Orissa

Located on the eastern coast of India bordering West Bengal in the north and the Bay of Bengal in the east.

Pulsating with the spirit of Indian Culture and located in the central part of India, Odisha is like a bridge between the northern and southern halves of the country. It was a formidable maritime empire with overseas trading routes stretching up to Indonesia. 

Odisha has a long tradition of art and architecture. The early monuments date back to the third century B.C. The remnant of an Ashokan pillar, turned into a Siva Lingam and enshrined in the Bhaskaresvara temple at Bhubaneswar and the lion capital of an Ashokan pillar, presently in the State Museum, speak volumes of Odisha's past glory.  

Odisha's temple-culture is a magnificent reflection of the grand temple architectural essence of India. Be it the sanctified environs of the Lord Jagannath temple at Puri, or the mystic eroticism of the Sun temple of Konark, or the deep caves, or the Buddhist monasteries, the vibrant folk paintings or the weaver's handspun magic, Odisha sings with pride a ballad resonant with the richness of a living past and the dynamism of a flourishing present. 

Tribal Culture - Odisha has a large concentration of Tribal population(62 Tribes) who mostly inhabit the jungle and hilly region with wide distribution in Koraput, Phulbani, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal and Mayurbhanj area. The Socio-cultural life of Odisha has been greatly shaped and influenced by the long continuing tribal traditions

They enjoy their lives through dance and music. Tribal villages often vibrate with drum beats and the hills echo with resonance of music. Each tribe has its rich patterns of music and dance which are variegated, specialised and artistic. This form of performing art has inspired the innovation of colourful costumes, varieties of musical instruments and excellent carvings and paintings in their houses. 

Cuisine - Odisha produces a great variety of vegetables, most of which are put to excellent use in the local cuisine. Odisha fish, crabs and prawns are famous and you will have ample opportunity to enjoy them in whatever style you choose. There is also a good variety of other fresh sea food. Preparation of Odia dishes is simple and economic. 

Art and Crafts of Odisha - Once known as Utkala, which means the land of excellence in art, Odisha is a treasure trove of exquisite handicraft and traditional art forms, a rich legacy of an ancient culture. 

Seasons - There are 3 major seasons—Summer, Rainy & Winter
Summer Season (April to June) is usually hot but the forest and hilly areas are fairly cool.
Rainy Season (July to September) drizzles intermittently without hindering mobility of traffic.
Winter Season (November to February) is extremely pleasant.

Clothing - Light weight cotton clothes for summer and rainy season. Warm garments for winter.

Places to visit - Jaganath Puri, Konark, Lingraja, Ratnagiri, Udaygiri, Tribal Culture.

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