Tag: Odisha

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Souvenir Shopping from Odisha

Odisha is very famous for its temples. It also provides the nation with vibrant handicraft products. Almost in every city of Odisha, there are various souvenir shops. Odisha is also home to beautiful architecture. It is famous for hand embroidery and saris that give an authentic look to Indian women. Odisha offers different souvenirs for art lovers, pilgrims, women, and also for foodies. One can only find such diversity in the Indian states. 

Odisha souvenirs for Art lovers

Filigree work

Filigree work refers to the beautifully carved silver and other jewelry pieces. Paintings on boxes also contain filigree work. It gives a royal look to the simple Indian people. It is the most eloquent gift for close friends and family members. You can get the filigree work at various souvenir shops in Odisha. However, the best place to get one is Nimchauri in Cuttack. It is the best place in India for filigree work.

Pipli work

Pipli is a village between puri and Bhubaneswar in Odisha. It is famous for its colorful patchwork. It is also known as applique. It acts as a good souvenir to remember the story of Odisha. There are generally umbrellas, lamps, and bags woven into this beautiful patchwork. The Pipli work adorns the Jagganath Rath Yatra, every year. 

Konark wheel

Konark is very famous for its sun temple. Many tourists visit the Konark temple in Odisha throughout the year. Wheels of Konark temple symbolize the sun god. You can get the small Konark wheel structure as a souvenir, carved in wood or stone from Odisha. You can also get a small piece of the Konark temple in Odisha. It is sacred to keep this as a souvenir at home.

Souvenirs in Odisha for the Pilgrims

Nirmalaya

The rice offered to Lord Jagannath is tied in pink clothes is known as Nirmalaya. It serves as a prasad for the deities. People take it to their homes and mix it with the rice at home. It is so because, after mixing, every grain becomes sacred. After mixing, people consider each piece of rice holy.  

Mini Jagannath

You can find mini Jagannath in almost every shop in Odisha. It is associated with Lord Jagannath and his two siblings, similar to the main idol at the temple in Puri. You can find their idols in black, white, and yellow colors. You can also get Jagannath imprints on the bag, umbrella, and other products.

Odisha cloth souvenir

Pasapalli sari

Pasapalli sari has traditional chess prints, generally in black and white colors, with a tinge of red. It is the most famous Odia sari, which is a favorite of every Odia woman. It is expensive. There is a slight variation in each sari.  For women, it is the main attraction and souvenir to carry back home.  

Kotpad saris

Kotpad saris are traditional handmade saris. The tribes of Koraput in Odisha, specialize in weaving them. The weavers use coarse fabric in creating them. Also, each sari is unique in its way. 

Odisha souvenir for foodies 

Khaja

It is the most popular Odia sweet given at the temples. It is a dry sweet and is easy to carry back.

Rasagolla

Rasagolla is the most popular sweet in Odisha. You can find various varieties of rasagolla in Odisha. You can get gurer rosogolla made from jaggery and brown rasagolla only at Bhubaneswar airport. It is the favorite sweet of Lord Jagannath.  

Odisha tribal artwork souvenir

Rice grain artifacts

The tribal artisans make rice grain artifacts by transferring rice. These artifacts are not easy to carry. However, most people end up buying these artifacts. It requires a lot of patience and hard work to make these pieces as each grain of rice has to be put together.

Animal horn antiquity People use animal horns while making these artifacts. People and governments do not prefer buying these heirlooms. However, you can find them in souvenir and art shops.

Odisha is very popular for its handicraft items. Many tourists visit Odisha to know the Indian handicrafts. It acts as an economic boon to the nation. Many people get employment due to this. The handicraft industry is the best way to express creativity and emotions.

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Architectural Spiritual Hubs

Unique Facts about Prachi Valley in Odisha

Prachi Valley is prominent for its jaw-dropping history, antiquities, and the religious sanctuaries of Odisha. It is part of eastern India and the prominent destination too where people all over the world come. However, this valley is situated approximately 61 km from Bhubaneswar. In addition to it, Prachi Valley is an ideal destination for those masses that have an interest in history as well as archeology. Most people have a lot of questions about the history of Prachi Valley. In contrast to it, every person has unique views related to it. So, if you are a history lover, then you must visit this valley.

It is located on the bank of the Prachi River. Moreover, this river is known as the tertiary river of the river Mahanadi. If you will have an opportunity to explore the history of the Prachi Valley and the beauty of nature then don’t miss the chance. Furthermore, there are numerous monuments belong to the 7th century AD to the 15th Century AD. It gives the light to the ancient culture of Odisha. It is believed that Prachi Valley is older than the times of Mohen-jo-Daro as well as Harappan. The monuments designate the appropriate social life as well as the environmental scenario of the ancient time. Most people believe that this place holds the history of five years ago.

The Sacred Prachi River

The prominent and sacred Prachi River flows via the Prachi Valley. The main feature of the Prachi River is that: it is considered as the Saraswati of East India. It is a fact that the Saraswati River has become extinct. On the other hand, with limited conditions, the sacred Prachi River is flowing at the present date. This valley is famous for the alluring monuments and exciting history which is India famous for. If you visit the Prachi Valley, then you have a chance to see the immense monuments. All these monuments make your journey remarkable and mind-blowing. These include stone temples, mutts, brick-temples, tirthas, stepped-wells, Forts, Ghats, dunes, and many more.

In addition to it, Prachi Valley is proof of the co-existence of the numerous ideologies of the religious. These ideologies include Jainism, Buddhism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism & Shaivism. Moreover, most of the monuments of Prachi Valley have been lost, and the rest of the monuments are placed in the living testimony. In addition to it, out of 150, two are under the ASI, while the state archaeology department has 15 monuments. Numerous dynasties are linked with the Prachi Valley. Moreover, it includes Kharvela’s Chedi Dynasty, Eastern Gangas, Gajapatis, and many more.

 It is too fantastic to visit such a historic valley. It is the way to connect the masses with history. When you explore this place, then you will surely learn numerous things about it. The trip to Prachi Valley gives you an unforgettable experience of life. You will feel down to earth and closer to ancient times. Sometimes it is better to visit such peaceful places that give the unique peace of mind to the person.

A road trip of Odisha, Prachi Valley:

It is approximately fifteen kilometers from Bhubaneswar. It is the state capital city that touches the Khurda, Cuttack & Puri districts. You can reach here from the two different sides. The first one is Bhubaneswar-Phulnakhara-Adaspur side or from the Bhubaneswar-Uttara-Balipatna side. It is basically up to you which side you prefer. Mostly people prefer the first one. On the way, you can also try the fried Rasgullas. It is the special dish of the way. In addition to it, you can even taste the street food. In addition to it, there are numerous famous temples that you can visit. Here is the list of temples that you can visit to make your journey of Prachi Valley unique and exciting.

 

Sobhaneswar Temple:

A vast Nandi statue is situated at the entrance of Sobhaneswar Temple. It is located on the left side of the Prachi River and 48 feet high. The king of Eastern Ganga Dynasty Ananga Bhima Deva III built this beautiful temple. You can also take the blessing of Shivling. On the occasion of Mahashivratri, many devotees come here. 

Madhavananda Temple:

You will be amazed by seeing the magnificent Madhavananda Temple. It is situated in Madhava village. It was built during the 13th century. Therefore do not miss the chance to visit this historic temple. The Janmashtami, Ram Navami as well as Dol Purnima are the major festivals that are celebrated here. In the afternoon, temple food is available but at the booking.

Angeswar Mahadev Temple:

It is situated at the Nua Pitapada in the district Cuttack. It is the 14.25-meter high east-facing temple that was built by Somvamsis during the 10th century. In addition to it, it is made from the burnt bricks. Therefore, you can also visit this temple. It is a historic cum religious place.

Apart from it, you visit the temples, as mentioned above, for the inner piece. Except for these temples, you will have an opportunity to visit Varahi Temple, Gangeswari Temple, Buddhanath temple, and many more. These visits make your journey tremendous, as well as fabulous. 

Mahashivratri & Bada OSHA Festival:

These are the major as well as prominent festivals of Prachi Valley. It is believed that Maa Amrutalochani worshipped inside the temple. This ancient temple is located at approximately 24 KM’s from the Bhubaneswar. In addition to it, prefer the day tour as compared to the evening tour. The reason is that in the day time, you will be able to examine the heritage history of Prachi Valley deeply.  

In addition to it, you can see the art, sculptures, monuments and many more things. Trip to Prachi Valley is a worthy investment of money at the right place. You can also visit the following places:

  • Kuruma Buddhist Site

  • Kakatpur Mangala Temple

  • Jayadev Peeth of Kenduli Village

  • Hirapur Chausathi Yogini Temple

Your trip to Prachi Valley is incomplete without visiting the places mentioned above. So explore these places too.

Tips related to this tour:

  • It is recommendable to hire a cab because on several sites there is no facility for public transport.
  • If you think that you will get the five-star hotels on the way to stay, you have the wrong myth. Even you will have to use public toilets.
  • It is advisable to carry the lunch along with you. The reason is that most of the sites are located in rural areas. It is quite impossible to find delicious food to eat.
  • You do not need to worry about the guidance. There is appropriate road signage that guides and shows the direction of sites.
  • You will enjoy the beauty of nature and rural areas too. You will feel like you are in a lap of nature as well as history.

In the end, there is no doubt that Prachi Valley is an exciting place to visit. Moreover, keep all the essential traveling tips in your mind to prevent any misguidance during the journey. So it is better to keep your food, water, and crucial things along with you on your journey. Due to this you and your travel mates will not face any problem.

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Rejoice Relax

Unexplored Bhubaneswar via #ghoomophirolens

There is much more to Bhubaneswar than old monuments, museums, and temples and though they may be the most captivating thing about the region, you can’t really miss out on some of the off-beat unexplored places after you have seen much of the popular spots. So here is a list of off-beat things to do for a unique trip to the Temple City.

  1. 360 view from atop the rock-cut caves

Climb atop the historic Udaygiri caves to revel in the marvelous 360-degree view of the city. While the climb itself is no short of a fitness test with steep steps carving a path to the top, the hike goes fine in the company of friends. But no need to fret even if you are going solo, just be warned of the monkeys on the path and remember not to open up a food packet lest it is snatched. But do carry a water bottle with you because the steep climb may make you thirsty at times. The best time to reach the caves would be afternoon so you can have ample time to take leisurely strolls and explore the place before making the climb when sunset comes close. Watch a picturesque view of the city from the top while also enjoying the relaxing view of the sunset.

Must see:

Ranigumpha, Hathi Gumpha inscription incised in a deep-cut Brahmi script, Ganesha Gumpha,  Bagha Gumpha

  1. The largest thorny garden

To a commoner, cacti and succulents wouldn’t have much appeal but this huge garden of such prickly beauties could keep anyone intrigued for a while. The Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) in Bhubaneswar has a collection of around 1,050 varieties of cacti which is the largest collection in Asia. Moreover, it has evolved 200 cacti with its research and development approach. This collection that keeps growing every day due to the efforts of the scientists at the center, is of great interest to people nationally and internationally in terms of research and study. RPRC has extended this love for Cacti and its expertise in the matter to create a Cactus House in the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.

The way it is growing, it is on the paths of becoming the largest Botanical Garden in Eastern India. While the main aim of establishing the center in 1985 was developing a recreational garden, it has evolved into a dynamic research institution over the years. There are many recreational opportunities to attract visitors, like boating in the lake, orchidarium, palmetum, wild fruit garden, children’s play area, bamboo setum and a seed bank.

Morning walk is allowed to the public from 5-30 am to 7-30 am from March-October and from 6-00 am to 8-00 am during November-February months. Garden visit is from 8 am to 6 pm during winter and from 8 am to 7 pm during the summer. The entry fee is Rs 25 per adult and Rs 7 for kids below 12 years.

There is a sales counter of plants at RPRC, which opens from 7 am to 12 O’çlock and 2 pm to 5 pm during winter and 6 am to 11 am and 3 pm to 6 pm during summer.

Opening and Closing time (Botanical Garden):

Between 8 am and 6 pm during winter and 8 am to 7 pm during the summer.

Must see: Migratory birds in the lake when it is winter, the unavoidable Cactus collection, Orchidarium, Bamboo setum, Wild fruit garden, and Palmetum.

  1. Ride around the old city in a Rickshaw

While the city of Bhubaneswar is developing fast and turning into a Smart City, the charm of the historic old city is not lost on the visitors. And the best way to get the incredible sights of the Old Town, unhindered by any distractions is to hire a cycle rickshaw and roam around the narrowest lanes, to see rare sights and historic things that one would otherwise miss out on. The major attraction of the old city is the religious atmosphere which is engrained in the life of people living there. Along with the architecture of the 1950s and beautiful structures that have turned to ruin over the year, there are many residential structures that have existed there for a long time and would leave any newbie traveler awestruck. There are also many medieval temples along the way.

Must see:  Lingaraj temple, Mukteswar temple, Rajarani temple, Bindusagar, Brahmeswar temple

Opening and closing time:

5:00 am to 9:00 pm (All days a year).

Dos and Dont’s:     Check with the temple staff before entering the temples. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside several shrines.

  1. Get your lungs healed at the Medicinal Garden

Inhale some of the fresh air while ditching your air-conditioned stale air. Head over to Ekamra Van Medicinal Plant Garden that is located on the banks of holy Bindusagar. Inhale some of the fresh healing air into your lungs while hearing the divine chiming of temple bells and chanting as well. The medicinal garden inhibits more than 200 varieties of plants along with a beautiful pond and many stone sculptures.

Opening and Closing time: 8 am to 5 pm

Must see: The magnificent view of Lingaraj temple, Lord Lingaraj representation through Shiva Pindi, Spice herbs used for local cooking and animal figurines, etc.

Timings: During winter morning 8 am to 12 noon and 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm and during summer 8 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm.

  1. Go cycling near the Botanical Garden by the Kanjia lake

With the calm gentle breeze blowing near the Kanija Lake, even a simple bicycle ride can give you loads of enjoyment. The roads inside botanical gardens are well-suited for cycling and will make you pass by beautiful flowers and canopy of trees. The Park also includes a Mughal Garden and a Japanese garden. One can also see varieties of migratory birds on the lake.

Opening and Closing time: April to September (7.30 am. to 5.30 pm.) and October to March (08.00 am. to 5.00 pm.).

Remains Closed on Monday

Must see: Bird-watching is a must-do activity. One should also visit Orchid Garden, Dry Garden, Rose Garden,  Medicinal Garden, Mughal Garden, Japanese Garden, Arboretum, Bougainvillea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Heritage Garden, and Evolution Garden.

  1. Bring out the shopaholic in you at the laid-back flea market

Who doesn’t like shopping? But more often than not, shopping at touristy places burns a hole in your pocket. If you want to buy some goodies at a cheap rate, visit the flea markets of Bhubaneswar. The roadside stalls and range of flea markets offer a lot of opportunities to become a spendthrift. The most recommended market would be Uni I Market where you can buy jhumkas, bangles, and other accessories at cheap rates. Men can also find jackets, shoes, scarves etc. There are many options for bags, books, toys and electronics sold at a wholesale rate. You can also visit the Indradhanu market and the Damanahaat which are just as good for shopping. Do give yourself small time to refresh and try out that lip-smacking Bara-ghugun and Gupchup (golgappas).

Dos and Donts:     Be careful of pickpockets, put your bargaining skills to negotiate and double-check all the items for any damage.

Opening and Closing time: 10 am to 10 pm

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Culture Travel Trends

Most Popular Sarees From Odisha

One of the most popular traditional outfits in India is undoubtedly a saree. Not only is this the oldest attire existent on others but still considered to be the most fashionable dress up.  Women usually prefer wearing this piece of clothing as it makes them look stylish and elegant on the one hand and keeps them comfortable on the other hand. Though there are different types of sarees prevalent in India one of the most preferred and celebrated sarees is from Odisha.

  1. Bomkai Saree/Sonepuri Saree

Bomkai cotton sarees are basically preferred to be worn on a daily basis in contrast to the silk sarees that are best suited for special occasions. The details on the border of this piece of clothing are actually what differentiates it from the rest of the sarees available across the nation. The design that the borders of this particular saree carry are known to be a symbol of success as well as affluence. The major attraction remains to be the thread work that the border designs exhibit. This is an elegant yet simple saree type that most of the women prefer.

  1. Ikat Saree/Bandha Saree

This saree is a result of the process that is popularly known as tie-dying wherein the warp as well as the weft threads are used to create the design, especially on the loom before weaving takes place. The designs usually comprise of the figures of flora and fauna apart from rudraksha beads, the beautiful geometric designs, the dice as well as temple towers. It is woven with the Ikat yarn that in turn is produced by Bhullas from Western Odisha. The saree comprises of not only the superior fabric but also the superior pattern.

  1. Kotpad Saree

These are ideally the cotton sarees having solid borders that are dyed organically rendering an essence of richness to this clothing. There is no denying the fact that creating this type of a saree is ideally a time-consuming process but the outcome is worth all the time. The eye-pleasing designs, as well as the shades, are all that women usually crave for.

  1. 4. Dhalapathar Saree

Dhalapathar sarees are ideally woven by the Rangani community residing in the Dhalapatharvillage. Kusumi Kapta, Muktapunji, Nahati, Kankana Pedi and Akata are other terms by which this type of a saree is popularly acknowledged. It is one of the most beautiful forms of saree that you must have in your collection.

  1. Saptapar Saree/Pasappali Saree

The intricate check patterns of contrasting colors that resemble the chess boards on the body and border of the saree is the differentiating feature of this saree that popular find supplies from Sonepur, Barpali and Baunsri regions of Western Odisha. Silk thread, Cotton thread, Tussar, Mix of Silk & Tussar are used to weave these sarees and give them the delicate touch they exhibit.

Overall, these are the popular sarees from Odisha that all the saree lovers must have in their collection. These are fit to be worn on any occasion as well as on a daily basis.

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Beaches Uncategorized

Five Most Unexplored Beaches of Odisha

Odisha is renowned as ‘Goa of East’ but most of the tourists visiting Odisha mostly have temples on their mind or, if not that, monuments, museums, and wildlife sanctuaries. This means that the sea beaches of the state remain ignored. Even those who have sea beaches as tourist spots of secondary attraction in their mind are contended with beaches of Puri or Konark leaving about a dozen other beaches unexplored.

Odisha has a four hundred and a sixty-kilometer long coastline on the Bay of Bengal and is home to more than a dozen sea beaches. Some of these like those at Puri, Konark, the Chilika lake are rather popular and hectic because of their proximity with tourist spots (Puri sea beach is near the Jagganath temple – one of four Dhams of Hinduism and thus attracts thousands of pilgrims, Konarak sea beach is just three kilometers away the Konark Sun temple and the Chilika Lake is itself a major tourist destination). However, that also means that these beeches are rather crowded and commercialized. To some of us, a crowded and/or commercialized beach beats the purpose of its being beach – for one goes on a beach to be able to lay back and relax and the crowd might mean too little of private space to do that. Moreover, some people only want places that are haven’t got their well-justified attention.

If any of the above is the issue with you, we now bring to you five most unexplored beaches of the Odisha. Whether you want a quiet day, go swimming or fishing or boating, these beaches offer amazing alternatives for the more popular beaches of Odisha. The Balramgadhi Beach, the Astranga Beach, the Paradeep Beach, the Pati Sonalpur Beach and Gopalpur sea beach offer you all the more natural delights that a sea beach is supposed to offer while staying away from the crowds that frequent the most popular beaches of Odisha. Moreover, many of them are such scenic beauty that they offer photography opportunities to their visitors.

Read about them and consider visiting them, they deserve far more attention than they are getting at present. Otherwise, hush! And don’t spread the word, the best part of their beauty is in their virginity – their relative (and fortunately for us) lack of beauty:

1. Balramgadhi Sea Beach

This rather quiet and peaceful beach is situated just three kilometers from Chandipur. It is the meeting place of Budhabalange with the Bay of Bengal. The beach lacks commercialization of the major beaches and offers a calm silent audience to the music of waves. Let the sea kiss your feet or just lay back and spend an evening reading a book inside the cradle of nature. You can also observe locals fishing and boating done by locals here. The tranquility you will find at this beach is simply unmatched elsewhere in Odisha, if not in India.

How to reach Balramgadhi Sea Beach?

From Chandipur, drive for three kilometers on Balramgadhi road.

2. Astranga Sea Beach

The name ‘Astranga’ means ‘color of setting sun’ and, this beach located just three hours drive from Bhubaneshwar deserves this beautiful name for the mesmerizing way in which the light of setting sun plays on its waters and the horizon. The sun itself blushes at its own beauty every evening. The scenery here is any photographer’s delight. Prince Myshkin, the protagonist of Dostoevsky ceremonial novel, ‘The Idiot’, once popularly said, “Beauty will save the world”. He might as well have been talking about this beach.

How to reach Astranga Sea Beach?

The beach is eighty kilometers from Bhubaneshwar on State Highway 13.

3. Pardeep Sea Beach

Located at the meeting point of Mahanadi and Bay of Bengal, this beach offers splendid views to its visitors besides being an important sea-port of the state. Watch the ships, boats, and streamers from the port pass by as you enjoy the passing beauty of setting sun. The blue waters kiss the sands with every wave in amazing ways – your camera will love this sea beach.

How to reach Pardeep Sea Beach?

From Bhubaneshwar, first drive to Cuttack and, from here, take Cuttack-Pardeep road. The distance is 115 kilometers.

4. Pati Sonepur Sea Beach

This beach has been more or less untouched and offers mesmerizing virgin beauty as Bahuda river finds its destination in the Bay of Bengal here. Giving you a chance to dance in the shadow of the stars and kiss in the light of the moon, this beach is an amazing place for a romantic night. Consider making this beautiful little spot can serve as your honeymoon special.

How to reach Pati Soanalpur Sea Beach?

Berhampur is the closest railroad. From Berhampur you need to drive twenty kilometers on National Highway 5.  You can Take a bus from Bhubaneshwar to reach Berhampur.

5. Gopalpur Sea Beach

Lined with coconut trees, the sea beach offers mesmerizing beauty. It also serves as a perfect adventurer’s retreat vailing swimming, surfing and sailing opportunities. You also get to see the local fisherman doing their job. The beach is just a few hours drive from Chilika lake. Despite the commercially created looks, it is not crowded and thus giving the best of both worlds. The seafood is easily available. This beach can be an amazing picnic spot and just the perfect spot if you are traveling in large groups.

How to reach Gopalpur Sea Beach?

Drive for 166 kilometers on National Highway 16 from Bhubaneshwar.

And a bonus beach just for you:

Balighai Beach

This is perhaps the calmest of all beaches of Odisha. The quiet beach is a step away from the urban noises and is the splendid place of feeling wise as you see the sunset on the horizon. The beach is perfect for a quiet beach night.

How to reach Balighai Beach?

A 73 kilometers drive from Bhubaneshwar on National Highway 316.

Conclusion

Please note that if you are considering exploring these beaches, we recommend having a personal vehicle at your disposal as some of these beaches can only be reached via public transport after changing several buses.

There are several other relatively unexplored beaches along the coastline of Odisha. We hope that in times to come, it will be able to attract beach tourism like Mumbai and Goa. After all, it has a far larger number of and far many more beaches than those two destinations. Do try at least one sea beach if you ever visit Odisha.

If you are on a tight schedule and sea beaches are not at the top of the list of attractions you wish to see in Odisha, we recommend you Puri or Konark sea beach which is located conveniently near to major tourist spots. However, if exquisite sea beech experience is of prime value to you, we recommend you to travel a little far to discover these unexplored beauties.

Categories
Architectural Itinerary

Unexplored Bhubneshwar that you should visit!!

Think of Bhubaneshwar and you imagine temples – after all, it has been called temple city for a good reason. Even if you can look past that, you are still thinking of museums, monuments, etc. And those are the major attractions of the city. But there is always a needy tourist crying “I need more” (okay, often that is me, but you get the point) and Bhubaneshwar, like any tourist spot worth the name, has that ‘more’ to offer. Here we take a look at that more.

1. Caves of Khandagiri and Udaigiri

Perhaps because of the amount one has to walk, it is not the first thing a tourist will want to visit. These caves, which are home to an ancient monastery, had some of the most splendid cravings that I have seen in Odisha outside of Konark Sun Temple and are much older than that belong to golden ancient ages of the country. The scenic beauty from the top of hills is itself awesome. It is not the most tourist-friendly spot as there are always monkeys ready to steal stuff and you should remember to carry your own water bottles but the view of setting sun from the top is just splendid.

2. Go to the old town

Rickshaws have so long been a part and parcel of Indian society that a journey to some of its major historical towns will be incomplete without being driven around on rickshaw for some people. Bhubaneshwar is one such city. Though rickshaws are becoming a rare sight, this is still something you should definitely try at least once. Hire a rickshaw to visit the by now forgotten parts of the old town to see the old-style settlements not far from the temples that makes the chief attraction of the city.

3. Kanjia Lake

After rickshaw we now wish you to ride a bicycle. Ride the cycle by Kanjia lake on well-preserved roads inside the botanical gardens. Some of these gardens include Japanese Garden, Orchid Garden, Mughal Garden, Rose Garden, Medicinal Garden,  Butterfly Garden, Heritage Garden, Dry Garden, Evolution,  Garden,  Bougainvillea Garden, Arboretum etc. Enjoy looking at colorful flowers and migratory birds. The beautiful lake has been declared a “Wetland of National importance” and is home to several migratory birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and pawns.

4. The thorny garden

The last thing you will hope to see in Bhubaneshwar is a garden dedicated to cacti and other thorny plants.  But you will be wrong, the Regional Plant Resource Center (RPC) of Bhubaneshwar has Asia’s largest thorny garden with over a thousand varieties of cacti and other succulents, of which the RPC itself has engineered two hundred. The garden also has an orchidarium, bamboo septum, medicine plants wild fruit garden, seed banks etc. It also has a lake which is home to migratory birds.

The garden was started in 1985 as a research center and has, ever since, evolved to become a research institute.

It provides facilities for a morning walk (allowed in specific times only – (5-30 am to 7-30 am for March to October and from 6-00 am to 8-00 am for November to February), boating in the lake inside the garden, a play area for children, etc to name a few.

5. Medicinal Garden

Ekamra Van (literally ‘one tree forest’) Medicinal Plant Garden is situated on the bank of Bundusagar. The garden houses more than two hundred varieties of plants. The garden has a lotus pond and (well, is there a place in Bhubaneshwar where you won’t have them?) some stone sculptures. The layout of the garden is divided into three division – Shiva pindi (where plants used for worshipping Lord Shiva are grown), Parvati Pindi (where plants useful for women healthcare are planted) and Ganesh Pindi (where plants promoting intellect are planted – from Ganesh’s being the god of wisdom). The garden offers you fresh air, a majestic view of Lingaraj temple and a chance to learn about plants.

6. Simlipal and Bhitarkanika

These are home to a number of Mangroves and Crocodiles. Nature lover in you will love the environment, the wildlife, and vegetation of this area.

7. Odisha Modern Art Gallery

Though we talk a lot about art in connection with Bhubaneshwar, it is rarely modern art. A visit to the Modern Art Gallery of the city will remind you that Odisha people are awesome with modern artwork too.

8. Regional Museum of Natural History

A step away from other museums devoted to human history, this natural history museum has taxidermy displays of various animals. It also enshrines numerous endangered species. For a nature enthusiast, this museum offers a lot to learn.

9. Go on a Picnic

Both of these are minor dams and not far from Bhubneshwar and can be a great spot for going on a picnic with your family and friends. Another major Picnic spot is Budha Jayanti Park. The park devoted to Budha is a great place to visit for a refreshing evening. It also has a fish pond.

10. Take your kids to Pathani Samanta Planetarium

Here is something for your children as well as the child inside you. Enjoy the shows here and learn a bit about the universe. 

And of course, go Shopping

It amazes me how people always forget to talk about Bhubaneshwar’s markets. The urbanized part of the city has markets selling products of widest range – from luxury products to cheap products. The phrase I market is most popular among the middle-class shop alcoholics for its cheap products. Buy clothes, accessories, makeup products etc here at the cheapest rates. Another affordable stopping point would be Station Square. There is also a market ‘Saree Mandir’ selling quite a huge variety of sarees. When shopping in these markets, bargain – as shopkeepers put high prices on their products anticipating that you will bargain. Also, be extra careful about your possessions. If you are looking for something to remember the city of Bhubaneshwar by, we recommend that you consider buying Patthachitra paintings, palm leaves carvings and other such handicrafts.

Conclusion

There is so much to do in Bhubaneshwar. It would take weeks to explore all that the city has to offer. It is unfortunate that the city’s image as a temple city keeps visitors from enjoying this great variety of experience. But not you, you know better. So what are you waiting for? It is time to get going.

Categories
Culture Historical Itinerary National Parks Relax

5 things not to miss in Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneshwar (literally ‘king of land’) is the capital of Odisha and one of the major tourist spots of the country. With Puri and Konark, it forms Swarna Tribhuja (the golden triangle) – which is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the East. The attractions of the other two edges of this triangle – Puri, and Konark can be summed up in two words – temples and beaches but Bhubaneshwar is so much more.

There is so much to do in this city but here are the five things that we ghoomophirosisters, personally have enjoyed doing a lot

1. Visiting Temples

The place where Bhubaneshwar is now was once called Ekamra Kshetra meaning temple city. In fact, Bhubaneshwar continues to be called the temple city. There are over a thousand temples in the city and it is next to impossible to visit them all but some of the best ones definitely deserve attention.

The Lingaraj temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most popular temple in the city. Other famous temples are Rajarani Temple Muktesvara Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple etc.

Rajarani temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has some of his amazing images doing various dance mudras. It was once called Indreshwara and drives its present name from the rock with which it is built ‘Rajarani’. Locally though it is known as ‘love temple’ because of several erotic cavings made on the walls.

Muktesvara temple is second only to Lingaraja temple in terms of architectural beauty and is called ‘gem of Odisha architecture’.

Ananta Vasudeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra are worshipped in this temple built in the thirteenth century. Balarama stands under a seven hooded serpent, the image of Subhadra shows her holds Jewels pot and lotus in her hands while keeping her left foot over another jewel pot. The image of Krishna holds a mace, chakra, lotus and a conch

One of the chief attractions of temples is the food on offer. Abadha of Lingaraj Temple and Ananta Vasudeva Temple serve for their devotees is considered a vegetarian culinary delight. Other vegetarian dishes include Dalma (made of lentils and vegetables boiled together and then fried with other spices) and Santula (lightly spiced steamed vegetables).

2. Tribal Research Institute Museum

Tribal Research Institute Museum, also known as ‘Museum of Man’ and get a chance to observe and study tribal art and artifacts, displayed in its five different parts You will find Personal Adornments in first Hall, Belongings, Arts, Paintings & Photographs in second Hall, Hunting & Fishing Implements & Weapons of Offence and Defense in the third hall, Household Objects and Agricultural Implements in the fourth hall and Dance, Musical Instruments and Dhokra Items in the fifth hall.

A visit to this museum gives you a chance to observe closely the culture of the tribal population which, despite so much focus on our own heritage, has not to get the attention it so well deserves.

3. Dhauli hills

Visiting Dhauli Giri makes you feel that you have been kidnapped in the TARDIS and dropped in ancient India The site is of great historical importance, as it was the place where the famous Kalinga was taken place. The war that melted the heart of great King Ashoka, and made him convert to Buddhism. The Shanti Stupa here is mesmerizing. Among other attraction of this place are other Ashoka edicts Budha statue, Shiva temple, and white peace pagoda. Many of these are supposed to have been built at the end of war ushering an age of prosperity and peace for India.

4. Local Cuisine

We have already mentioned the food served at temples but now for foodies who want something non-vegetarian. A fish curry known as Machha Jhola is a must if you visit the city. You can combine it with yummy items like Rasagola, Rasabali, Chhena Jhilli, Chhena Gaja and Chhena Poda.

Gupchup which is a deep-fried crêpe, stuffed with a mix of mashed potatoes and boiled yellow peas, and afterward, dipped in tamarind-infused water is a locale special. Other street food items include more widely known food items of the country like Cuttack-chaat, Dahi Bara, Aloo dum (a deep-fried lentil dumpling marinated into the yogurt-infused water, and served along with potato curry) and Bara-Gauguin

Dahi-Pakhal (rice soaked in water with yogurt and seasonings)  is considered as a body coolant, accompanied by Badi Chura or saga are consumed during months of April–June. If you visit Bhubaneshwar and are unable to bear the heat, you now know what to eat.

And a visit to Bhubaneshwar is incomplete if you haven’t tasted the huge variety of sweets it has to offer.

5.Nandankanan Zoological Park

India’s first zoo to join  World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Nandankanan ( literally ‘garden of paradise’ ) zoo and botanical garden is home to several rare and endangered species like Asiatic lions, Indian crocodilians, big rock Pythons, White tigers etc. White Tigers are always majestic and also scary! There is an aquarium too and a reptile park here too. One of the most fun things was that the reptile park was guarded by a Tyrannosaurus Rex!

And it is time for your bonus –

Biju Patnaik Park

Biju Patnaik Park is named after a chief minister of Odisha.  The park has a lake – you can a walk around or boating in it. The best attraction of the park though is the refreshing way in which water of the fountain dances to music. Don’t miss the splendid evening it has to offer.

Conclusion

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Bhubaneshwar has far, far more to offer. I have just run out of my fingers. Among the other tourist spots are included Odisha State Museum,  Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Regional Museum of Natural History, Regional Science Center and State Handicrafts Museum. Day girl and Khandagiri Caves etc. Also, make sure to go shopping in urban half of Bhubaneshwar to get some souvenirs. Definitely consider buying Patthachitra paintings, palm leaves carvings and other such handicrafts to be able to take something of the city with you. If you are into Odishan movies, Ollywood might also interest you. Odissi dance is generally accompanied by Odissi music. Srjan, the famous Odissi dance academy founded by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the legendary Odissi dancer is found here. The Rabindra Mandap in central Bhubaneswar might also interest you, do check if it might be hosting some cultural program, dance, theatre or private function which it frequently does. .There is so much you can do – why haven’t you already started backpacking?

Categories
Rejuvenate Staycation

Into the wilderness of Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar

Address: 8-B, Jayadev Vihar 751013 Bhubaneswar India

How to reach: By Air: The nearest Airport is Biju Pattanaik and the hotel is just 20-minute drive (approximately 7 kilometres) away from the airport.

By Rail

Bhubaneswar is well connected by train with major cities and the nearest railway station is 10-minutes (6 kilometres perhaps) drive from the hotel.

By Road

One can also get to the hotel by road since Bhubaneswar falls on the National Highway 5 and is well connected with major cities. The hotel can be easily found using google maps thereafter.

Ambience: The hotel is located in the thriving heart of Bhubaneswar. While centred in a commercial area where the hustle bustle of the city, the best markets, shops and restaurants are just a walk away, it still maintains its stature as a peaceful oasis for the travellers. The hotel is spread out over 10 acres of land with beautiful gardens and 63 cottages, all of which face the lagoon. There are also villas and family-sized suites which you can choose according to your preference. There are many statues of Hindu deities around the place along with some life-size animal figurines and dolphins too. The hotel faces the manmade lagoon that most of the travellers come to Bhubaneswar to visit. The rooms, lobby and the restaurants also had a classy ambience of a high and mighty hotel but the staff everywhere was just as humble and helpful. The check-in and check-out took no time at all. The staff was always at our beck and call.

Rooms:

Though there were many great options, we chose to stay in a deluxe cottage because it gave us the necessary privacy, a quiet place to sit and enjoy the lagoon’s view and all modern amenities of the other rooms. It is better to spend a little extra and ensure a comfortable stay, especially if you can afford it. The breakfast buffet was also included in the room charge. The room was adorned with beautiful wooden furniture. There were a living area and a private sitting place from where we could get a clear unobstructed view of the lagoon as well as the thick bamboo forest. There was also a study room which we took to be our reader/writer’s nook and actually ended up writing some pages in our travelogue. There was also a fully-stocked mini-bar in the cottage. The bathroom was also spacious with a big bathtub for a totally luxurious experience. All necessary toiletries and hairdryer were also available. The bed was huge and quite comfy. What we found interesting was that there was a trunk in our cottage, possibly to store beddings (or clothes perhaps?) but it fits in quite well with the ambiance of the rest of the cottage. The TV was great, and an additional Blu-ray player was there for our convenience. They gave us a newspaper in the morning and free Wi-Fi was also available, along with tea and coffee maker in the room.

Food and Facilities:

The best part about the place would have to be its food options. There are just so many to choose from. From oriental to Indian, to local Odia dishes and usual coffee, you can have it all. The most interesting place for Indian food is the dhaba called “Nakli dhaba”. Despite the name, the dhaba itself is very much real and has great typical north-Indian dhaba ambiance with delicious north Indian food. Then there is Mamma Mia Café for a simple coffee and baked goods. If you wish to try out the local cuisines, Kanika is there which serves authentic Oriya food. Do try their deserts because that is the most popular thing in Bhubaneswar. For more oriental cuisines, there is Lemongrass. We ordered Chinese here and it was very well-prepared. Tea Pot is the best place for evening tea and snacks. But if you start feeling hungry between meals like us, you can always grab a quick bite at Super Snax. There is also an in-house bar called Baron and Baroness which has a Scottish setup. We didn’t try anything there but did go in to check out the ambiance. Everything looked quite vintage. The cellar is for the people looking to enjoy the nightlife. Mayfair Lagoon literally has something for everyone. No one can be disappointed here, there is just so much variety and not on the cost of quality or taste. We found affordable options for food along with delicious taste and Instagram-worthy preparations.

 

What to do nearby: We contacted their travel desk to ask about local sightseeing places and they set us up with vehicles at an affordable charge. We went to have a closer look at the lagoon which turned out to be the right decision since no words can explain the magnificent view we saw. We also visited ISKCON temple, Regional Museum of Natural History and the famous Ram Mandir, though now we wish we had skipped the museum because there was nothing worthy of too much interest to us there. The Ram Mandir, however, we could have spent a lot of time at.  We also went shopping in the nearby bazaar to get some souvenirs for back home and occasionally stopped at local food joints to try out Odia delicacies.

Highlights:

The whole hotel is some sort of retreat and not just because of the greenery all around and the amazing view of the lagoon but also because of the little sit-outs which are spread in every nook and corner. One can find a spot and just relax anywhere. There are Vintage cars, sculptures and old aircraft accessorizing the place. There are also many facilities available like spa, swimming pool, gym, jogging track etc. There is an in-house florist that you can interact with, and even a bank just for convenience. A special mention is needed for an in-house library in the hotel. Yes, you read that right and the attendant there was also very sweet and polite. This was the first time we saw an actual library in a hotel but I guess the way it was, Mayfair Lagoon could be called a small town. But the major highlight would remain the spectacular view that is provided by our cottage.

Overall Verdict: Mayfair Lagoon is the perfect place to stay in Bhubaneswar for every traveler. There is not even one facility that you can name that won’t be available here. The staff is quite polite and always ready to help. Room service was quick and efficient. It is strategically located in the perfect place since the bazaars and shops are just a walk away. The view of the lagoon along with the lush green gardens of the property just makes it even more picturesque. It is the kind of place where one would come to stay and not want to go out exploring because everything was already present within arm’s reach. Full points for the food and comfort. We definitely got our money’s worth with that visit.

Categories
Architectural

What you should know about Konark sun temple?

Sun was once worshipped as a god all over the world  – whether by name of Apollo in Greece, ‘Sol Invictus’ in Rome or Ra in Egypt. In India, the Sun god Surya or Aditya occupies as held a prominent place in Hindu faith.

There are many Sun temples in India, but the Konark Sun temple of Odisha stands out from among them because its magnificent architecture which has earned it tile of a UNESCO world heritage site. It has also been listed among the Seven Wonders of India. The very name ‘Konark’ means Sun’s corner. This temple is the best tourist attraction of Odisha.

You need not be a fan of temples to fall in love with this one. What might amuse you is that besides worshipping Hindu deities, it celebrates the life of a king, people at large and also various stages of sexuality and courtship.

Location of temple

Konark is located on the Bay of Bengal in Odisha, just 35 kilometers from Puri and about sixty kilometers from Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Odisha. Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport. Both Puri and Bhubaneshwar provide easy road and railway transport to Konark

History

Supposed to have been built in around 1250 A.D. by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, it is the grandest Sun temple of the country. The temple has been nicknamed the ‘Black Pagoda’ by European tourists because it’s great looked black as early as in seventeenth-century – just as Jagannath temple was nicknamed ‘White Pagoda’.

The temple complex was once two hundred feet high but, unfortunately, it is mostly in ruins now. The cause of destruction is not clear and even controversial. It might have been natural causes or it might have been brought by Muslim armies. The main idol of Sun god is said to have been stolen by Portuguese sailors. Though it has obviously seen the decline, it is renowned all over the world for its architecture and stone carvings. Despite having met so much destruction, it attracts tourism both religious and recreational.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the temple is time  Chandrabhaga Mela is held every year in this temple in or around February.

Architecture

The Konark Sun Temple was built from stone in the form of a giant ornamented chariot of Sun god, Surya. In Hindu Vedic iconography Surya is often represented as a resplendent standing person with a lotus flower each in both his hands rising in the east and traveling rapidly across the sky in his chariot drawn by seven horses. The charioteer Aruna marshals the horses named after the seven meters of Sanskrit prosody, that is, Gayatri, Brihati, Ushnih, Jagati, Trishtubha, Anushtubha, and Pankti. Just behind Surya stand two goddesses of dawn, Usha and Pratyusha, shown to be shooting arrows, a symbol of their initiative in challenging darkness. The twelve wheels of the chariot would stand for 12 pairs months of Hindu calendar. Each pair having two wheels showing two cycles of a month – Shukla and Krishna.

Konark Sun temple draws much from this design. What remains now is a hundred feet high structure – shaped like a huge chariot with gigantic horses and wheels. The huge chariot has 24 giant wheels symbolizing 24 hours of a day and 7 giant horses representing 7 days of a week. Each of these 24 wheels is 12 feet high and has eight spokes.

The Shikhar which was much higher than surviving mandap is missing. The artwork of this structure is iconic and of special interest to some are the themes like erotic kama and mithuna scenes.

The design of the temple is such that the first rays of the Sun strike the entrance of the temple. You must be in time to see this temple at the time of sunrise when viewed from inland, it will appear to be bringing sun from the sea.

The main temple at Konark,  which is locally called the deul, is no longer there. It was surrounded by subsidiary shrines depicting Hindu deities, particularly Surya in his different aspects. The central projection of the temple, called the Raha, is far more pronounced than the side projections, called Kanika-paga. It uses interplay of sunlight and shade to add to the visual appeal of the structure throughout the day. You can find the design manual for this style in the Silpa Sastra of ancient Odisha.

The walls of the Jagamohana are 100 feet tall and twice as wide. The surviving structure of Jagmohana has three tiers of six pidas each which diminish incrementally. The pidas are divided into terraces, each of these terraces has statues of musician figures.

The main temple along with the Jagamohana porch consists of four main zones: the platform, the wall, the trunk, and the crowning head called a mastaka. Of these, the first three are square shaped while the mastaka is circular.

 

On the east side of the main temple stands the Nata mandira (literally dance temple).

Reliefs and sculpture

The architectural splendor aside, the temple is popular for its reliefs and sculptures.

The walls of the temple are ornamented with reliefs finished with minute details. The terraces have stone statues of male and female musicians holding various musical instruments. Other major works include sculptures of Hindu deities, images from the daily life and culture of the people (artha and dharma scenes), animals – both land and aquatic, birds and mythological creatures. The carvings also include purely decorative geometric patterns and plant motifs There are also some panel showing Kings performing their functions.

The molding layer at the bottom of the platform show friezes of elephants, musicians,  marching soldiers, hunting scenes, domesticated animals etc.

Again, imagery on walls is splendid showing – girls wringing their wet hair, standing by a tree, playing with pets,  looking from a window, playing musical instruments; a mother blessing her son; a teacher with students; a yogi etc to name a few

The most popular of these sculptures though are maithunas and kamas showing couples at various stages of courtship and intimacy. Their uninhibited sexuality talks volumes against those who have narrow-minded views of Indian culture.

The erotic sculptures are found on the temple’s Shikhara, and these illustrate all the bandhas (mudra forms) described in the Kamasutra.

The upper levels and terrace of the Konark Sun temple contain largest and religiously most significant works of the temple. The craving here include images of musicians, mythological narratives, Hindu deities (Durga in her Mahishasuramardini aspect, Vishnu in his Jagannatha form,  Shiva as a linga etc.

Conclusion

Konark sun temple is the best place to dip into the ocean of Indian ancient history. The mesmerizing experience should be your bucket list item.

Categories
Beaches Staycation

Recommended Property : Lotus Eco Resort, Konark

Address: Konark – Puri Marine Drive Road, P.O. Khalkatapatna, Chandra Bagha Beach, Konark, 752111 

Located on the shore of the Ramchandi Beach, Lotus Eco resort is the best 3-star hotel in Konark. The hotel is ideal for leisure tourists since its location on the Konark-Puri Marine Drive Road provides a great view. It is far enough from city life to be absolutely calm and serene and yet close enough to popular tourist spots that one doesn’t have to go out of the way to go sightseeing. The resort itself is filled with trees and has a nice feel to it.

How to Reach: The distance from Puri Railway Station is 28km and from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, it is 90 km. The resort is also well connected by road with major cities. You can find it using Google Maps.

Ambiance: As soon as we entered the premise, we saw a vegetable patch and butterflies along with a lotus pond near the reception area of the resort. The entire resort is surrounded by lush greenery and the constructions have a rustic appeal to them. The cottages, in fact, look like log cabins on the ocean side. The villas are spread out with luxurious appeal.

Rooms: The hotel had options for thatched-roof cottages, deluxe cottages as well as villas. We chose to stay in the cottage which had a wooden look on the outside but was well furnished and quite modern from the inside. All the rooms were air-conditioned with a nice rusty look adding to the ambiance.  The basic amenities like flat-screen TV, kettle were all available. Nothing special there. Though it is a luxury hotel, it had the appearances of a rural setting. It was quite an experience to see the beachside in the starry night with the wind blowing as we stood in the netted balcony. The bed was not too big but for just the two of us, it was alright. For people traveling with their family or with a kid, it might not be appropriate though. There was not much walking space in the cottage either. Yet to balance that out, they had the balcony. Remember to carry your own toiletries (toothbrush and paste) and slippers.

Food and Amenities:

There were two eateries on the property. The Waterfront Grill Multicuisine restaurant which served authentic Odiya cuisines along with options for Continental and Chinese dishes. Then there was Bay Spirits Seaside Café and bar which we frequently visited more for its view than the snacks and drinks. The thing we loved at the resort was their diverse vegetarian menu and special regards to the chef for delicious meals. But they also had great options for people who want to try out seafood. Our focus remained Odiya dishes since we wanted to devour specialties of the region, but we also ordered Noodles out of habit and they were delicious as well. Noodles are usually a safe choice to order in restaurants if you are unsure about the choices.

Service:

The basic services like housekeeping, laundry, dry cleaning, and room service were all efficient. The hotel even had an in-house Ayurvedic Spa. The spa offers Panchakarma Ayurveda therapies. The hotel also has a fitness center, a children’s park, water sports activities. Barbecues can also be arranged. The guests have private beach access as well. Free parking, car-hire service, tour desk, and 24-hour reception add on to the list of services. Basically, you won’t be missing out on anything. The staff was nice and polite. Room service was quick and efficient. Even the restaurant staff was courteous.

Highlights: There was a dining area by the beach which was the perfect place for us to have dinner with the waves on the beach making serene sounds and the stars creating perfect ambiance with dim light. It would be even better for couples hoping to spend some romantic moments alone. Another thing worth mentioning is the picturesque view of sunrise and sunset from the resort which adds to the overall mesmerizing views.

What to do nearby: Since the hotel is located by the side of the Bay of Bengal, one can go sightseeing. The Konark Wildlife Sanctuary (Balukhand) is also located at a mere 3 km distance from the hotel. The hotel can also arrange water sports for you on demand. We went scuba diving and the experience was inexplicably incredible. Maa Ramachandi Temple is situated 2 km away and so is the beach where the India Surf festival happens. The major tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar which are the Konark Sun Temple and Konark Museum are also at a distance of 8-9 km. All this makes the hotel location suitable for all travelers since major attractions are all located nearby. One can also go for leisurely walks in the premise of the resort itself since the beach is nearby. The best time to take a walk would be evening when the sun is about to set since it creates a magnificent view which is picture-perfect.

Overall verdict: Our stay at Lotus Eco resort was quite uneventful and comfortable which is all one can ask for when on a relaxing holiday. The charges were adequate according to the place and service they provided. Special mention for the good food though. Another great thing was the lack of crowd. Even when we were on the beach or having our dinner in the open, there weren’t many people around to disturb us.

Tips before booking:

1.    Book early to get discounted price.

2.    You might have to do an early check-in if you require airport transfers or a car for sightseeing around the city. Talk to the hotel management about it and they will arrange it.

3.    Places to see nearby include: Kork Beach (2 Kms), Konark Sun Temple (3 Kms), Arkeshwar Temple (4 Kms), Mangulishwar Shiva Temple (3 Kms) and Kork State Museum (4 Kms).

4.    Even Jagannath Puri Temple is at a distance of 15-20 km.

5.    The parking lot is at a bit of distance from the resort so you will have to walk for ten minutes.

When are you packing your bags? Drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

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