Odisha

A visit to Odisha (formerly Orissa) in eastern India will reveal an enchanting land affectionately called the ‘Soul of India’. The region is noted for its sublime temple architecture, colourful indigenous tribes, serene landscapes, and unique artistic traditions. It is perfect for the adventurous traveller looking to discover incredible India in its most raw form.

Bhubaneshwar, the modern-day capital of this captivating state, is regarded as the ‘Varanasi of the East’ and is the gateway for most visits to Odisha. This sprawling metropolis is home to a staggering 600 temples commissioned during Odisha’s golden age. From Bhubaneshwar, you can also explore the impressive Jain cave temples of Udaygiri and Khandagiri.

To the southeast, tranquil Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. With the forested hills of the Eastern Ghats providing a scenic backdrop, the lake attracts over 160 species of birds and is a paradise for ornithologists. Nearby, Olive Ridley turtles come ashore and lay their eggs (best seen from mid-December to February).

Further south along the coastal plain is the sacred town of Puri, Odisha’s spiritual capital, home to the celebrated Lord Jagannath Temple. Puri is also an excellent base to discover the iconic UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sun Temple at Konark. Dedicated to the Sun God Surya, the temple resembles a gigantic stone chariot with twenty-four intricately carved wheels.

En route to Puri, the small villages of Raghurajpur and Pipli will offer you the chance to meet award-winning artisans famed for their applique work and ‘pattachitra’ paintings. Travelling inland from Puri towards the Eastern Ghats, you will come across a secluded tribal belt southwest of Odisha. Here, you can visit weekly tribal markets in villages like Chatikona, Koraput and Goudgada to glimpse the indigenous tribes’ lifestyles, such as the Dongria, Bonda and Gadaba.

For those who enjoy rural pursuits, a visit to Odisha wouldn’t be complete without a stay at the simple yet charming Dhenkanal Palace, ideally located to visit the weaving village of Nuapatna as well as Dokra village, where artisans still employ the ancient lost-wax method of casting and use scrap metal to create bracelets and other artefacts.