Showing posts with label Orissa. Show all posts

Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Puri Excursions

Balighai Beach

Lying at a distance of 8 kms from Puri, the beach at Balighai serves as an excellent family picnic spot. Its tranquil waters, scenic locales and Casuarina fringes make it a must-visit destination. For the complete relaxation of mind, body and soul, this is just the perfect place.

Satyabadi

Satyabadi is a small town located at a distance of 20 kms from Puri. The town is known for being the venue of a shrine dedicated to Lord Sakshigopal. Since the shrine holds much religious significance for people, it is said that if you don't visit Satyabadi, your trip to Puri is incomplete.

Brahmagiri

Brahmagiri lies at a distance of 25 kms from the main city of Puri. The place is famous for the shrine of Alarnath. The temple witnesses a heavy rush of devotees, especially during Anabasara of Lord Jagannath. In its close proximity is situated the shrine of Baliharachandi.

Raghurajpur

Raghurajpur, a very famous village of Orissa, is known for its superb Pattachitra and Talapattachitra paintings. It is also the hometown of the renowned Odissi dancer, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Even today, one can see young boys practicing the Gotipua dance here. This small village definitely deserves atleast one visit.

Sakhigopal

Sakhigopal is a famous pilgrimage located at distance of 10 to 20 km from Puri. One of the major attractions of the place is the Sakhigopal Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. For those who are interested in getting an insight into the Hindu philosophies, Sakhigopal is the perfect place............
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Chilka Lake

Lying on the eastern coast of Orissa, Chilka Lake is one of the most sought after tourist attractions near the holy city of Puri. The source of the lake is the Mahanadi River, which drains into it. Chilika Lake is one of the largest lakes in not only India, but also Asia and stretches over an area of 1,100 sq km. It is a very popular picnic spot and provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing and bird watching. If you just want to relax and soak the sunrays, this is the perfect place for you.

Dolphin at Chilka Lake

The lake is located far away from the hustle bustle of the city and serves as the perfect getaway from the daily tensions. During winters, Chilka Lake serves as a bird sanctuary, providing home to a wide variety of migratory birds that come here from different parts of the world. For people who want to keep away from the maddening rush of city, there can be no better option than to enjoy sitting by the side of the lake or going on a long walk along its extensive stretch or indulging in bird watching

The dazzling view of the Chilika Lake, the melodious humming of birds and the rejuvenating calmness of the environs are bound to leave an ever-lasting impression in your mind. The scenic beauty of the lake has been a source of inspiration for numerous pets in the past. Going on a cruise is another one of the adventures you can undertake while visiting the Chilka Lake. So, pack your bags right now and get ready to lose yourself in this beautiful world............
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How to Reach Puri

Air

Bhubaneswar serves as the most convenient entry point for traveling to Puri by air. The capital city of Orissa is linked with all the major cities of India, such as Kolkata, Delhi and Hyderabad, by direct flights.

Rail

Puri has a good railway network also. Regular trains operate from the railway station in the city, connecting it with almost all the major cities of Orissa as well as the rest of the country.

Road

Puri has a good network of roads, connecting it with the major parts of India. For getting to Puri from some other city of Orissa, it is best to travel by road as it is a very convenient and inexpensive option. Government State Transport and Orissa Road Corporation buses regularly ply between Puri and Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Chilka, Konarak, Chennai, Sambalpur and Visakhapatnam............
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Monday, 9 January 2012

Bhubaneswar, Orissa

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa, is situated in its eastern side. The city boasts of majestic temples and shrines, which form a major part of its tourist attractions. It serves as the perfect example of the fusion of age-old customs and traditions and modern aspirations. This is one of the basic reasons why tourism in Bhubaneshwar is gaining momentum day by day. People are coming to the city from various parts of India as well as the world to witness it unique splendor.

They also travel to Bhuvaneswar with the aim of visiting its numerous revered Hindu temples. Of these, the more popular ones are Lingaraja temple, Rajarani temple, Parasuramesvera temple and Yogini temple, along with Mukteshwar, Siddheswar and Kedargauri temples. Other places in the city that are worth watching are its Handicrafts Museum, Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves, Orissa State Museum and Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary.

You can also go for the shopping in Bhubaneswar and buy some nice souvenirs for your friends and family members. The best buys include patta paintings, stone and woodcarving, silk fabrics and silver filigree, also known as the tarakashi work. The city has a typical tropical climate and is best visited in the winter season.

Transport

Places to See:

Bindusagar Lake

Lingaraj Temple

Mukteshwar Temple

Mukteshwar temple, one of the most prominent temples of Bhubaneswar, has been constructed in the style that is quite similar to the one used in the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture. More

Rajarani Temple

Orissa State Museum

Excursions...........
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Bhubaneswar Excursions

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa, is regarded as one of the holiest cities of the country. Infact, it is known by the name of the "Temple City of India". The major reason for this is that the city is the seat of ‘Tribhubaneswar’ or 'Lord Lingaraja'. Along with that, there are hundreds of Hindu temples in the city that attract devotees from far and wide. Bhubaneshwar is not only known for it religious places. Rather, there are numerous tourist places in and around the city where one can go and enjoy, like the Pipli village. In the following lines, we have provided information about a few popular excursions from Bhubaneswar.

Nandankanan National Park

Dhauli Hill

Udaygiri& Khandagiri Caves

Sun Temple

Sun temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Konark. The credit for constructing this 13th century old shrine, dedicated to Sun God, goes to Raja Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty. Konark Sun Temple has been built in the form of a gigantic chariot that has 24 wheels. More

Pipli

Lying approximately 29 km from Bhubaneswar, Pipli is a small village that is famous as a centre for appliqué work. A visit to the village can bring you very close to the culture of Orissa. Colorful canopies, blooming gardens, bright beach umbrellas, shoulder and handbags, etc are some of the things you can shop for, when in Pipli.

Atri Springs

Atri springs are situated at a distance of about 42 km from the city of Bhubaneswar. Hot sulphur springs; they are believed to cure people of acute skin diseases. At the same time, the vast greenery surrounding them, along with the picturesque locales, definitely makes the visit a pleasant experience.

Yogini Temple (Hirapur)

The city of Hirapur lies almost 15 km from Bhubaneshwar. It is known for its Hypaethral temple of sixty four Yoginis, which dates back to as far back as the 11th century. This temple is second of its kind in Orissa and fourth of its kind in India.

Sisupalgarh

Sisupalgarh is an old, ruined city that is situated at a distance of approximately two km from the Lingaraja Temple of Bhubaneswar. It is believed to date back to the third or fourth century BC and serves as a proof of the fact that even at that time; fortified cities existed in the area.

Lalitagiri

Known for attracting hordes of pilgrims every year, Lalitagiri is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage in India. It is located in the state of Orissa, around 90 kilometers from the capital city Bhubaneshwar.

Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri is a splendid Buddhist site that comes under the Jajpur district of Orissa. It is situated at a distance of approximately 100 km from Bhubaneswar and 70 km from Cuttack. The site, situated on a small hill, stands surrounded by rivers from all the sides............
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Sun Temple, Konark

Sun temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Konark. The credit for constructing this 13th century old shrine, dedicated to Sun God, goes to Raja Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty. Konark Sun Temple has been built in the form of a gigantic chariot that has 24 wheels. Each of the wheels is nearly 10 feet in diameter. The chariot is drawn by seven horses. The temple, adorned with intricate and exquisite sculptural work, holds the distinction of being one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Legend

There is an interesting legend associated with the Sun temple of Konarak. It is said that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna and Jambavati, committed the mistake of entering the bathing place of Lord Krishna’s wives. Angry at the act of his son, Lord Krishna cursed Samba with leprosy and made a proclamation that he would be relieved of this curse only when he worshipped Lord Surya with full devotion. Acting upon the decree, Samba reached Konaditya Kshetra. There, he found the idol of Sun God seated on a lotus.

The boy sincerely worshipped the Lord and was finally able to obtain freedom from this punishment. One of the most striking features of the Konark Sun temple consists of the extraordinary sculptures that depict the various aspects of life. It also portrays the scenes from civil life and war. Human love has been expressed in the most amazing manner. As far as its designing is concerned, this temple is the one of its kind in India. Every year, it serves as the venue for two festivals, the Konark Dance Festival and the Sun Festival............
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Nandankanan National Park, Bhubaneswar

Nandankanan National Park is a must-visit tourist attraction of Orissa. On one hand, it fulfills the criteria of being a zoological park. On the other hand, it also serves as a grand botanical garden, where one can see even the rarest species of plants. The zoological park has been demarcated from the botanical garden with a natural lake. Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary has been named after the ‘mythical garden’ of Gods, the mention of which has often been made in the Puranic literature of India.

The sanctuary has been so named because of its exquisite beauty and alluring serenity. It serves as the natural habitat of a number of animals, ranging from the rare white tigers, reptiles and snakes to distinctive kinds of birds. Even for kids, this place is very enjoyable. They can take a joy ride in the toy train that runs here. For the elders, there are boating facilities at the lake. The whole atmosphere of the Nandankanan National Park is so serene that it completely rejuvenates the mind as well as the soul.

Wildlife

Apart from the beautiful White Tigers, one can also find other wild animals in the Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary. These include Asiatic Lion, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Indian Pangolin and Mouse Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Rhesus Macaque, Black Buck, etc.

Birds

Nandan Kanan National Park is home to approximately 80 species of birds. At the same time, it also has an aviary for the aquatic birds. Some of the rare bird species that can be found here include White Peacock, Open-billed Stork, Blue & Yellow Macaw, Green-winged Macaw, etc.

Reptile Park

There is separate Reptile Park at the Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to a large number of crocodiles, lizards, turtles and snakes, including three species of Indian Crocodiles. A life sized Tyrannosaurus Rex stands as a guard on the gates of this park, which is very popular amongst kids.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is situated over the Kanjia Lake and can be visited through the ropeway from the zoo. Here, one can see some of the rarest species of plants............
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Dhauli Hill, Bhubaneswar

Dhauli Hill, one of the most visited Buddhist pilgrim destinations in India, is situated in the state of Orissa. It is located in the Khurda district, at a distance of approximately 8 km from Bhubaneswar. The hill represents the place where, after witnessing the carnage of Kalinga War, Emperor Ashoka relinquished war and adopted Buddhism. Serving as a proof of this renunciation are the edicts of the Emperor, which have been preserved here.

It is in these edicts that he had asked his administrators to rule with equality and compassion. One of the major attractions of the Dhauli Hills is a Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda). Situated on the opposite hill, this stupa was built by the Indians, in collaboration with the Japanese. It is circular edifice, which is adorned with a mushroom-like dome on top. Of the numerous stone panels in the stupa, the main panel is the one that has the reclining Buddha.

Along with Lord Buddha, it also comprises of His footprints, an elephant procession, the Bodhi Tree, a sleeping beauty, a horse back procession and Emperor Ashoka, relinquishing war by presenting his sword to Lord Buddha. Dhauli Hill is also quite famous for the Saddharma Vihar Monastery and a number of rock-cut caves. Not to be missed are numerous Hindu temples, which date back to the medieval age............
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Orissa State Museum, Bhubaneswar

The origin of Orissa State Museum can be traced back to the year 1932. Its foundation was laid when Professor N. C. Banerjee and Professor Ghanshyam Dash of Ravenshaw College, two famous historians, initiated the task of collecting archaeological treasures from different places. At that time, the museum was started within the college premises only. It was later in 1938 that, the Government of Orissa formally declared it as the Orissa State Museum.

The moment you’ll enter the Orissa state museum, its very first glimpse will take you into the world of past, reminding you of the history and cultural traditions of the state. Orissa state museum of Bhubaneswar has an amazing collection of copper plates, coins, stone inscriptions and sculptures. You’ll be astonished to see rare manuscripts written on the palm leaves. The museum also houses age-old bronze tools and traditional & folk musical instruments.

If you want to have a look at the rare epigraphic records, you will have to visit the museum’s Epigraphy Gallery. For art lovers, walking through the handicraft museum, while glancing at splendid miniature paintings, is a delightful experience. It contains a fabulous collection of patta paintings, brassware, stone sculptures and the well-known silver filigree work of Orissa. If you want to explore the tribal culture of the region, then the Tribal Museum is just the place for you............
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Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar

Rajarani temple is one of the most renowned temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa. It is made from the wonderful red and gold sandstone, which is locally known as Rajarani and this is what gives the temple its name of ‘Raja Rani’. The major attractions of the temple consist of the elaborately carved figurines. Rajarani temple of Bhubaneshwar is dedicated to Lord Brahma. The origin of this temple can be dated back to the eleventh century.

It is an epitome of elegance and grace. The sculptural images adorning its façade and interiors are simply outstanding. Females are portrayed in different postures, like holding the child in their arms, holding mirror in their hand, etc. There is no other temple of this kind in the entire state of Orissa. Rajarani temple has also been ornamented with marvelous artistic sculptural carvings and stands enclosed within a beautiful garden............
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Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar

Mukteshwar temple, one of the most prominent temples of Bhubaneswar, has been constructed in the style that is quite similar to the one used in the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture. The splendid Torana of the temple, an ornamental arched gateway, is very much reminiscent of the influence of Buddhism in Orissa. Established in the year 950 AD, Mukteswar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its major highlights consist of the exquisite carvings that depict ascetics in different meditative pose. On the eastern side of the temple, there is a large well.

It is said that, taking a dip in the holy well cures a person of infertility. Mukteshwar temple exudes magnificence and delicacy. It is a perfect blend of ancient and modern designing and this is what makes it simply outstanding. This architecture is one of the basic reasons why Mukteswar temple is also known as the ‘Gem of Orissa architecture’. It has undergone a dramatic makeover, but still retains its essence. The temple stands within an octagonal compound wall that is based on the lines of structures built in the bygone times. However, today, the wall has been reduced to nothing more than small fragments............
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Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar

Lingaraj temple is one of the most popular temples of Orissa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as ‘Lingaraj’. It is adorned with beautiful sculptures, which have been carved on the spire. Lingaraja temple is approximately 54.8 metres high and enshrines a huge statue of Lord Shiva, made up of granite. The idol is 8 feet in diameter and is placed on a platform that is about 8 inches above ground. The deity is bathed everyday with water, milk and bhang (marijuana).

Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneswar is believed to date back to the later half of eleventh century. However, some people are of the belief that, some parts of the temple have been there since the sixth century. It is also said that the temple was constructed by Jajati Keshari, the SomaVanshi King. However, there are no historical records to authenticate the claim. The high walls of Lingaraja temple, that have been made by using solid red sandstones, lend it the look of a fortress, when viewed from outside.

On the eastern side of the temple, lies its solitary entrance point, which is commonly known as the ‘Simhadwara’ or the ‘Lions' Gate’. One of the oldest temples of Bhubaneshwar, Lingaraja has 150 smaller shrines inside its huge courtyard. Lingaraj temple is basically made up of four parts, namely the main temple, the 'Yajna Shala', the 'Bhoga Mandap' and the 'Natya Shala'. Along with Lord Shiva, it also enshrines Lord Vishnu, in the form of Saligramam idol. The main gates of the temple have Lord Shiva’s Trishul on one side and Lord Vishnu’s Chakra on the other............
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Bindusagar Lake, Bhubaneswar

Lying to the north of the Lingaraja Temple, the Bindusagar Lake is one of the popular tourist attractions of Bhubaneswar. Infact, the lake has been gaining more and more popularity amongst the tourists as a picnic spot. Every year, the idol of Lord Lingaraja (Lord Shiva), enshrines in the Lingaraja Temple, is brought to the lake for a ritual bath. People believe that when a person takes a dip in the Bindu Sagar Lake, the holy water washes away all his sins and he gets rid of all his diseases.

The lake is about 1300 ft in length and 700 ft in width. The banks of Bindusagar Lake are covered with beautiful stones, which further enhance its charm. The whole atmosphere is so tranquil and peaceful that it immediately revitalizes the soul. The lake serves as a focal point around which numerous temples of Bhubaneshwar are located. There is a very interesting legend associated with the creation of the Bindusagar Lake of Orissa.

As per the legend, Lord Shiva expressed his preference for Bhubaneshwar, over Benares, in front of His consort, Goddess Parvati. She disguised Herself as a cowherd woman and went to look at the city. On the way, she met two demons, Kritti and Vasa, who expressed a wish to marry Her. She asked them to carry Her on their shoulders and when they did so, She crushed them under Her weight. It was at this time that Lord Shiva created the lake to quench Her thirst.

Legend

According to a legend, Lord Shiva told his consort, Parvati how he preferred Bhubaneshwar/Ekamra thirtha over Benares/Kashi. Upon hearing this, Parvati, in the guise of a cowherd woman, decided to have a look at the city herself. Two demons, Kritti and Vasa, in the meanwhile, desired to marry Parvati. Parvati told them to carry her upon their shoulders and in the process crushed them under her weight. It is said that Lord Shiva, then created the Bindusagar lake to quench Parvati's thirst............
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How to Reach Bhubaneswar

Air

Indian Airlines operate flights on a day-to-day basis to and from Bhubaneswar. Along with that, there are a number of private airlines that connect it with the major cities of India, like Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta, Visakhapatnam, Varanasi and Nagpur, by air.

Rail

Bhubaneshwar is very well linked with the rest of India by railways. There are various super fast trains that link the city with other major cities, like New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Road

Bhubaneswar is well connected to almost every part of the country by the national highways. Buses and taxis are easily available from Bhubaneswar for traveling within the state as well as going to the neighboring ones............
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Cuttack, Orissa

Cuttack is one of the oldest cities of Orissa. For quite a long time, this city served as the capital of Orissa. It was founded in the early 10th century by Nripati Kesari. Cuttack is situated on the delta formed by the rivers Mahanadi and Kathjuri. Since the city has such strategic position, it serves as the main base for commercial activities. Cuttack is known for its handicrafts and shopping in the city is a delight for shoppers.

You can get an amazing variety of Ikat fabrics and appliqué work over here. The fine silverwork done here usually renders the visitors speechless. Infact, Cuttack is famous throughout India for its exquisite silver filigree work. While on a shopping spree, you can always stop for a halt in one of the restaurants in the city and relish the yummy mouthwatering seafood. Presently, tourism in Cuttack is on its boom.

The best part about the city is that, it is very well connected to almost all the major cities of the country. It is accessible from almost all parts of the country via train and buses. However, if you want to travel to Cuttack by air, then Bhubaneswar will serve as one of the most convenient entry points. There are a large number of sightseeing places in Cuttack, for instance Barabati Fort, Chandi Temple and Kadam Rasool Dargah.

Transport

Places to See:

Barabati Fort

Barabati Fort, situated in Cuttack, is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions of Orissa. Situated on the bank of Mahanadi River, this fort lies on the western side of the city. It is located at a distance of about 8 km from the heart of Cuttack. Barabati fort once housed an illustrious nine-storied palace.

Kadam Rasool Cuttack

Kadam Rasool is a famous mosque located in the vicinity of the old quarters in the Cuttack city. The domed mosque is spread over an area of 57 acres. The origin of Kadam-I-Rasool, in the Cuttack city of Orissa, can be traced back to the eighteenth century.

Stone Revetments

The ‘Stone Revetments’, situated on the banks of Mahanadi River, were constructed by King Marakata Keshari in the eleventh century. An architectural as well as engineering wonder, these Stone Revetments stand as a proof of the advanced technology of Indians so long back also. These revetments served as the protection of Cuttack during floods, helping the city attain the status of the capital.

Chandi Temple

Chandi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is highly revered by devotees and people visiting the city make sure to offer their prayers here. It’s magnificently carved interiors and gateways stand as a testimony to the architectural ability of the previous times.

Excursions...........
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Cuttack Excursions

Known as the commercial capital of Orissa, Cuttack is situated at a distance of approximately 30 km to the north of Bhubaneswar. It lies at the conjuncture of river Mahanadi and river Kathjuri and dates back to the 10th century. Founded by Nripati Keshari, the city of Cuttack is one of the preferred destinations for the tourists visiting Orissa. Apart from the numerous tourists places within the city, there are a number of excursions near it that are definitely worth a visit. Given below is more information on Cuttack excursions.

Lalitagiri

Known for attracting hordes of pilgrims every year, Lalitagiri is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage in India. It is located in the state of Orissa, around 90 kilometers from the capital city Bhubaneshwar. Lalitagiri looks like a tiny ancient village, which has a lot of greenery and open spaces. Tourism in Lalitgiri is gaining much popularity due to the scenic locales and the magnificent Stupas and ancient sculptures that this site boasts of.

Udaygiri

Ratnagiri

Dhabaleshwar

Dhabaleshwar is a beautiful island located at a distance of 37 kms from the Cuttack city. One of its major attractions is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, embellished with carvings that can be traced back to 10th and 11th century.

Kendrapara

Kendrapara is a small town, which is famous for a temple devoted to Lord Baladeva. Another major tourist attraction of this small town is the Car Festival that is celebrated every year with great pomp and show.

Ansupa

Located at a distance of 70 kms from Cuttack, Ansupa is popular for its tranquil lake. The flowing waters, lush green bamboo trees and serenity of the place serve as the perfect respite from the hectic everyday life. The long stretch of the lake enables you to take relaxing walks. In case you don’t want to go in for boating, just laze around or indulge in bird watching.

Paradeep

Paradeep is one of the major seaports of Orissa, which lies 94 km away from the Cuttack city. From the tourists point of view, the major attraction of the city is its beautiful beach, where one can spend hours playing, swimming or just lazing around, soaking the sun.

Jajpur

Jajpur town lies approximately 92 km from Cuttack. It is popular as the abode of Goddess Viraja, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, and is also known by the name of ‘Vaithrani Tirtha’. Devotees come here in large numbers, mainly during Pitripaksha, to offer Pinda (food for spirits) to seek the eternal salvation of their ancestors. The town also boasts of a number of shrines, like that of Shweta Varaha (White Boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Goddess Parvati............
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Ratnagiri Orissa

Ratnagiri is a splendid Buddhist site that comes under the Jajpur district of Orissa. It is situated at a distance of approximately 100 km from Bhubaneswar and 70 km from Cuttack. The site, situated on a small hill, stands surrounded by rivers from all the sides. As you climb up to Ratnagiri, you will come across magnificent views of vast plains, full of lush greenery. Excavations were carried out at the site and they led to the unearthing of two large monasteries, one of them being Sri Ratnagiri Mahavihara Aryabhikshu Sangha.

This monastery stands adorned with gorgeous doorways, cella sanctum, a huge stupa, Buddhist shrines, sculptures and a massive idol of Lord Buddha. Ratnagiri was one of the first sites to be excavated in India in the period 1957 and 1960. The artifacts and relics found here have been found to be as old as the reign of Narasimha Gupta Baladitya of Gupta dynasty, which dates back to 6th century AD. Initially, the site serves as one of the most prominent centers of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.

With the advent of 8th and 9th century, the focus shifted to the Tantrik Buddhism or Vajrayana art and philosophy. One can still see a number of sculptural relics on the walls, serving as a proof of the popularity of Vajrayana divinities during that time. As per the Tibetan account of Pag Sam Jon Zang, Ratnagiri contributed to the emergence of Kalachakratantra in the 10th century. As you enter the first monastery of Ratnagiri, you will notice that its walls are adorned with exquisitely carved stone statues of Vajrapani and Lokeshwara.

One can also find sculptures based on the Hindu mythology, in the monastery. There is an isolated chamber inside its complex, in which a 10 ft idol of Lord Buddha, engaged in meditation, has been enshrined. The courtyard has been adorned with a magnificently carved door. There are a number of other fabulous sculptural evidences strewn throughout the monastery. In the second monastery of Ratnagiri, you will come across a life-size granite statue of Lord Buddha. Ratnagiri also boasts of a splendid a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna.

The site is known for housing a massive stupa, which stands encircled by a number of small stupas, which were donated by the followers of Buddhist religion. They make Ratnagiri, probably, the only site in India with such a large number of monolithic stupas. Wherever you go in Ratnagiri, you will come across splendid motifs known as Kunjalata and Patralata. These motifs stands as testimony to the cultural transfer taking place at that time. Even the Buddhist sculptures adorning the site reflected the rich art of old times and have contributed to tourism in Ratnagiri............
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Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves, Bhubaneswar

Orissa is well known for the ancient caves located in the twin cities of Udaygiri (meaning the hill of the sunrise) and Khandagiri (meaning the broken hill). They are situated near the capital city of Bhubaneswar. Udaygiri caves are approximately 135 ft high and Khandagiri caves are 118 ft high. The caves are reminiscent of influence of Buddhism and Jainism in Orissa. The origin of the rock cut caves of Udaygiri and Khandagiri dates back to the 2nd century BC.

The main attraction of these caves consists of its stupendous carvings. Of all the caves in Udaygiri, the largest one is the Rani Gumpha or the Queen’s Cave. The cave of the queen is adorned with elaborate carvings. There is also an Elephant Cave or the Hathi Gumpha, where you can find the amazing statues of elephants installed on the gate. In the Khandagiri city, one can find a large number of caves and most of them have been occupied for meditative purposes.

Some of the popular caves in Khandagiri include Akshay Ganga, Gupta Ganga, Shyam Kund and Radha Kund. One of the most interesting caves is the 24-Tirthankaras Cave. It contains the carvings of the twenty-four Apostles of Jainism, on the monolithic stones. There is another fascinating cave known as the ‘Ganesh Cave’. Udaygiri & Khandagiri caves are one of the famous tourist attractions near the Bhubaneshwar city of India today. More on Udaygiri............
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More about Udaygiri, Cuttack

Udaygiri, along with Ratnagiri and Lalitagiri, forms the Buddhist Triangle in India. The city is situated in the state of Orissa and holds the distinction of being its largest Buddhist complex. Excavations are being carried out at the site by the Archaeological Survey of India, since quite a long time. The most recent ones led to the unearthing of a monastery, by the name Madhavapura Mahavihara. This monastery is adorned with a large number of Buddhist sculptures, which are definitely worth having a look at.

As per the historians who have witnessed the excavations, the monasteries situated here date back to somewhere 7th and 12th century. Today, Udaigiri is one of the most popular Buddhist destinations in India and has led to a boost in tourism in this part of the country. Art lovers, history buffs, tourists and researchers travel from various part of India as well as the world, to have a look at the monastery, which serves as a storehouse of information on the history of Buddhism in India.

The famous Chinese traveler ‘Hieun Tsang’ has made a reference of Udaygiri in his travel accounts. He also mentioned the existence of a number of Buddhist monasteries in the region. Udaygiri boasts a number of brick stupas, carved sculptures and ancient inscriptions. Though they stand mostly in ruins now, their glory has not been lost completely. The entire city is located at the foothills of a large hill, which proves to be an impressive background and further adds to its appeal............
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Lalitagiri, Bhubaneswar

Known for attracting hordes of pilgrims every year, Lalitagiri is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage in India. It is located in the state of Orissa, around 90 kilometers from the capital city Bhubaneshwar. Lalitagiri looks like a tiny ancient village, which has a lot of greenery and open spaces. Tourism in Lalitgiri is gaining much popularity due to the scenic locales and the magnificent Stupas and ancient sculptures that this site boasts of.

Lalitagiri has a very rustic look and has not lost its old world charm. The caves, open spaces and archaeological excavation of the Stupas give an entirely different look to the place. The sculptures that have been excavated by numerous archaeologists are said to date back to the 1st century. It has been found out after studying those sculptures that they are related to the Gandharva School of Art. The sculptures reveal valuable information about the art forms of ancient times.

Lalitagiri has many hill ranges in the vicinity that are the prime locations of several stupas. A giant Stupa located at the top of Pushpagiri hill is a famous tourist attraction and is considered to be a masterpiece due to its Buddhist architectural design. There are many sculptures here that provide valuable information related to the life and culture during the times of Lord Buddha. Thus, Lalitagiri is an important Buddhist site from the point of view of tourism as well as archaeology............
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