Tourism in India - Orissa

Orissa, situated at the eastern side of India with the Bay of Bengal on one side, has a varieties of rich culture & tradition.
Temples & Monuments : With a documented history stretching back to 2000 BC, it is no wonder that Orissa is dotted with with ancient monuments ranging from the ruins of Sisupalgarh to the magnificent Lingaraj and Jagannath temples, from the world heritage site of the Konark Sun temple to the exquisitely carved Mukteswar and other such temples. The various archaeological finds at Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udaigiri and other locations prove that Orissa has also been influenced by Buddhist thought. Jainism too has left its mark on Orissa as the rock cut caves at Khandagiri & Udaygiri as well as remains at other locations show.
Tribal Culture : This state has the largest variety of tribal communities, which are at various stages of socio-economic development. At one extreme are the group which lead a relatively secluded and archaic mode of life, keeping their core culture intact, while at the other extreme there are communities which are indistinguishable from the general agricultural communities. The tribal people express their cultural identity and distinctiveness in their social organization, language, rituals and festivals and also in their dress, ornaments, art and craft.
Art : Orissa boasts of a long and rich cultural heritage. Due to the reigns of many different rulers in the past, the culture, arts and crafts of the state underwent many changes, imitations, assimilations and new creations, from time to time. The artistic skill of the Orissan artists is unsurpassable in the world. The discovery that traditional artists still live and work throughout Orissa, producing various objects in many media, is an exciting part of any visit to the state. Dance : Odissi dance and music has lured many to this sacred land of Lord Jagannath. Like other aspects of the culture, the Odissi music is charming, colurful, variegated encompassing various types. In addition to the world renowned Odissi and Chhau dance forms, Orissa boasts of a number of folk performances too.
Coastal glory : Orissa is blessed with around 500 km long coastline and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Chilika, Asia's largest brackish water lake, not only provides a haven for millions of birds, but is also one of the few places in India where one can view dolphins. The lush green forest cover Of Orissa plays host to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the famed Royal Bengal Tiger. Amidst the picturesque hills and valleys nestle a number of breathtaking waterfalls and rivulets that attract visitors from all over.
Festival : Every state has its own festivals and rituals. Orissa being a land of ancient and sacred temples, and a state where three religions flourished, is thronged by pilgrims throughout the year. There are a large number of fairs and festivals celebrated in the state. There are festivals relating to each religion, tribal festivals, festivals relating to Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the Puri Temple, and many seasonal exhibitions and fairs as well as special festivals such as the Konark Festival, the Rajarani Music Festival, the Puri Beach Festival etc..