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Decorated with scattered ruins of medieval temples, chilled out Orissa has tripped under advertising budgets of global level mass tourism states.
A UN world heritage site, The Sun Temple bursts with brilliant Oriya art, while Bhubaneswar has a primitive temple emerging round every second bend. In the artistically rich state, artisans, sculptors, silversmiths produce eternal designs of traditional art fused sometimes with modern art and technique. Elephants and tigers roam through Similpal National Park, while the rare Irrawaddy dolphin and Pink flamingos can be seen at Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest lagoon. The beaches of Orissa are laid back, and flanked by rows of cheap seaside foods. Inland India there’s a different story. While colourful adivasis (tribal) live perilously on the brink of conventional society, they manage to maintain their cultural integrity. Travellers are slowly making their way to Orissa, and while the tourism infrastructure is still quite unpolished, the less traveller-trodden roads of Orissa sparkle with gemlike charms and sincere friendliness which will unexpectedly enthral you. PLACES TO SEETraveller friendly Puri
Shacks that call themselves beach cafes are a traveller favourite. Hang out at Puri for a refreshing break from overwhelming India. READ MORE Tatapani Hot Springs Take a long, hot, natural bath, or live in a tree-house in this tiny hot springs village. READ MORE Sun Temple, Konark This UN world heritage site is dauntingly beautiful and exquisitely carved, like a canvas of the ways of Oriya life. Mangrove boating at Bhitarkanika Wildlife Park Hire a boat and check out rare Irrawaddy dolphin and pink flamingos, as well as 400 species of migratory birds at Asia’s largest lagoon. |
further reading: travel blog |
kolkataThis crowded, colourful metropolis of culture and poverty thriving side by side is sure to mesmerize and shock you simultaneously.
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pushkar (guide) unveiled for the backpacker |