I had gone to Orissa many many years ago. Many = 15+ years. I had loved the trip especially to Konark and the Chilka Lake. Puri was nice but very crowded especially because we had gone there in our autumn break which is a bad time because of Puja time.
On the way to Konark from Puri you will come across a place called Pipli which is famous for its applique work.
You should go. You'll eat well in Orissa. You can head towards the beaches (Puri, Gopalpur, Konark, Chandipur) or towards the jungles. The facilities are pretty basic everywhere but it's a beautiful part of India. We drove down the length of Orissa twice recently when we drove to Vizag and back. The roads were great and the views beautiful.
I am from Orissa ! Have never commented but have read you for a long time.
1. Bhubaneswar (The temples in the city are awesome. Lingaraj Mandir is one of the good ones)
2. Puri is about an hour from Bhubaneswar. Visit the Jagannath mandir. Beware of the priests who will offer you additional pujas and try to take money from you. Resist them. The beach and the shopping on the beach is amazing at night. Silver and filigree handicrafts are great in Puri.
3. On the way from Bhubaneswar to Puri, there is a town called Pipili. Be sure to make a stop here. The town is filled with handicrafts makers. They make lovely hanging lamps, mail holders, wall hangings, and cushion covers. Bargain a lot. The best way to get to Puri from Bhubaneswar is via Auto/Taxi. That way you can also kake a stop at Pipili.
3. There are other stuff like Ashoka Stupa and stuff between Bhubaneswar and Puri.
4. Try to get some sambalpuri sarees while you are in orissa.
5. Raghurajpur is famous for the handmade paintings.
6. Eat dahi bora alu dum while in Bhubaneswar. It is sold on the streets and is dahi vada paired with some alu sabzi and mixture. It is delicious. Also eat chhenapoda which is a sweet made from curds, cheese and milk. Again, amazing !!!
7. Visit Chilika lake.
8. Visit Nandan kanan. Great zoo.
Okay, that's all I can think of. now. Most people speak Hindi and some will speak English. In some areas of orissa, people will speak Telugu as well but not so much in Bhubaneswar and surrounding areas. Not proofreading my comment. Sorry for any typos. Hope this helps.
I think Prashanti got everything in the list. I studied at a b-school in Bbsr for 2 years and LOVED the place. Just 2 small additions - Puchkas are good in Bbsr too. Also, sambalpuri dupattas and skirts are available, so are ikkat work dress material.
On second thought, here's more...Check out Olive Ridley turtle hatching time. Could be a sight of a lifetime for the kids. Also, sand sculptures at Gopalpur-by-the-sea (between Konark and Puri I think) could be a good idea for the kids. Boat ride on Chilka is a MUST. Also, in Puri temple, rules are similar to guruvayur. So pls carry long skirts for you and the girls.
The main reason I've been reading this post is because I wanted to visit Orissa too and was keen to know which places to go and all that. Guess our friend Prashant here has summed it up very well. Glad that I have bookmarked this post!
8 comments:
I had gone to Orissa many many years ago. Many = 15+ years. I had loved the trip especially to Konark and the Chilka Lake. Puri was nice but very crowded especially because we had gone there in our autumn break which is a bad time because of Puja time.
On the way to Konark from Puri you will come across a place called Pipli which is famous for its applique work.
DOnt have much memories from BHuvaneshwar.
And yeah..how can I forget Udaigiri and Khandgiri caves.
You should go. You'll eat well in Orissa. You can head towards the beaches (Puri, Gopalpur, Konark, Chandipur) or towards the jungles. The facilities are pretty basic everywhere but it's a beautiful part of India. We drove down the length of Orissa twice recently when we drove to Vizag and back. The roads were great and the views beautiful.
I am from Orissa ! Have never commented but have read you for a long time.
1. Bhubaneswar (The temples in the city are awesome. Lingaraj Mandir is one of the good ones)
2. Puri is about an hour from Bhubaneswar. Visit the Jagannath mandir. Beware of the priests who will offer you additional pujas and try to take money from you. Resist them. The beach and the shopping on the beach is amazing at night. Silver and filigree handicrafts are great in Puri.
3. On the way from Bhubaneswar to Puri, there is a town called Pipili. Be sure to make a stop here. The town is filled with handicrafts makers. They make lovely hanging lamps, mail holders, wall hangings, and cushion covers. Bargain a lot. The best way to get to Puri from Bhubaneswar is via Auto/Taxi. That way you can also kake a stop at Pipili.
3. There are other stuff like Ashoka Stupa and stuff between Bhubaneswar and Puri.
4. Try to get some sambalpuri sarees while you are in orissa.
5. Raghurajpur is famous for the handmade paintings.
6. Eat dahi bora alu dum while in Bhubaneswar. It is sold on the streets and is dahi vada paired with some alu sabzi and mixture. It is delicious. Also eat chhenapoda which is a sweet made from curds, cheese and milk. Again, amazing !!!
7. Visit Chilika lake.
8. Visit Nandan kanan. Great zoo.
Okay, that's all I can think of.
now. Most people speak Hindi and some will speak English. In some areas of orissa, people will speak Telugu as well but not so much in Bhubaneswar and surrounding areas. Not proofreading my comment. Sorry for any typos. Hope this helps.
Thanks so much girls
Will draw up a plan as soon as Navy says he can take off
I think Prashanti got everything in the list. I studied at a b-school in Bbsr for 2 years and LOVED the place. Just 2 small additions - Puchkas are good in Bbsr too. Also, sambalpuri dupattas and skirts are available, so are ikkat work dress material.
On second thought, here's more...Check out Olive Ridley turtle hatching time. Could be a sight of a lifetime for the kids. Also, sand sculptures at Gopalpur-by-the-sea (between Konark and Puri I think) could be a good idea for the kids. Boat ride on Chilka is a MUST. Also, in Puri temple, rules are similar to guruvayur. So pls carry long skirts for you and the girls.
Enjoy!
Cheers
Meera
The main reason I've been reading this post is because I wanted to visit Orissa too and was keen to know which places to go and all that. Guess our friend Prashant here has summed it up very well. Glad that I have bookmarked this post!
I meant Prashanti....:))
I also liked Cuckoo's idea of checking out the dress materials there and the Olive Ridley turtles because my son is so keen to see them.
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