orissa

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Topographic  Location

Latitude- 17° 49' North - 22° 34' North
Latitude- 81° 29' East-87° 29' East

Overview

The history of Orissa makes an interesting case-study in that it's history is in many ways atypical from that of the northern plains and many of the common generalizations that are made about Indian history do not seem to apply to the Oriya region. The word Oriya is an anglicised version of Odia which itself is a modern name for the Odra or Udra tribes that inhabited the central belt of modern Orissa. Orissa has also been the home of the Kalinga and Utkal tribes that played a particularly prominent role in the region's history, and one of the earliest references to the ancient Kalingas appears in the writings of Vedic chroniclers. In the 6th C. BC, Vedic Sutrakara Baudhayana mentions Kalinga as being beyond the Vedic fold, indicating that Brahminical influences had not yet touched the land. Unlike some other parts of India, tribal customs and traditions played a significant role in shaping political structures and cultural practices right up to the 15th C. when Brahminical influences triumphed over competing traditions and caste differentiation began to inhibit social mobility and erode what had survived of the ancient republican tradition
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The steel plants in Orissa are greatly responsible for the industrial boom that the state has witnessed in the recent past. The active presence of companies and organizations like ESSAR, Steel Authority of India, POSCO, Nilachal Ispat Nigam Limited, Jindal Steel etc. have resulted in the overall improvement of the industrial scenario of the state. The significance of small scale industries like handloom and handicrafts can not be overlooked as they contribute a considerable amount of revenue to the state's economyThe steel plants in Orissa are greatly responsible for the industrial boom that the state has witnessed in the recent past. The active presence of companies and organizations like ESSAR, Steel Authority of India, POSCO, Nilachal Ispat Nigam Limited, Jindal Steel etc. have resulted in the overall improvement of the industrial scenario of the state. The significance of small scale industries like handloom and handicrafts can not be overlooked as they contribute a considerable amount of revenue to the state's economy

IMPORTANT PLACES

Khandagiri and Udaygiri
These are the twin hills 7 kms. from Bhubaneswar. The 135 ft high Udaygiri and 118 ft high Khandagiri hills have ancient caves. Khandagiri means "broken hill" and Udaygiri means "hill of the sunrise." The caves on the two low hills of Udaygiri and Khandagiri give ample proof of Jain and Buddhist occupation. This served as the site of an ancient Jain monastery, which was carved into cave like chambers in the face of the hill. The twin hills of Kumargiri and Kumarigiri known as Khandagiri and Udaygiri contain varieties of rock-cut caves. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, some of the caves have beautiful carvings. The Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave) - one of the largest and double-storied is ornately embellished with beautiful carvings. In the Hati Gumpha (Elephant Cave), King Kharavela carved out the chronicles of his reign. It is a magnificent specimen of Pali records so far found in India.
Beaches
Orissa has beautiful beaches where One can spend hours soaking in the sun, surfing or just frolicking in the lovely blue waters.

Chandipur Beach

Situated 16 km from Balasore, the beach at Chandipur is surely one of the finest in India. This peaceful resort with sand dunes green with wild creepers and casuarina trees whistling in the breeze has a special secret. The sea recedes nearly five kilometres everyday with the tide - a sight not to be missed

Gopalpur Beach

One of the most pristine beaches of Orissa, this quiet beach is a splendid retreat for sea-worshippers, located about 16 km from Berhampur. Once a humming seaport, Gopalpur offers its visitors a slice of serenity in environs that are conducive to introspection and conviviality. You can still see the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty, witness to its past glory of commercial activity. Gopalpur is a surfers delight and is excellent for sailing too.
 A place suitable for group camping, Turekela is important for viewing colorful wild life, like Tigers, Dear, Bears, Monkeys etc. The chirping birds perched on trees are a thrill to the searching eyes. Distance 98 km from Dist. HQ Communication Road Rail - Nearest station- Titilagarh Lodging and Boarding Titilagarh/Balangir

Puri Beach

For centuries now, the beach at Puri has been the venue of countless pilgrims taking the traditional purification dip for Puri is the abode of Lord Jagannath and considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destination. However, for decades now, both Indian and foreign beach lovers have made it their special haunt.

The fine white sands of Puri beach and the roar of the breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal have fascinated visitors throughout the ages. As it is with all the beaches of Orissa, overcrowding is never a problem and the sight of holiday-makers having entire stretches of the beach to themselves is not uncommon.