Chilka Lake :
Chilika Lake, spreading over an area of 1100 sq. kms is the largest brackish water lake in the country and attracts large number of migratory birds besides resident ones. Barkul and Rambha are two places on the lake which serve as the base. Though the lake can be visited throughout the year, October to March is the best season.
Flora: The lake hourbours the "aquatic vegetation" of its own and is typically represents by Algal forms (e.g. Chaetomorpha and Enteromorpha widely distributed algae followed by Lyngbya, Ulva, Cladophora and others like Gloeocapsa, Nostoc, Sprigyra, Oedogonium, Chara, Nitella, Gracilaria etc.), a number of Diatoms/Phytoplanktons and a few species of brackish water submerged phanerogams like Potamogeton pectinatus, Halophila ovalis, Ruppia maritima, Naja faveolata, Hydrilla verticellata and Ceratophyllum demersum etc. Some floating plants like Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Azolla pinnata etc. enter the like with flood water but disappear after a few months. The communities of Schoenoplectus littoralis in association with Eleocharis dulce, Phragmites karka, Myrostachya wightii & many other grasses and sedges also exist in shallow muddy areas. Species like Salicornia brachiata, Suaeda maritima, Sesuvium portulacastrum, Phyla nodiflora, Heliotropium curassavicum & some others occur in marshes and salt fields along the edges and other shallow areas. The present scanty littoral and scrub jungles on lake margin, islands and rocky faces are represented by the species like Salvadora presica, Pongamia pinnata, Colubrina asiatica, Cassipourea ceylonica, Aegiceras corniculatum, Azima tetracantha, Pisonia aculeata, Clerodendron inerme, Carmona retusa, Carissa spinarumm, Crateva spinarumm, Meytinus emarginatus, Opuntia dillenii, Ficus sps., Crateva adansonii spp., Lepisanthes tetraphylla, Streblus asper etc. and a number of climbers/twinners and herbaceous ground flora. The dunes & sandy areas of the beaches near lake have the floral composition of their own, favoured in the conditions they offer. The land lying between Sea and Lagoon exhibits rich growth of casuarina equisetifolia, planted by Forest Dept.
Fauna: There is a wide varity of animal life forms representing various groups of Animal Kingdom (ranging from Protozoa, Porifera, Polyzoa, Brachiopoda, Coelenterata, Ctenophora, Isopoda, Echiura, Sipuncula, Chaetognatha, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Crustacea, Arachinida, Insecta, Mollusca to Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mamals). The more details of some of these fauna arefurnished here.
Around 158 species of fishes and prawns have so far been recorded.Crabs like Scylla serrata & Neptunus pelagicus are the predominent types available here.
Oyster (e.g. Ostrea talpur, Arca, Meretix etc.) occurs in small patches. Nearabout countless types of Amphibians Reptiles viz. Snakes, Lizards, Turtles & Crocodiles. Discovery of Limbless skink (Barakudia insularis), a rare reptile which was reported first time from loose soil of Barakudia island by Annandale (1917), attaches much significance to this place. The Dolphins have been reported mostly near Satapada-Magarmukha area and occasionally between Kalijai and Balugaon. Other mammals reported from small pockets in the surrounding hlls/forests/scattered islands & amidst the vegetation of sandy ridge facing Chilika and Sea include Black bucks (Antilope cervicara), Spotted deer, Fox, Jackal, Hyaena, Jungle Cat, Hare, Rat, Pachyura (an insectivora), Common bat, Otter, Common mongoose, Monkey, Squirrel, Porcupine etc.
Nandankanan :
About Nandankanan
Nandan Kanan A short distance from the capital city, Bhubeneshwar, the Nandankanan zoo lies in the splendid environs of the CHANDAKA forest , along the ripling water of the KANJIA LAKE.It also contains a botanical garden and part of it is has been declared a santuary.
Endangered species such as the Asiatic lion , three Indian crocodilians , Sangal liontailed macaque,Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, mouse deer and countless birds, reptiles and fish have been breeding successfully at Nandankanan some of the other attractions of nandankanan are the 34aquaria which are home to a large veriety of fresh water fishes . The Reptile park's cave like entrance is guarded by a lifesize tyrannosaurus inside numerous species of crocodiles, lizards,turtles and snakes share the park with natural ease.
67 kinds of mammals , 18 varieties of reptiles, 81 species of birds, coexist in the deeply forest boundaries.
The zoo enjoys an excellent reputaion ,internationally,for successfully breeding black panthers , gharial crocodiles and white tigers in capitivity.
White Tiger
One of the rarest creature in the World , the regal white tiger ,received the new lease of life with the important reaserch and concereted efforts initiated to try and breed then in the natural invirons of Nandankanan . 1980 on a day full exitement and jubilation, the first litter of White tigers were born to Deepak and Ganga , to twany tiger . Subsiquent litters of white tigers have been distributad to zoos both at home and abroad.Currently, Nandankanan is home to over 34 white tigers.It's famous for it's white tiger population . Nandankanan or the garden of Gods,has bocom a hot family favorite,with visitors getting an excellent oppertunity to enjoy seeing these regal animals in thire natural glory-in an environment conducive to thire growth.
Gharial
For the first time ever , a captive breeding centre was created for Gharial crocodilies . This important task was also facilitate by the gift of an adult male from the FRANKFURT ZOO.
Safari
The White Tiger Safari , established in 1991,offers visitors the heady exitement of viewing the rare white tigers from specially designed protected bushes.The lion safari offers an adventurous zing to the trip to Nandankanan.
Picnic
Nandankanan's beatifully versatile environs offer the tourists a great opertunity to be advanturous or laid back......If you donot feel like tearing aroud sighting animals and watching the birds,you can settle down to a leisurly picnic and mid-afternoon nap under the trees .If you feel a little more energetic you can meander along one of their nature trail.
Boating
Boating in Kanjia lake on paddle or row boats in the clear blue waters is an exhilarating experience.
Unique is the 50 hectars of beautiful water lake spread area named " kangia " which attracts large numbers of resident and migratory birds like whistling teal, cotton teal, darter, purple moorhen, herons, jacana etc. Boating in lake in the clear blue waters is an exhilarating experience.
The lion safari first of its kind in the world spalws over forested land of 20 hectares with a 3km. motorable road.That's make a visit to the park more interesting.
Glittering fresh water fishes in 36 aquarium boxes have added charm to the park.
The 620 metres long aerial rope -way transports the visitors across the lake to see botanical garden having many rare and endangered species of flora from different parts of the world.A first of its kind in any indian zoo.
Disabled and elderly person who cannot move through the large park on foot ,find it very interesting to use this pollution and noise free transport system which goes round the park.
The white tiger safari spreads over an area of 12 hectares with motorable roads inside .The visitors move inside the park in protected vehicles of authority.It takes you straight into the prides of lions and right in front of the majestic tigers.
Location : Bhubaneshwar
Nearest Access : Bhubaneshwar (20 kms)
Main Wildlife Found : White Tigers, The chinkara, dear, black panthers , gharial and crocodiles
Coverage Area : 20 Kms
Bhubaneshwar (Bhuban being world and Iswar meaning god i.e. (’The lord of the universe’) is the capital of Orissa, chosen in 1948 in place of Cuttack partly because it was the ancient capital of the Kalinga empire. It is the architectural legacy of that period and it is a walk down centuries of temple architecture. With 600 temples still intact, the temples are to this ancient city as forts are to Rajasthan. It is probably the only city in the world that enables an authentic overview of the stages of development of Hindu religious architecture.
Today these temples are gentle reminder of the splendour, the heritage that was once India. Regular dances by the ‘Devadasis’ or divine servant girls, rituals and rites recital of hymns were all an integral part of its temple culture.
Temples in Bhubaneswar are built on a common plan as prescribed by Hindu norms. The structure is divided into four distinct parts or the outer chamber is the ‘Jagamohana’. The ‘Garbhagriha’ is the inner sanctum of the presiding deity. There is also a conical beehive shaped tower which forms the third part-the ‘Nata Mandap’, and the fourth is the ‘Bhoga Mandap’. All visible parts of a temple are sculpted with motifs of priests, kings, courtiers, pilgrims, celestial dancers, couples in embrace, birds, animals or scenes from religious epics and legends. With a juxtaposition of modern buildings and ancient temples, Bhubaneswara is a reasonably pleasant and manageable city, with enough to justify a stopover for a day or two. It is also a useful base for day trips to Dhauli, Nandankanan zoo and Cuttack.
Places of attraction :-
Temples
In Bhubaneshwar the orientalist is in for a delightful break. The temples of Laxmaneswar Satrughaneswar and Bharateswar which were built in the 6th century AD are relics of early religious shrines in Orissa. The 500 temples of the original ‘7,000’ that once surrounded Bindusagar Tank draw vast numbers of pilgrims and visitors to the city.
Parasurameswara:
Just west of the Lewis Road is a cluster of about 20 smaller temples including some of the most important in Bhubaneswar. The best preserved of these early temples is Parasurameswar Mandir a small single and ornate Shiva temple built in a about AD 650.It has lively bas-reliefs of elephant and horse processions lattice windows and Shiva images. This temple built in 650 AD is one of the earliest temples of Bhubaneshwar. This temple is built in the Kalinga style of temple architecture and was dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Yama, Surya and seven Mother Goddesses. In typical fashion it is liberally sculpted with amorous couples, animals and floral motifs. The 7th century temple though small is highly decorated and is the best preserved-though not oldest-of the early Bhubaneswar temples. The rectangular (rather than square) porch and the stepped roof indicates an early date.
Even so the porch was probably built after the sanctuary itself as suggested by the rather crude junction between the two. In the northwest corner of the temple compound is a ‘Lingam of one thousand Lingas’.
Just south of Parasurameswara temple is the Swaranjaleswara temple. Built in a similar style the motifs on the walls however differ depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
Vaital Deul (800 AD):
This temple has a double-storey ‘wagoon roof’ influenced Buddhist cave architecture. It dates from the 8th century and was a centre of tantric worship. Vaital Deul or temple is the shrine of Chamunda (a tantric form of the Goddess Kali) or Shakti. Seated on a corpse in a dark inner sanctum is the Goddess Chamunda. She has a garland of skulls around her neck and is flanked by a jackal and an owl. The niches on the inner wall depict equally startling images along with scenes of tantric and erotic sculptures. It is also unique in that the outer surface of the vault is plain while the inside wall is profusely embellished.Outside on the east face of the Deul the lower of the two-chaitya windows has a beautifully carved figure of the sun God Surya.
Mukteswara (950 AD):
Often referred to as the ‘Gem of Orissa Architecture’ this temple has been built on the lines of the Kalinga School of temple architecture.
Not far from the Parsurameswar is the small 10th century Mukteswar Mandir one of the most ornate temples in the capital. The finely detailed carvings show a mixture of Buddhist Jain and Hindu styles but unfortunately some of the figures have been defaced. The ceiling carvings are particularly striking and the stone arch is revered for its architectural style. In front of the temple is a beautifully arched torana clearly showing a Buddhist influence. This ‘Torana’ is a unique feature of this temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva-Mukteswara and is carved with figures of ascetics in various poses of meditation. Scenes from the storehouse of Indian fables the ‘Panchatantra’ can also be seen on the walls.
A dip in a sacred well to the east of the temple is supposedly a cure for infertility. In the same compound, Siddheswar Mandir was built later than Mukteswar and is plainer, but has a fine standing Ganesh figure. Across the path from Mukteswar, Kedargauri Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, although it has been substantially rebuilt.
Rajarani Temple (1100 AD):
This temple, built circa AD 1100 and surrounded by relaxing gardens, is famous for its ornate deul. The name of this temple is supposed to be derived from the red gold sand stone used for its construction. Rajarani is the local name for the stone. The deul is intricately carved with figurines in various stages of daily chores. The lower portion of the deul has the ‘Guardians of the eight directions’ guarding the eight cardinal points of the temple. Around the compass points there are pairs of statues representing the eight dikpalas, who protect the temple. Between them, nymphs, embracing couples, elephants and lions fill the niches and decorate the pillars.
Brahmeswara Temple (1050 AD):
Standing in a courtyard flanked by four smaller structures, the 9th century Brahmeswara Mandir is a smaller version of Lingaraj Mandir.
Brahmeswara temple depicts the mature Orissa style of temple architecture.The deul and the Jagmohana are both intricately carved and for the first time in temple architectural history, musicians and dancers appear on the outer walls and iron beams find their first use. In the western section Chamunda, Siva and other deities are depicted. The sanctuary itself houses a Shiva linga. There are minor shrines in each corner of the compound. It is notable for its finely detailed sculptures with erotic and sometimes amusing elements.
Lingaraja (11th Century AD):
This 54 mts. high temple is dedicated to Tribhuvaneswar (Lord of the Three Worlds). also known as Bhubaneswar. It present form dates from 1090 to 1104, although parts of it are over 1400 years old. The Lingaraja temple dominates the skyline of Bhubaneswar from as far away as 15 kms. This temple was constructed in the 11th century AD at the site of an old seventh century shrine. Alongwith the deul and the Jagmohana the Lingaraja temple have two new structures, the ‘nata mandira’ (Dance hall) and the ‘bhoga mandapa’ (offering hall). Dedicated to Lord Siva the ‘Lingam’ here is unique in that it is a ‘Hari Hara’ lingam-half Siva and Vishnu. There are around 150 subsidiary shrines within this giant temple. The granite block, representing Tribhuvaneswar, is apparently bathed daily with water, milk and bhang (marijuana). The temple compound is about 150 mts. square, and more than 50 smallertemples and shrines crowd the enclosure. In the northeast corner, the small temple to Parvati is interesting.
The Orissa State Museum:
A visit to the museum provides an instant overview of the museum (and landmark) on Lewis road is worth a visit. It boasts a collection of rare palm-leaf manuscripts traditional and folk musical instruments, Bronze-Age tools, an armoury and fascinating display of Orissan tribal anthropology. A visit to the museum provides an instant overview of Orissa as it was and still is. It has a rich collection of sculptures, coins, copper plates, stone inscriptions, lithic and bronze age tools, rare manuscripts written on palm leaves, traditional and folk musical instruments. The natural History collection is also impressive, and most exhibits still remain their fur and feathers. The magnificent collection of Buddhist and Jain sculptures, which are displayed in chronological order, constitute the most important antiquities in the museum. It also boasts a gallery displaying the works of contemporary Orissan artists. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily, except Monday.
The Handicrafts Museum(Secretariat Road) :
This museum has a splendid collection of stone sculptures, patta paintings, brass castings, horn toys and Orissa’s famous filigree work.
Tribal Museum:
Northwest of the town. This museum provides an insight into the tribal Culture of Orissa. Although this place is primarily an anthropological research centre, visitors are welcome. The outdoor display of indigenous Orissan housing was destroyed during the 1999 cyclone, but should be worth visiting when repaired. There is a large collection of tribal dress, weapons and jewellery.
Beach
,b>Puri:
Puri beach is famous for its golden sands, soothing sun-bath and the colourful sunrise and sunset. There you can bathe and laze or enjoy seeing, the local fishermen plying their catamarans and sail boats. This beautiful beach is quite long and wide extending for miles.
Gopalpur-on-sea:
18 kms south-east of Berhampur lies the quiet sea shore town of Gopalpur. It is popular sea-resort especially noted for its surg-swimming, sailing, sun-bathing and extensive sands.
North-west of Gopalpur and 50 kms from Berhampur, amidst greens lies Taptapani, famous for its hot water sulphur spring. The water of the spring is channelised to a pond to facilitate bathing.
Balasore & Chandipur:
Balasore, the district headquarters, once was an important maritime town in medieval times through the river Budhabalanga. 214 kms, north east of Bhubaneswar, Balasore is convenient base point for excursions to Chandikpur and Remuna. Balasore is also noted for its traditional handicrafts of lacquered toys, brass-works and stone carvings.
16 kms east of Balasore is Chandipur one of the most pleasant beaches of the country. Here the sea, recedes five kilometres at low tide and then flows rhythmically after a regular interval every day. This play of the tide combined with bracing environs make the spot an excellent value.
Chandrabhaga:
Chandrabhaga Beach is situated near Konarkand is 32 km from Puri on the Marine Drive. Sunrise and sunset are enjoyable here.
Baliharachandi:
27 kms far from Puri,known for its beauty.
Beleswar:
15 kms. away from Puri offers a beautiful beach and a famous picnic spot.
Located near Berhampur.
Talasari Beach:
At a distance of 88kms from Balasore, 4kms from Chandaneswar and 8kms from Digha (in West Bengal) is the tranquil of beach at Talasari. One could behold with surprise the glistening glory of the Bay of Bengal spreads like bejewelled carpet as far as one's eyes could reach.
Pati- Sonapur Beach:
Located approximately 20 kms from Berhampur, 35 kms form Gopalpur-on-sea, the Pati-Sonapur beach is the most exquisite places on the east coast. Right on the confluence of the river Bahuda and the Bay of Bengal, the scenic beauty of the area is simply enchanting.
Waterfall
Badaghagra:
10 kms. from Keonjhar on NH-6 towards Sambalpur, it is yet another small (200 ft.
high) but exiting waterfall on the river Ghagara. It is one of the most popular picnic spots of Keonjhar district.
Duduma:
A charming waterfalll on the river Machhakunda,70 kms. from Jeypore,a waterfall of 155mt high is also a place of pilgrimage and rare scenic beauty.
Harishankar:
Is located on the southern side of Gandhamardhan hills in Balangir. The Harishankar
dazzles with a series of bewitching waterfalls cascading on the hillslopes.
Hathipathar:
Nearly 3kms. away from Raygada.
Khandadhar Falls:
Khandadhar, a famous waterfall of about 800 mt. high is located amidst lush green forest of Sundergarh. It is the highest waterfall of the state. It is 60 kms. from Keonjhar. The magnificient sight of the fall makes it ideal for a great picnic spot.
Mirig Khoj:
Aproximately 110 kms from Rourkela, a beautiful waterfall of Orissa.
Phurli Jharan Falls:
Waterfall near Bhawanipatna is about 16mts high. The multi-coloured rainbows created by the sun-rays falling on the scattered water particles of the fall has a special charm of its own
