Temples and Tourist Attractions in odisha
Orissa State now renamed as Odisha State is one of the major pilgrimage centers of Hindus in India. Odisha temples are embellished with the numerous temple shrines. Temple culture is the most prevailing feature that pounds the visitor entering the holy state of Odisha. The magnificent Sun Temple at Konark, the highly sanctified Jagannath Temple at Puri and Bhubaneswar temples displays some of the rare specimen of temple architecture that has the impact of religious intensity, which is stunning beyond belief.
Some of the famous temples and tourist place in odisha are
Lingaraj Temple
Ananta Vasudeva Temple
Mukteswara Temple
Rajarani Temple
Brahmeswar temple
Bhaskareshwar temple
Lingaraj Temple is the biggest temple in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Shiva. A ccording to archaeological expert the temple is one of the foremost heritage sites of the east. Ananta Vasudeva Temple is located on the eastern bank of the Bindu Sarovar Lake. The images of Jagamohan, the Natamandira and the Bhogamandapa are placed in the three other main structure complexes.
Mukteswara temple is considered to be the main specimen of Orissan architecture where the sculpture and architecture are in complete harmony with each another. The temple rises up to a height of 35 feet is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rajarani temple at Bhubaneswar is also one of the most notable monuments of the place. Dating back to AD 1100.Here women are portrayed in a stunning variety of amorous poses and moods reminding one of the temples of Khajuraho.
Brahmeswar temple is among the earliest temples where iron beams were used in its construction. It is also called a pancha-ratha temple with five coat plasters that give the structure almost a rounded appearance.
Puri is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Orissa. Jagannath temple with a massive height of 215 feet 8 inches is huge and strong and stands on a high platform consisting of about 22 huge steps. Puri City is also famous for its chariot festival or the Rath Yatra, which attracts thousands of pilgrims as well as tourist worldwide.
Konark Beach: This quiet beach is about 3-km from the temple. The currents can be strong here, so swimming is not advisable.
Udaigiri and Khandagiri Caves: Udaigiri and Khandagiri caves are some of the famous tourist attractions in Orissa. The most popular ones to mention would be Akshay Ganga, Gupta Ganga, Shyam Kund and Radha Kund.
Ratnagiri: It is an impressive Buddhist site which is located on a small hill and is surrounded by rivers all over. While ascending the hill you will come across wonderful vistas of vast plains with lush greenery. Two large monasteries, including Sri Ratnagiri Mahavihara Aryabhikshu Sangha were unearthed during the excavations that were carried out here.
Chilka Lake: Chilka Lake is recognized for its exotic splendor and is one of the largest lakes not only India, but in the entire Asian continent stretching over an area of 1,100 sq km. It is an ideal picnic spot and offers ample scope for boating, fishing and bird watching. You can relax and spend some quality time here during your tour to Orissa.