusual shapes and fabulous, often erotic, sculptures. Buddhist history is preserved at Dhauli, where you can find an ancient Buddhist university's vast complex of ruins; this is where the legendary King Ashoka looked down from the hill at the carnage after a battle and experienced a conversion to Buddhism. The Jains have left a honeycomb of caves filled with sculptures to mark their era. Beyond these sites, you'll see signs of devotion everywhere: from village huts to taxis to hotels, the smiling, owl-eye face of Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Krishna and Orissa's main god, looks back at you. Oriyas are very dharmic (religious-minded) people.
Orissa Hotels
You don't come to Orissa for the hotels. As a rule, they're utilitarian, and service is far from snappy, with a few newer exceptions. Outside Bhubaneswar...read more
Fodor's Choice
Orissa Restaurants
In Bhubaneswar and Orissa's other towns and resort areas, expect good food at low prices in unassuming restaurants (though Bhubaneswar does have a few more...read more
Things To Do in Orissa
Most of Orissa's top tourist attractions run along...read more
Travel Deals in Orissa
- $1217 & up -- Flights to Delhi on Sale (R/T incl. Tax) Major Airlines on Fly.com
- India Experience IExplore
- Classical India IExplore
- $1207 & up -- Flights to Mumbai on Sale (R/T incl. Tax) — $1,207 Major Airlines on Fly.com
Orissa Experiences
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Temple Carvings: Dubbed the Temple City, Bhubaneswar, Orissa's capital, has multitude of temples showcasing a treasury of graceful carvings. These... Read more
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Although most of Orissa's 62 tribes have been absorbed into mainstream life, others in tiny villages scattered over verdant hills and valleys... Read more
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Orissa is renowned for its handicrafts. Foremost among them is the weaving of hand-loomed silk, tussar (raw) silk, and cotton fabrics and saris... Read more
Travel Blog
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Trip Ideas & Itineraries, Restaurants, Hotels, Best of the Best
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Trip Ideas & Itineraries
Fodors.com caught up with renowned author Jay McInerney on the heels of his latest book launch to ge... Read more
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Arriving:· Forums Trip Reports
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