Orissa

Bhubaneshwar - the capital of Orissa, is both historical and mythical. The day breaks at Bhubaneswar to scores of temple bells proclaiming the advent of the Sun God. Puri is one of the four holy dhams of Hinduism and the hallowed seat of Lord Jagannath. Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal and embraced by casuarina-fringed beaches, it is a famous beach on the eastern coastline of peninsular India. Konark houses the renowned Sun Temple which is in a class of its own. Fine carvings cover almost every inch of the outer surface. Chilika Lake, is the largest brackish water lake in Asia, and Gopalpur-on-Sea, is a beautiful beach resort, well worth a visit.

Orissa is India's 10th largest state in area and 11th in population. It was recognised as a separate province in 1936. It is bounded by West Bengal on the north-east, Bihar on the north, Andhra Pradesh on the South-east, Madhya Pradesh on the west and Bay of Bengal on the east.Orissa today is kaleidoscope of past splendors and contemporary expression. The Sun Temple at Konark, north of Puri, is in itself reason enough for a trip to India. Like the Taj Mahal at Agra or the Kailasa temple at Ellora, Konark turns away adjective into a tired cliche. But Orissa has more. Puri's famed shrine Lord Jagannath's temple is one of India's four holiest places-"Chaar Dham" and many more Hindu and Jain temples, magnificent beaches, wildlife, great traditional dances and music, handicrafts, temple architecture and sculpture, the colorful hospitable people.