|
Orissa has a chequered
history which has successfully assimilated and synthesised the best of
Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cultures. Orissa or Kalinga as it was then
called was a settlement of non-Aryan and Aryan settlers. It was a
formidable maritime empire with trading routes stretching up to Bali,
Sumatra, Indonesia and Java. The key to international trade and
immense wealth, it was coveted by many rulers. In fact, it was here
that the famous Battle of Kalinga was fought in 261 BC, which made the
great Mauryan Kshatriya (warrior caste) king Ashoka forsake war. He
became a follower of Buddhism and spread the spirit of ahimsa and
peace, the message of Buddhism, to Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka) and
the Far East, Exquisite remains of the Buddhist past still remain in
the areas of Udaygiri, Lalitagiri and Ratnagiri.
Kharavela, who came to
power in Kalinga, around 1st Century BC, was a staunch follower of
Jainism. It is to this period that Orissa owes its Jain art and
architectural tradition. The sophisticated architectural style of the
Jain Monastic caves at Udaygiri and Khandagiri are a story unto
themselves. During the 7th to the 13th Century AD, Orissa flourished.
Trade and commerce increased and along with it evolved its art and
architecture. The style of Hindu temple construction, so unique to
Orissa also developed around this time.
To understand all that a
Hindu temple stands for one must realize that temples in India are not
merely abodes of deities but a shradhanjali (offering) to the most
sacred. Here a ’darshan’ is a communion between man and his creator.
Hence, Orissan temples are characterised by profuse decorations,
exquisite carving and ornamentation covering the entire visible area
with Gods & Goddesses, kings and queens, animals and flower motifs
ranged against each other. They radiate the artist’s inner love and
dedication. Orissa is probably the only state where one can study
temple architecture in all its successive stages of development. Enchanting Odissi
Odissi, is the traditional
dance form of Orissa and probably owes its origin to the temple dances
of the devadasis (temple dancers). Possibly the oldest classical dance
form, one must sit through a performance to experience its sheer
lyrical grace. Mentioned in inscriptions, it is depicted on
sculptures, in temples like the Brahmeswara and the dancing hall of
the Sun temple at Konark. In fact in the 1950’s the entire Odissi
dance form was revitalized with the help of the Abhinaya Chandrika and
sculpted dance poses found in temples. Orissa enjoys a rich tradition
of tribal and folk dances as well. Chhau from Mayurbhanj District is a
martial dance form reminiscent of Orissa’s earlier maritime tradition.
Other folk and tribal dances include Danda Nata, a daylong performance
ending in acrobatic sequences, Ranapa or dances in which dancers
perform balancing acts on bamboo stilts. Rare Artistry
Land of dextrous artists
and craftsmen, Orissa possesses a rich artistic tradition which
enjoyed liberal patronage from the temples as well as the nobility.
Diverse and varied, the craftsmen artists of Orissa still retain their
indigenousness, trying to refine it to suit a changing sensibility. Be
it the applique artists of Pipli or the stone carvers of Orissa, proud
descendants of sculptors whose hands chiseled the unsurpassable
designs on Orissa’s famous temples, the essential conflict between the
traditional and the modern is gradually being resolved. The
progressive attitudes of the Orissan artists coupled with hereditary
skills zealously perpetuated, has given traditional Orissan arts and
crafts like weaving of Ikat, Bomkai and Sambalpuri Saris, stone
carving, applique and embroidery, silver filigree work, patta painting
and palm leaf engraving, brass and bell metal work, lacquered boxes
and toys and basket weaving, a unique place in the connoisseur’s
dictionary the world over. A visit to the Raghurajpur artists village
and Pipli, near Puri, to see the artists at work is quite a rewarding
experience. Gourmet Delights
The green coconut with its
pure water and the abundant sea food from Chilika lake and the sea are
as Orissan as pizzas are Italian. Delicious prawns, crabs, sweet water
fish, lamb, chicken and eggs cooked by Orissan cooks are widely
available gourmet fares, while specialty restaurants serve almost
everything. Milk preparations like Rasgulla, Rasmalai, Khirmohan,
Rasabali, Kalakand are delicious. Pithas, sweet and savoury are served
as local snacks. This is a traditional preparation requiring skill and
care. Pithas like Mandas, Kakara, Chhunchipatra are usually domestic
preparations much loved by the Orissans. The Ethnic World of Orissa Orissa is a modern state with an ethnic past that is still vibrant. Most of her tribes are to be found in the districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar Phulbani, Sambalpur, Kalahandi and Koraput. As many as 62 tribes exist in Orissa - Kondhs, Koyas, Bondas, Gadabas, Santals, Juangs, Oraon, to name only a few are some important tribes who have retained their individuality and their close bond with nature. From the last week of January to early February, the Tribal Fair at Bhubaneshwar brings together the ethnic world; their art, craft and culture is on display. For those desirous of a closer look trips are arranged by many tour operators from Bhubaneshwar and other cities but it is a hardier trail and more time consuming. The Tribal Museum (T.H.R.T.I.) at Bhubaneshwar (CRP Square) however is quite comprehensive and provides adequate information on the art, craft, housing and life-styles of the various tribal groups. |
|
Temple City of The East
Visit the ancient city of Bhubaneshwar (Bhuban being world and Iswar
God) and it is a walk down centuries of temple architecture, With 600
temples still extant, temples are to this ancient city as forts are to
Rajasthan. It is probably the only city in the world that enables an
authentic over-view of the stages of development of Hindu religious
architecture. In the fast moving world of today these temples are a
gentle reminder of the splendour, the heritage that was once India, It
is not hard to imagine what a temple would have been at the time of
its patron ruler. Regular dances by the ’Devadasis’ or divine servant
girls, rituals and rites, recital of hymns were all an integral part
of temple culture. Temples in Bhubaneshwar are built on a common plan
as prescribed by Hindu norms. The structure is divided into four
distinct parts connected to each other. The external part or the outer
chamber is the ’Jagamohana’. The Garbhagriha is the inner sanctum
sanctorum of the presiding deity. There is also a conical beehive
shaped tower which forms the third part – the Nata Mandap and the
fourth is the Bhoga Mandap. All visible parts of a temple are sculpted
with motifs of priests, kings, courtiers, pilgrims, celestial dancers,
couples in embrace, birds, animals or scenes from religious epics and
legends. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION :
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area :
65.03 sq km. EXCURSIONS Dhauligiri (8 km) has Ashokan edicts carved on rocks. These date back to 2nd century BC. Also has Buddhist temple built with Japanese collaboration. Udaygiri, Khandagiri (8 km) have a series of cave temples belonging to the Hindu and Jain faiths. Local guides required for the labyrinthine caves. Nandan Kanan Zoo (25 km) for viewing the Royal Bengal Tiger and white tigers. Chandipur (16 km) is a seaside resort with one of the finest beaches in Orissa. Pipli (29 km) is a village famous for its appliqu้ work, originally only made for the temple Gods. Atri Springs (42 km) has sulphur springs and the famous Hatakeshwara Temple. Sun Temple, Konark (65 km) is a magnificent 13th century temple visualized as the chariot of the Sun God, as he glides through the firmament from dawn to dusk. The ruins have sculptures detailing every aspect of human life. The city also has a beautiful beach. |
|
7 kms from Bhubaneshwar are the twin hills of Udaygiri and Khandagiri. Built by Kharavela around 1st - 2nd Century BC for Jain monks, they are excellent examples of Jain Cave art. The famous caves of Hathigumpha (elephant cave) in Udaygiri, RaniGumpha (Queen’s cave) also in Udaygiri, with upper and lower stories, spacious courtyards and extremely delicately designed friezes bear witness to the sophistication the architectural styles had attained as early as the first Century BC. |
|
Driving down the Puri-Konark Highway from Bhubaneshwar one comes across Dhauli hill on the banks of the River Daya. Surrounded by the soothing greenery of paddy fields, lies the 3rd Century BC Ashokan Rock Edict, a memory of the gruesome war that transformed Ashoka, the great Warrior into a Buddhist missionary. The Peace Pagoda built in collaboration with the Kalinga – Japanese Buddhist Sangha, on the opposite hill, is completely modern and is an excellent foil. |
|
The seat of Lord Jagannath,
Site of Renowned Rathyatra Festival and one of the most popular sea
side resorts on the Bay of Bengal, Puri is an ideal travel destination
all the year round. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION :
WHAT TO SEE
Shri Jagannath Temple,
Daria Hanuman and Sonar Gouranga Temple, Gundicha Char, Indradyumma
Tank, Narendra/Chandan Tank, Loknath Temple, Swarga Dwar, Sea Beach at
Puri. EXCURSIONS
Sakshigopal - 19 kms,
Konark - 31 kms, Bhubaneshwar - 63 kms. TOURIST INFORMATION
|
|
Renowned for its
magnificent sun temple, which was constructed by Narasinha Deva of
Ganga dynasty of Orissa in mid 13th century, Konark is also a lovely
beach resort. It is easily approachable from BhubanesHwar-64 kms &
Puri-32 kms by coaches and tourist cars. Regular bus services
including conducted sigthtseeing tours are available for Konark from
BhubanesHwar and Puri.
In Konark, the "Natya
Mandir", the dance hall of the Sun Temple probably remains as the last
remnant of the glorious temples of Orissa an extant example of the
architectural excellence of the times. Built in the 13th Century, here
a collossal image of the chariot of the Sun, drawn by seven horses and
24 wheels symbolises the divisions of time. The main tower of Konark
stood as high as 227 feet, superceding both Lingaraja and Jagannath
Temples. The Jagmohana (Porch) structure and the tower are both
situated atop the stone platform supporting the 24 wheels. The Konark
Sun Temple also houses a Natamandira or dancing hall. Only two
subsidiary temples out of the 22, that were also situated inside the
temple precincts, exist today. The VaishnadeviMayadevi Temple stand to
the West of the towers. The Sun temple of Narasimhadeva is a depiction
in stone of the life of those times – royal, social, religious and
military. The intricate carvings on the walls and wheels of the
chariot are unprecedented in history. The fine sculptures depicting
Court life, hunting, scenes, celestial deities are epitomes of
precision and grace. Graceful sculptures from the world of the
Kamasutra, epic of eroticism also adorn the structures. The Sun Temple
standing in solitary splendour is the relic of a great past. The
history lovers can regale themselves at the Archaeological Museum at
the site of the Konark Sun Temple. The majestic Sun Temple silhouetted
against the setting sun remains indelibly etched in the spectator’s
memory. GENERAL INFORMATION :
Area :
2.5 sq.km. HOW TO REACH
|
|
Chilika Lake, spreading
over an area of 1100 sq. kms is the largest brackish water lake in the
country and attracts large number of migratory birds besides resident
ones. Barkul and Rambha are two places on the lake which serve as the
base. Though the lake can be visited throughout the year, October to
March is the best season.
Flora
: The lake hourbours the
"aquatic vegetation" of its own and is typically represents by Algal
forms (e.g. Chaetomorpha and Enteromorpha widely distributed algae
followed by Lyngbya, Ulva, Cladophora and others like Gloeocapsa,
Nostoc, Sprigyra, Oedogonium, Chara, Nitella, Gracilaria etc.), a
number of Diatoms/Phytoplanktons and a few species of brackish water
submerged phanerogams like Potamogeton pectinatus, Halophila ovalis,
Ruppia maritima, Naja faveolata, Hydrilla verticellata and
Ceratophyllum demersum etc. Some floating plants like Eichhornia
crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Azolla pinnata etc. enter the like
with flood water but disappear after a few months. The communities of
Schoenoplectus littoralis in association with Eleocharis dulce,
Phragmites karka, Myrostachya wightii & many other grasses and sedges
also exist in shallow muddy areas. Species like Salicornia brachiata,
Suaeda maritima, Sesuvium portulacastrum, Phyla nodiflora,
Heliotropium curassavicum & some others occur in marshes and salt
fields along the edges and other shallow areas. The present scanty
littoral and scrub jungles on lake margin, islands and rocky faces are
represented by the species like Salvadora presica, Pongamia pinnata,
Colubrina asiatica, Cassipourea ceylonica, Aegiceras corniculatum,
Azima tetracantha, Pisonia aculeata, Clerodendron inerme, Carmona
retusa, Carissa spinarumm, Crateva spinarumm, Meytinus emarginatus,
Opuntia dillenii, Ficus sps., Crateva adansonii spp., Lepisanthes
tetraphylla, Streblus asper etc. and a number of climbers/twinners and
herbaceous ground flora. The dunes & sandy areas of the beaches near
lake have the floral composition of their own, favoured in the
conditions they offer. The land lying between Sea and Lagoon exhibits
rich growth of casuarina equisetifolia, planted by Forest Dept.
Fauna
: There is a wide varity of animal life forms representing various
groups of Animal Kingdom (ranging from Protozoa, Porifera, Polyzoa,
Brachiopoda, Coelenterata, Ctenophora, Isopoda, Echiura, Sipuncula,
Chaetognatha, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Crustacea, Arachinida,
Insecta, Mollusca to Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mamals).
The more details of some of these fauna arefurnished here. GENERAL INFORMATION :
Area :
1100 sq. kms. ( Wildlife Sanctuary area- 15.53 sq. kms.) TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
PLACES OF INTEREST
The lake with several of
its islands, main among them being, kalijai, Nalabana, Honeymoon,
Breakfast islands etc. Satpada towards the South Eastern stretch of
the lake is closer to puri and is fast developing as a tourist spot on
the shore of Chilika.
CRUISE ON
THE LAKE : To visit
various islands, particularly, Kalijai & Nalabana as well as to
cruise on the Chilika Lake, motorised Yatch and speed boat services
are available at fixed rates from the Manager, O.T.D.C., Panthniwas,
Barkul. EXCURSION
Narayani (22 kms from
Rambha), Gopalpur-on-Sea (45 kms from Rambha and 75 kms from Barkul),
Taptapani Sulphur Spring (100 kms from Rambha and 130 kms from Barkul). TOURIST INFORMATION
|
|
Gopalpur-on-Sea is a quiet
and charming sea resort along the Bay of Bengal, in the district of
Ganjam, Orissa. It offers secluded environment and magnificent sun,
surf and sand for most of the year. GENERAL INFORMATION :
Area : TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
PLACES OF INTEREST
Gopalpur is situated right
on the Bay of Bengal with a beautiful sea-beach. EXCURSIONS Chilika Lake (Rambha-45 km and Barkul-75 km), Nirmaljhar (56 km), Taptapani sulphur-spring (67 km). |
|
Nestled in the centre of
Mayurbhanj, the northernmost district of Orissa is the similipal
National Park one of India's better known wild life sanctuaries,
covering a large forested area of 2750 sq.kms. The variation in
topography, climate and vegetation has supported large varieties of
animals, birds and reptiles. Similipal is one of the earliest and
finest of India's fifteen Tiger reserves under Project Tiger. GENERAL INFORMATION :
Area :
2750 sq.km. ENTRY PERMIT :
Issued from :
Office of Assistant Conservator of Forest, National Park, Jashipur. Time: For Day Tourists- 0600 to 1200 hours. For Reservation Holders- 0600 to 1400 hours.
NOTE : TOURISTS ARE
ADVISED TO TAKE ANTI-MALARIAL DRUG BEFORE ENTRY INTO THE PARK TRANSPORT AND COMMUNNICATION :
WHAT TO SEE
Fauna found at the Park
include the tiger, leopard, elephants, bison, sambar, porcupine,
pangolin, flying-squirrel, hill myna, hornbill, python etc EXCURSIONS
Kiching (50 kms from
Joshipur). TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
|
|
Chandipur (16 kms) away
from Balasore Railway Station on Howrah-Madras line of South Eastern (
S.E.) Railways annique beach where the sea water recedes about 5 kms
during low-tide and advances to the shore line again during high-tides
each day. An ideal beach resort of Orissa. HOW TO GET THERE
|
Information
provided by
Department of Tourism. Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
Government of India. |
Home | Bhutan | Brunei | Cambodia | China-Yunnan | East Timor | Hong Kong | India | Indonesia | Japan | Kazakstan | Korea | Kyrgystan | Laos | Malaysia Maldives | Mongolia | Myanmar | Nepal | Pakistan | Philippines | Singapore | Sri Lanka | Tajikistan | Taiwan | Thailand | Tibet | Turkmenistan | Vietnam Uzbekistan
|
||
|
Copyright © 2002 Orasia co.,ltd. (Asia-planet.net) All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission prohibited. |
