DHAULI - CHANDIPUR - GOPALPUR-ON-SEA - LALITAGIRI - RATNAGIRI - UDAIGIRI
Bhubneshwar,
the capital of Orissa, is often known as the 'temple town' owing to its
over 7000 extravagant, Orissan architectural style temples that existed
around the Bindusagar tank. About 5 kms from the city are the Udayagiri
and Khandagiri caves, both dating from the Buddisht period. Excursions
include Puri, one of the four holiest cities
in India. Puri revolves around the great Jagannath temples and its famous
Rath Yatra. This yatra commemorates the journey of lord Krishna from Gokul
to Mathura every June or July, when a fantastic festival of rath sets
forth from the temples. the city also offers a fine stretch of white sand
beaches. Konark is known for its Temple
of the Sun, constructed during the 13th century. Gopalpur-on-sea is a
popular beach resort with hot springs at Tapatapani, about 45 kms away.
Excursion :
Udaygiri Khandagiri :
7 kms from Bhubaneshwar are the twin hills of Udaygiri and Khandagiri. Built by Kharavela around 1st - 2nd Century BC for Jain monks, they are excellent examples of Jain Cave art. The famous caves of Hathigumpha (elephant cave) in Udaygiri, Rani Gumpha (Queen's cave) also in Udaygiri, with upper and lower stories, spacious courtyards and extremely delicately designed friezes bear witness to the ophistication the architectural styles had attained as early as the first Century BC.
Driving down the Puri-Konark Highway from Bhubaneshwar
one comes across Dhauli hill on the banks of the River Daya. Surrounded
by the soothing greenery of paddy fields, lies the 3rd Century BC Ashokan
Rock Edict, a memory of the gruesome war that transformed Ashoka, the
great Warrior into a Buddhist missionary. The Peace Pagoda built in collaboration
with the Kalinga - Japanese Buddhist Sangha, on the opposite hill, is
completely modern and is an excellent foil. 
DHAULI
LALITAGIRI - RATNAGIRI - UDAYGIRI
110 kms from Bhubaneshwar,
these three hills combinedly present the rich Buddhist heritage of Orissa.
Once the seat of a flourishing Buddhist university called Tushpagiri Mahavihara',
these hills still have extensive ruins of brick monasteries, sculpted
stone portals and Buddhist images.
LALITAGIRI : the earliest
buddhist complex of 1st century A.D. has a huge brick monastery, the remains
of a chaitya hall, a number of votive stupas and a renovated stone stupa
at the apex of a small rugged sand stone hill dominates the rural greenery
around.
RATNAGIRI : At Ratnagiri excavations revealed the establishment
of a Buddhist centre from the time of Narasimha Gupta Baladitya (first
half of the sixth century A.D.)
UDAIGIRI : At Udaigiri excavations brought to light a sprawling
complex of brick monastery with a number of Buddhist sculptures. Infact
the entire area is found located at the foot hills of a large hill acting
as the backdrop of the area. The museums at Ratnagiri and Lalitagiri are
worth visiting. More treasures come to light as excavations are carried
out.
An ideal beach resort of Orissa. Situated 16 kms away
from Balasore, this is a unique beach where sea water recedes about 5
kms during low tide and advances to the shore line again during high-tide
each day.
CHANDIPUR
GOPALPUR-ON-SEA
On
the Bay of Bengal, is also a favourite spot for both Indian and foreign
sea lovers. Warm with gentle sunshine, the golden beach is an ideal place
to swim or laze around. Its popularity is already on the rise.
HOW TO GET THERE :
Last modified: 26/02/2004