Stunning Orissa

"Historic Temples, Incredible architectures, Astonishing Culture and Heritage, Lip-smacking food, Scenic coastal line, Sluggish backwaters, Backward yet simple and Down-to-Earth people" - it's all about Orissa in brief.

Places covered: Dhauligiri Stupa, Raghurajpur Crafts Village, Puri, Chilika lake, Konark Beach, Konark Sun Temple, Konark museum, Lingraj Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Rajarani Temple, Ram Mandir, Udayagiri and Khandagiri  Caves

Day 1: Dhauligiri Stupa, Bhubaneswar

As soon as we ( Nithin & me) arrived Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik Airport, Orissa had casted a spell on me with its spectacular sand art.

Checked in to our hotel and after a quick fresh up and lunch, we tried to hire a two-wheeler for the week but couldn't find many options as it was weekend. So we decided to explore Dhauli hills for the day and booked an Ola Cab. Spent 2 hours exploring the Shanti stupa, statues and temples at Dhauli hills and we were literally exhausted due to the sultry climate.
PS: The priests in the temples of Dhauli hills may scare you by exploiting money. Be prepared for it by ignoring.

Daya River-A place where Kalinga war was fought

Then we dilly-dallied our evening at a shopping mall followed by the best ever local food of Orissa.

This is called Aloo Pakoda Chat. Have you ever tasted it?

The Best Chicken Roll ever from Appetite!! The most happening street food stall for youngsters and a must-try!!! 

Don't ever dare to miss this dessert when you are in Orissa!!!!! Chenna Poda which has become my favourite!!! 

Malpua

Day 2: Ekamra Haat, Bhubaneswar

I always believe that to fathom a destination beyond a doubt, then explore it by yourself like a traveller. So we hired a bike for 5-days instead of package tours like a tourist.

We had only the evening left as this was my official trip. Nithin had found the best place through his all-time companions "Trip Advisor" and "Zomato" to enjoy our evening snack called "Jugaad Junction"- a chill-out place for youngsters.

Keenly scanning the Menu!!!

I'm of course the poser!!

And a selfie at a super cool place is a must!!!

We called off our day after spending a pleasant walk exploring the local art of the state and a few shopping at Ekamra Haat.

Crafts, crafts and crafts!!!!

Day 3: Raghurajpur Crafts Village, Puri Temple, Chilka Lake, Puri Beach

Packed our baggage for 2 days and headed towards Puri. And on the way, we went to Raghurajpur Crafts Village. The path resembles the villages of Coastal Andhra as all the way you will find backwaters and coconut trees.

Railway Gate at the village!! That 10-minute wait was worth spending watching the locals of the village.

 I was astonished by the artworks and enthusiasm of the artists. Spent an hour in the village and it was worth a visit as you will learn the rich culture and heritage of the state.

Artist showcasing the Pattachitra Art on a Palm Leaf which can be used as a book Marker!!!!!

He was excited to show us his father's treasure i.e., Pattachitra art on a Palm Leaf depicting entire Ramayana!! And doesn't want to sell it. 

Cute and colourful Jaganatha Temple!!!

Being a crafts lover, I was on Cloud nine!!!!

See who is happy after shopping?

Then we en-route to Puri and had our first halt at a "Koneru" in Puri and then to the most-awaited temple of the state, "Jagannathan Temple".

The Chariots outside the Puri Jagannatha Temple used for Ratha Yathra!

Lanes of Puri!!! The city is still underdeveloped and tourism can be made better. 

We completed our Darshanam in one and a half hour and then we checked in to our hotel in Puri.

After a small nap and a quick snacks break, we slated for the first largest coastal lagoon of our country and second in the world, Chilka Lake covering an area of 1100 km2. As it was mid-noon, the drive was exhausting.

Clocked into Chilka Lake by 12 30 p.m. and went to OTDC office to inquire about the boat timings. The funniest thing to Nithin was the Govt Officers and the other staff stood to me as soon as I entered the office as if I am the Queen of England though such admirations are quite natural to me. Wink!!!! Anyways, these people were quite helpful and informative.

Had a delicious lunch at Orissa Tourism Hotel, Chilka lake and then hired a boat through OTDC as I heard it was the best. As expected, the journey was the best!!!

 Spent an hour in the lake exploring the beautiful dolphins and listening to the interesting stories of our boat driver/ helmsman "Ganesh" and then headed to our destination Puri.

At Chilika Lake!!!

The drive was fantastic as the climate was pleasant and the views are scenic.
 The advantage of the self-drives is that we can halt at the scenic locations and enjoy nature and we totally grabbed the opportunity.

Found these plantations on the way. Does anyone know about these fruits?

And this is the tree of the mistery fruits!! 

                       

The Sluggish backwaters!!!

Aloo Pakoda and Garam Garam Chai!!! 

We planned to view Sunset at Puri beach and so without dilly-dallying, we continued our ride and had reached just in time. 

The advantage of Puri is most of its hotels lie on the coastline to enjoy the beach view and so ours. After a quick fresh up, we relaxed at our so-called "private beach area" and spent till dark enjoying the bubbling waves.

Though the water is muddy, I still got a charge out of it!!!

Who doesn't enjoy beaches?!!!

Nights in Puri beach bay are so colourful, ecstatic and witnessing that it is a must. 

Had food at a Bengal hotel and were back to the room by 12.
P.S: Most of the devotees of Jaganthan temple are from West Bengal and so you find many hotels offering Bengal cuisines.

Day 4:  Sunrise at Puri beach, Konark beach, a temple, Konark Sun temple, museum, Lingraj Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Rajarani Temple

After witnessing the Sunrise in the Puri beach, we headed to Konark. 

The drive from Puri to Konark was spectacular as it is along the eastern coastline. Had few halts on the way and explored the unexplored places of the coastal line. 

Thanks to Google maps for making life easier and adventurous.

The next halt was at Konark beach.

A local lady captured this snap very patiently. And its worth it!!! Thanks to her.

 Captured few shots for a lifetime memory and headed to the anticipated Konark Sun Temple. We explored a lot about the history of the Sun Temple in advance and were eager to eyeball the architectural marvel.

Spent more than 2 hours in the temple admiring the beauty.

We were almost exhausted and it was noon. 

So the best place to explore is the Museum with Air Conditioning to relax. Spent quality time at Konark Museum learning the stories behind the architecture and it is the best time to visit than exhausting in the hot sun. Couldn’t find good hotels nearby but had the yummy Pani Poori as our lunch and headed to Bhubaneswar.

After a small nap at our hotel, we started to explore the historic temples of Bhubaneswar starting with the ancient Lingaraj Temple. Admired by its unique architecture though disappointed as cameras are not allowed.

Had the best Prasadam ever ie kheer and my favourite part is, it is served in small mud cup. 

Then we went to Muktheswara temple. The best part is mobile phones are allowed so I was on cloud nine as I can have the best pictures with the unique architectures of Orissa and that made my day.

Then we explored the vast area of Raja Rani temple and headed the to the same spot, i.e Appetite for dinner but unexpected things happened on the way though.

Down pouring is one thing and Nithin forgetting me when I got down at the traffic signal is the next biggest thing. It sounds crazy but true. I still tease him regarding that incident.

Day 5: Ram Mandir, Udayagiri and Khandagiri  Caves, lunch, window shopping, Hyderabad

Don’t plan on visiting any museums or national parks on Mondays in Bhubaneswar as its a holiday.

We planned to visit Nandakanan zoo but it was a holiday, we had to change our itinerary and 

Visited Ram Mandir which was damn cool and divine as it was the only place where there is no exploitation.

Ram Mandir

Had the tastiest breakfast outside the temple in a small stall with the fullest crowd.

Street food is the best in Bhubaneswar!!

Then we went to Udayagiri Caves with fingers crossed as we were not sure whether it will be open or not and the info available on the internet was contrasting.

To our luck, the caves were open and explored them to the fullest the climate was favouring us with a small drizzle and breezes.

As we had nothing to do for the rest of the day, we chose to have lunch at a relaxed and comfortable place and so we headed to Nakli Dhaba.

Don't wanna drag this more. So concluding this post and soon gonna be in touch with you with astonishing tales.