Named after Lord Shiva, Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, is the destination for a traveler seeking temples for peaceful solace. Numerous temples graced the land of beaches and some of the best lakes in the country.

The Temple town of Bubhaneswar had a thousand temples at one time, of which many still exist to provide the complete record of the Kalinga architectural style. Of these, the magnificent temple of Lord Lingaraj (known as Bhubaneswar, literally the Lord of the Universe) which rises to a height of about 54 meters, dominates the horizon for about a kilometer.

One of the biggest events in Orissa is Lord Jagannath’s ‘Rath Jatra’ (Automobile Festival) festival which takes place during the months of June to July every year. It is the biggest and most colorful festival. This mega-festival involves months of preparation and complicated rituals. The climax is the drawing of the huge cars by hundreds of devotees. Lord Jagannath’s chariot, known as ‘Nandighsha’, is 45ft tall, has 16 wheels 7ft in diameter and is painted with dazzling yellow stripes. Balabhadra’s chariot is called ‘Taldhwaja’ and is 44 feet tall, has 14 wheels and is painted blue. Subhadra’s chariot – ‘Darpadalan’ is painted dark red, is 43 feet tall and has 12 wheels. The largest of the 62 annual festivals held in Puri, this festival is an unforgettable experience of faith, color and sound.

Apart from the main temple, one should see within its precincts the smaller temples of Goddess Vimala, Kaxmi and Vishnu. The most famous dining room at Puri in Orissa is the Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath Temple. Strictly vegetarian, a wide variety of foods are served in what must be the world’s largest kitchen.

Mukteswar Temple is known as the architectural jewel of Orissan with its famous stone archway at the entrance. The temple is full of sculptures on its outer walls. Parsurameswara Temple has equally exquisite carvings on its walls, but is most famous for its barred windows. Rajarani, another temple complex, is also an architectural model in itself. Languidly serene, life-size, slim-waisted figures reflect the richness of feminine charm.

The Ratnagiri-Lalitagiri-Udayagiri excavations unearthed a prominent Buddhist complex in the triangle formed by the Ratnagiri, Lalitagiri and Udayagiri hills and surroundings. These places were important places of learning. Ruins and sculptures provide glimpses into the impressive past.

Ratnagiri in the Birupa river valley is a famous Buddhist center. A large-scale excavation has unearthed two large monasteries, a large stupa, Buddhist shrines, sculptures, and a host of votive stupas.

Lalitagiri is the oldest Buddhist complex dating back to the 1st century AD Excavations have brought to light important archaeological material that supports Lalitagiri as a great Buddhist center. Udayagiri is located in the basin of the U-shaped hill. The site is not yet fully excavated and exposed.

Dhauli Hill, on the banks of the Daya River, is a mute witness to the great Kalinga War that was fought in the 3rd century BC. It is famous for the Asokan rock edicts which are inscribed on a rock, with the relief of an emerging elephant on top.

The Konark Sun Temple, located 35 km from Puri, is a unique treasure of the country. The sun god is represented in his 12-wheeled chariot drawn by seven horses. This 13th century temple is the culmination of the evolution of Orissa’s giant temples. There is also a museum that has sculptures from the temple ruins. The walls of this magnificent ruin have exquisite sculptures that cover many aspects of life. Scenes of love and war, commercial and courtly transactions, hunting, capturing elephants, teaching wise men, work, loving alliances, dancers and mythical figures all life to attract attention in the panels and niches of this immortal work of art.

Travelers can enjoy the Konark Festival which is held in December every year. At this festival, eminent classical dancers from India come together to present live performances. Designed as a chariot of the Sun God, the Natya Mandap is a complete lexicon of Odissi dance. The graceful finely carved figures of the dancers in different poses and the musicians with their instruments are so lively that they create a vision fantasy and rhythm melody for the viewers. The classic extravaganza at the Konark festival is indeed an everlasting ecstatic trip.