Orissa Pilgrimage Travel

Category :- All India Travel Tourism > States > Pilgrimage > Orissa

Puri

One of India's greatest events is the annual Rath Yatra or the car procession here. It commemorates the journey of Krishna from Gokul to Mathura. On the day Krishna, his brother and his sister are taken out from the temple and dragged in the car or the Ratha along the wide grand road to the Gundhicha Mandir. Once they reach the Gundhicha Mandir Gods tale a weeklong break there before being returned to the temple in the ratha.

The temple is closed to non-hindus but they can observe from the library opposite, which is open from 9 am to noon.

How to reach: It is well connected with Calcutta & Delhi by rail.

Bhubaneshwar
Bhubaneshwar is the capital city of the state. It is also known as the temple town because of its numerous temples. At one time there were around 7000 temples around Bindu Sagar tank. The most famous of all is the Lingraj temple, which is unfortunately closed to the non- hindus. The temple is dedicated to Tribhuwaneshwar or the lord of the three worlds. Its present form dates back to 1090 to 1104A.D. Within the temple compound there are more than 50 smaller temples and shrines. There is an annual chariot festival in the temple in April.

How to reach: It can be reached from Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad and Varanasi by air. It lies on the Calcutta and Chennai rail line. It can also be reached from delhi by train.

Konark
Konark is known for its Sun temple. It is only 3 kms from the coast. It was constructed in 13th century and was referred as 'Black Pagoda' by the sailors .The sculptures are remarkable and tourists flock here to see them. Two stone lions crushing elephants guard the main entrance. The image of deity that resided here is said to have been moved to the Jagnnath temple in Puri, in the 17th century.

How to reach: Buses and private taxis can be taken from Puri.