EXPLORE ODISHA
DEOMALI
Deomali Peak, with an elevation of about 1,672 m, is the highest peak in the state of Odisha. It is situated near Doodhari village, Pottangi Panchayat division which is about 70 km from Koraput via Semiliguda. It is surrounded by a deep green forest, the peak is rich in flora and fauna. This hill range is rich in mineral resources such as bauxite, limestone, and gemstones. Deomali is dotted with brooks and deep valleys, and inhabited by tribes such as Kandhas, Parajas, Bhumia, Malis, and Bhotias. It is not only a marvel for tourists but also for adventurous sports lovers for hang gliding, mountaineering, and trekking. In recent days Odisha Tourism Department is taking many development steps to popularize this peak amongst travelers as a hot tourist spot by connecting the Tar roads, Hilltop amenities center, drinking water points on the hilltop, and watching towers for a perfect view of the arena. Many waterfalls were also found while heading for the top of the hill.
SIMILIPAL
Simlipal is a tiger reserve in the Mayurbhanj district in the Indian state of Odisha covering 2,750 km2 (1,060 sq mi). It is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas—Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with 191.06 km2 (73.77 sq mi), and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary with 272.75 km2 (105.31 sq mi). Simlipal National Park derives its name from the abundance of red silk cotton trees growing in the area.
BHITARKANIKA
Bhitarkanika National Park is a 145 km2 (56 sq mi) large national park in northeast Kendrapara district in Odisha in eastern India. It was designated on 16 September 1998 and obtained the status of a Ramsar site on 19 August 2002. The area is also been designated as the second Ramsar site of the State after the Chilika Lake. It is surrounded by Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread over 672 km2 (259 sq mi). Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary are to the east, separating the swamp region and mangroves from the Bay of Bengal. The national park and wildlife sanctuary is inundated by the rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Pathsala. It hosts many mangrove species and is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India.
CHILIKA
Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon, spread over the Puri, Khordha, and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal, covering an area of over 1,100 square kilometers (420 sq mi). It is the biggest lake in India after Vembanad Lake. This lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the largest brackish water lagoon in the world after The New Caledonian barrier reef. It has been listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site. Its salinity varies by region, from nearly freshwater where rivers flow in, to oceanic salinity levels due to tidal influx.
.jpg/:/cr=t:21.87%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:78.13%25/rs=w:625,h:313,cg:true)
SATAPADA
Satapada is a town in Puri district, Odisha, India. In Odia sata means "seven" and pada means "village", so Satapada means group of seven villages. It is located 50 kilometers from Puri. Satapada on Chilika is home to the Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris).
Satpada is located in the northeast cape of Chilika Lake and the Bay of Bengal. The famous Chilika dolphins can be seen at their natural best here. There are also ample opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and boating. A small island called Rajahamsa is situated near this place at the mouth of the lagoon. It is named after the rajahamsa (mute swan). This island is 18 kilometers from Satapada. Rajahans is a small strip of land of which one side is placed near the lagoon and the other side is towards the Bay of Bengal.
LINGARAJA
Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Indian state of Odisha, India. The temple is the most prominent landmark of Bhubaneswar City and one of the major tourist attractions of the state. The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The central tower of the temple is 180 ft (55 m) tall. The temple represents the quintessence of Kalinga architecture and culminates in the medieval stages of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar. The temple is believed to be built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers.
DARINGBADI
Daringbadi is a hill station in the Kandhmal district of Odisha state in eastern India. Widely known as "Kashmir of Odisha", (for its climatic similarity), it is situated at a height of 915 metres and is a popular tourist destination. Back in the days of British rule, there was a British officer named Daring Saheb who was in charge of this place. Over the years, this place was named after him, which spelled DaringBadi with Badi meaning village. More than 50% of the population here constitutes an ST community of Aboriginal tribal races.
PURI
Puri is a coastal city and a municipality in the state of Odisha in eastern India. It is the district headquarters of Puri district and is situated on the Bay of Bengal, 60 kilometers (37 mi) south of the state capital of Bhubaneswar. It is also known as Sri Jagannatha Dhama after the 12th-century Jagannath Temple located in the city. It is one of the original Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Puri is known by several names since ancient times, and was locally known as "Sri Kshetra" and the Jagannath temple is known as "Badadeula". Puri and the Jagannath Temple were invaded 18 times by Muslim rulers, from the 7th century AD till the early 19th century with the objective of looting the treasures of the temple. Odisha, including Puri and its temple, was part of British India from 1803 till India attained independence in August 1947.