Odisha Tourism -Best Places in Odisha|Holiday Package Tour India.

When people celebrate their heritages and ways of life, the spirit of revelry crosses languages, continents and cultures.
For the people of Orissa Dhauli hill at the outskirts of Bhubaneswar is more a living experience than a memory. Twenty three hundred years ago, their fore fathers fought one of the fiercest battles in human history against Emperor Ashok. They suffered loss of a hundred thousand men, lost the war, but gained immortality, because they metamorphosed a warring monarch into an apostle of non-violence and peace. The festival is a fitting tribute to the victory of Peace over War where renowned dancers of India perform harmonizing the vigor of martial art with sublime dance forms.

The Martial dancers interpret incredible postures of aggression, self-defence and escape in graceful dance-forms with their swords, spears and shields. They thrill audience with their rhythm and precision of movement.

Kalinga Mahotsav, a fabulous feast of dizzying dancing and dynamic stage presentations, is held at the hill of the famous Peace Pagoda. It showcases the vibrant traditions of martial arts of India through a colorful display of dances and music. The calm and solemn statue of Buddha overlooking the entire stage from the top of the stupa and the tranquil expanse of the countryside populated by paddy fields and cashew plantations provides the peaceful background to the outburst of movements and sounds which accompany the performance of the martial artists. The aim of the festival is to harmonize the vigor of martial tradition with the sublimity of peace through the art of dance.

Please refer Event Calendar for the date.

How to Reach -

Bhubaneswar is well connected by air, rail and road to the rest of India. The modern Biju Patnaik airport is being extended to receive wide bodied aircraft, and one may well see international charters landing here soon.

By Air : Bhubaneshwar is directly linked by air to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,Hyderabad and Bangalore by flights Air India, Jetlite, Air Deccan,IndiGo and King Fisher.
By Rail : Super fast trains connect Bhubaneswar to major cities of India such as Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Chennai,Hyderabad, Mumbai,Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Ahmedabad.
By Road : Bhubaneswar is well linked to the rest of India by the National Highways(NH No.5,NH No 6) and by all weather inter and intra state roads.

Internal Transport - Taxies, Auto Rickshaws, Town Buses and Cycle Rickshaws.

Where to Stay -

Comfortable and economical accommodation arrangements can be availed at Bhubaneshwar. Kalinga Festival just held 8 km. far from Bhubaneswar (STD code-0674).

The list of the htls are here :

htl's Name & Address	htl's Name & Address
htl Trident Hilton, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar-13. Ph.-2301010/ 2300890/2300891	Swosti Plaza Ltd., P-1, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.-2301936 to2301940
May Fair Lagoon, 8-B, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2360101	htl Swosti (P) Ltd.103, Janpath BBSR. Ph-2535778, 2535779
htl Sishmo, 86/A-1, Gautam Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2433600 � 605	The Crown, A1(a), IRC Village, Nayapalli, BBSR. Ph 2555500
htl Kalinga Ashok, Gautam Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2431055,2431056	The New Marrion, 6, Janpath, BBSR. Ph.- 2380850 to 57
htl Keshari, 113, Station Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2534994,995,2535095,093	The Presidency, 1471/A&1472, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2559565/66/67/68
The Triumph Residency, 5B, Sahid nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2545718,2545710	htl Gouri, Lewis Road, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2433443, 243337
htl Arya Palace, 126/B, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Ph.- 2536131 to 34	htl Leavender, N5-33E, IRC village, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2551313,2554554
htl Urmi, 424, Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2582392, 2580401	htl Srikrishna, 110, Station Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2535380,2534031,2531067
htl Abadhut, 225, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Ph.- 2531617	htl Grand Central, Old Station Bazar, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2313411,12,13
htl Sahara, 76, Budha Nagar, BBSR, Ph- 3094239	Royale Mid Town, 52-53, Janpath, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2536138 to 141
Bicky Inn,61, Janpath, Unit-III, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2536435, 2535466	htl Swarna, 129, AshokNagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2535109, 2535882
htl Jajati, Station Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2390352	htl Nandan, 27/A, Station Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2535347,2534997
htl Bhagwatniwas, 9, Budha Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2310902,2313708, 3094401	Bhubaneswar htl, Cuttack Road, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2313245, 2313246
htl Pushpak, Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2310185, 2311843	htl Richi, 122 A, Station Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2534619,639,308,2535309
htl Priya, A-30/1 Kharvel Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2393901,2394279,2393841, 2394259	htl Ridge Residency, Baramunda, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2354099, 2354725
Cave View Resorts, Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2472288, Mb- 9437072288	htl Sevashraya, Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 3095006, 2312706
The Eden, 77, Budha Nagar,Bhubaneswar, Ph.- 2311178	htl Ashraya, 357, Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2580583
Panthanivas, O.T.D.C., Ltd. Lewis Road, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2432314/ 2432515	htl Gunjan, 149/D Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2533024, 2530934
htl Kanishk, 134, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2532961	htl Basera, 45, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2533686, 2531314
htl Upasana, 2282, Cuttack Road, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2310044, 2314144	htl Upendra, B/63, Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2547337, 2544940
htl Blue Wheel, Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2546646, 2546441	htl Mayfeel, 730(P), N.H-5,Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2421297, 3947497
Swagat Inn, 219, Bapuji nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2530486,487,2531994,995	Venus Inn, 217, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2531908, 2531738, 3099944
htl Blue Heaven, 260, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2531979	htl Rajmahal, Rajmahal Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2532448, 2536370, 71, 72
htl Apsara, 18, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2530724, 2533724	htl Janpath, 29,Janpath, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2531147, 2531547, 2533747
htl Lingaraj, Old Station Bazar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2313555,2312555	htl Swagat, Cuttack Road, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2313879, 2314597, 5560334

Excursions -

Bhubaneswar offers tourists several options comprising picturesque paradise for interesting Excursion Tours, which are both educative and entertaining.

* Distance from Bhubaneswar

Dhauli (8 km)* -
Surrounded by paddy fields, the Dhauli hill brings back memories of the historic 'Kalinga war' which was fought around here. It is here that Ashoka, the terrible, was transformed into Ashoka, the compassionate and championed the cause of Buddhism. On the foot of the hill, one can see the Rock Edicts of Ashoka and the forepart of a skillfully sculpted elephant hewn out of a huge rock. Dhauli has gained prominence due to the establishment of a Buddhist Peace Pagoda, popularly known as Shanti Stupa, built in the early seventies by the Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha. An old temple of Lord Dhavaleswar, reconstructed in 1972, also stands on the hill-top.

Hirapur (15 km)* -
Hirapur has the 11th century Hypaethral temple of 64 Yogini Shrines. It is second of its kind in Orissa and one of four such unique temples in India.

Atri Hot Spring (42 km)* -
Situated amidst greenery and famous for the hot sulphur water spring, Atri, 42 km. from Bhubaneswar and 14 km. from Khurda, is also a holy place with the shrine of Hatakeswar. A bath in the spring water is reputed to cure skin diseases apart from being a pleasant experience.

Nandankanan (20 km)* -
Picturesquely carved out of the Chandaka forest, Nandankanan is a Biological Park where animals are kept in their natural habitat. A centrally located lake divides the Zoo from the Botanical Gardens. Tigers, Lions, Clouded Leopards, Black Panthers, European Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Gharials, Rosy Pelican, Grey Pelican, Indian Python, King Cobra, etc. are among the attractions of the zoo, which is famous for its White Tigers. The exotic Botanical Garden on the other side of the zoo preserves varieties of indigenous plants. Regular bus services are available to reach the sanctuary.

Tarabalo Hot Spring (75 km)* -
In the Nayagarh district, Tarabalo is famous for a cluster of hot springs dotted over an area of 8 acres. Located 75 km from Bhubaneswar, it makes a delightful spot for excursions.

Khandagiri and Udaygiri (8 km)* -
The twin hills of Kumargiri and Kumarigiri known as Khandagiri and Udaygiri contain varieties of rock-cut caves, built mainly for the Jain monks around 1st - 2nd century B.C. The thirteen years lithic record of King Kharavela engraved in Hatigumpha (elephant cave) is a magnificent specimen of Pali records so far found in India.

As you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be on the left. Udayagiri will be on the right. The 18 caves of Udayagiri include the famous Hathi Gumpha ('Elephant Cave') with its famous inscription of Kharavela. From the inscription, we learn much about Kharavela's military exploits, and also that his royal city had gate towers, bathing and drinking tanks, and was the scene of formally organized music and dance performances, as well as sporting and social events. The city, says the inscription, "was made to dance with joy". Kharavela was evidently a skilled musician, and it seems as if he created a remarkable center of the arts.

The famous Rani Gumpha ('Queen's Cave'), also on Udayagiri, has upper and lower stories, a spacious courtyard, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The carvings show popular legends, historical scenes, and religious functions, as well as many dancers. The style seems quite well-developed, and of a singular grace and liveliness.

The Ganesha Gumpha, which is accessible by a walkway from the lower storey of the Rani Gumpha, is isolated, and perhaps for this reason, better preserved. Its two dwelling-spaces with verandah in front are reached by a short staircase from the courtyard.

All of the caves are small, and follow the natural configurations of the 'living rock'. The sculpture throughout exhibits a strong, lively folk element, which has been executed with a sure and confident hand. Already, the spaces are filled with animal, human, and divine personages and decorative details, showing at an early stage the love of the Orissan artist for richly elaborated scenes.

Banapur (8 Km)* -
Famous for the time-honoured temple of Goddess Bhagabati, banpur has earned celebrity as a center of religious activities. Once it was the capital of Sailodvaba dynasty, responsible for the construction of the early group of temples at Bhubaneswar. The large number of Buddist images discovered at Banpur relate the place to the Vajrayan cult of Buddhism. The temple of "Dakshya Prajapati: is a fine specimen of extraordinary artistic excellence of Orissan art. Banpur is connected by bus services from Bhubaneswar. Accommodation facilities are also available at Balugaon and Barkul, 11 Km away. One may also see the Salia Dam at a distance of 15 Km.

Barunei (32 Km)* -
As a scenic spot, 9 Km away from Khurdha, Barunei attracts thousands of visitors round the year. Barunei, the presiding deity of the place adorns the hilltop. The shadowy mango groves with a perennial spring called SWARGA GANGA", Ganges of the Heaven, provide a pleasant atmosphere for the picnickers. Bus services are available up to Khurdha and Barunei stop on NH � 5 . One can hire taxies of Autorickshaws to reach the place.

Bhusandapur (65 km)* -
On way to Balugaon along National Highway No. 5 from Bhubaneswar, one can visit the shrine of Ugratara at Bhusandapur. The image of a four-armed chamunda worshipped as Ugratara is believed to be the tutelary deity of the Gajapati Kings of Orissa. It is a lovely picnic spot under a cool mango grove by the side of a hillock and a gurgling stream. This place is connected by a good motorable road.

Gadamanatri (54 Km)* -
31 Kms from Khurda, the place is famous for the abode of Goddes Ramachandi, situated on a hillock in the shape of a huge stone of 60 feet high. Gadamanatri is connected by a good motorable road. Ramanavami is the festival here which is observed for 7 days.

Kenduli (35 Km)* -
Famous for the birthplace of Saint Poet Jayadev, the composer of Geeta Govinda in Sanskrit. Kenduli is 35 Km from Bhubaneswaar Via Banamalipur. There are clutters of shines in this village like Mukteswar, Mahadev, Ambika, Jageswart, nrutimha and Radha Madhav was shipped in different temple. Jayadeva Jayatri is the biggest festival is observed an Akshya Tritiya day which falls in April every year. Regular bus services are available up to Banamalipur and the rest are negotiable by auto rickshaw.

Rameswar (52 Km)* -
This place is an ideal stop on NH No.5 for any tourist. It is also a scenic spot. Economical and comfortable accommodation also available here. This place is 25 Km away from khurda, the dist headquater Regular frequent bus services are available to this place. Tourist can also visit the nearest tourist spots like Barunei(25 Km), Kaipadar(14 Km), Gadamanitir(24 Km) and Ugratara(10Km).

Mundiapada -
51 Km from Khurda and 11 Km from Bolagada it is a scenic spot. The temple of Rama, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman on the top of the fill called Mandangiri is a great attraction for the tourist. The hill is about thousand feet high approachable by 700 steps. The Kartik Festival is observed here in the month of kartik (Oct-Nov) which is continued for the whole month of Kartik. A great congregation takes place during this period. Regular bus services are available up to Bolagada (11 Km). The Mundipada Ashram here accommodates 20 person which is a Yatri type accommodation.

Salia Dam � Berbera -
One-way to Berbera Forest comes the Salia Dam near the village Panas Diha to the west of Banpur. The scenic beauty of this place with the dam attracts the group picnickers round the year. About 12 km from Salia Dam, Berbera is a deep forest of 300 Sq Km. It is rich with Sal, Teak and other associated species. Bisons, Gaurs, King Cobras, Barking Deer, Giant Squirrels etc. are found in the Jungles of Berbera. Barbera Forest is an unpeel beauty of nature richly endowed with bounties of flora and fauna. Regular bus services are available up to Banpur. Salia and Barbera is approachable by jeep from Banpur, 20 Kms from Balugaon and 26 Km form Barkul. Accommodation facilities are available at both the places.

Kosalasuni Thakurani Pitha -
The place is famous for the Goddes Kosalasuri. She is belived to be stow fruition of desires of the devotees. The place attracts the Groups in large number. 42 Km from Khurda and 15 Km from Sunakhala, bus service is available up to Arikoma (2 Km) The Tarabalo Hot spring is only 13 Km from here. Visitors may avail the accommodation facility at Kalapather PWD IB at a distance of 6 Km.

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