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Siuri

State

Suri, known for its 200-year old Damodar Temple, is located at a distance of 220 km from Kolkata. It is also famous for a special food preparation called morabba.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is at Kolkata, at a distance of 169 km.

By Rail: The Sainthia station, 19 km from Siuri, of the Andul-Sainthia line served by Eastern Railway is the nearest railhead.

By Road: Suri is 220 km from State capital Kolkata (Calcutta), 90 km from Durgapur, 54 km from Andal and 19 km from Sainthia and is well connected by regular bus services.

Getaways
Attractions

Every year in Suri there is a very famous fair called 'Barobagan Mela'. This historic fair was inaugurated by the then Governor of Bengal Lord Brabourne. In 1940 this fair was blessed by none other than 'Kabiguru' Rabindranath Tagore.

District
Birbhum
STD Code
03462
Topic
Best time to visit
October to March

Chamba (HP)

Chamba, the ancient capital of Pahari Kings, is a small town located in a picturesque valley, amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its medieval temples. The valley of Chamba stands on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi River between Dhauladhar ranges of the outer Himalayas, the Pir Panjal, and the Zanskar ranges south of the inner Himalayas. It is also known for its beautiful topography, wildlife, lush greenery, ancient palaces and handicrafts including the Chamba rumals with Do-Rukha embroidery, and metal work.

Image Credit:

History

Chamba was founded by Raja Sahil Varman in the 10th century after he conquered the valley from the Rana’s and Thakurs of the region. It is believed that this Pahari town was called Champa in its earlier days after Raja Varman’s daughter, Champavati.

Chamba was a part of the Mughal Empire and later became the part of various Sikh kingdoms. It was finally taken over by the British and became a part of the state of Himachal Pradesh.Raja Varman who named the town after his daughter Champavati.The small town of Chamba is located amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its temples.

It was finally taken over by the British and became a part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, when India became independent in 1947.

Accessibility

Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Chamba. It is 80 km away from Chamba and a cab will charge about Rs 1400-1500 for travel from Dehradun to Chamba. Nearest International airport is New Delhi, which is about 280 km away and is well connected to most of the major foreign cities.

Rail: Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railhead which is about 60 km away. The station is well connected to many major cities in India. The taxi charge between Rishikesh and Chamba is about Rs 1000.

Road: Chamba bus station is about 3 km away from the heart of the town. Taxi charge is less than Rs 100. Chamba is well connected by public transport system to all nearby cities.

Shopping

The main market surrounds the central Chowgan where you can buy all sorts of interesting things made of stone and metal - buy some of these as they make good memorabalia. You will also be able to pick up miniature paintings of Chamba and Kangra and the popular Chamba chappals too. Besides these if you are looking for woven shawls try the handicrafts Emporium and dont forget to buy a bottle of the chilli pickle which Chamba is known for.

The most promising object of Chamba will be the rumaals and chappals that are fervently promoted by the Himachal Tourism department. You should also lay hands on metal and stone work items that are excellent souvenirs. In Chaughan Market, go to Amichand Dheems, form where you should buy the miniature paintings. For shawls and woolen artifacts in Chamba, go to Handicrafts Centre inside Rang Mahal. However, one item that you should dare not miss is the spicy Chamba Chukh, which is a unique mashed chillie pickle – exclusive of Chamba valley.

Accommodation

Himachal Tourism has hotels with deluxe rooms in town. There are private hotels, motels and guesthouses where you can get low and medium budget accommodation. Tariffs range from Rs 400 upwards. Book in advance, especially during tourist season.

Attractions

Minjair Fair
The Minjair Fair is held in July/August every year in the month of Shravan. Chamba attracts a lot of visitors that take part in this week long event. The Minjair Fair is heralded in by the wearing of a silk ''tassel'' by everyone. This ''tassel'' represents the shoots of paddy or maize that make their appearance at this time. This colourful fair is held in the Chowgan area which is virtually turned into a market and the brisk business is conducted. the whole town looks forward to this festival and everyone take part. The pinnacle is reached on the third Sunday when a colourful procession of deities is taken out accompanied by dancing troupes, traditionally dressed locals and drum beaters. The procession starts typically at the Akhand Chandi Palace and ends up at the Police Lines Nalhora. The Minjair ''tassel'' is then thrown into to the flowing river.

Suhi Mela
Another important fair in Chamba is the Suhi Mela, which is an exclusive festival for women. Celebrated during the month of March and April, this festival is noted for its religious significance. The site of the festival is itself has a holy shrine that you should not miss.

Things to do

Trekking

Many a trek into the Himalayas is launched from Chamba - through Bhaderwah to Kashmir, through the Sach Pass into Pangi Valley and to other peaks in the Dhauladhars, Peerpanjal and Laskar mountains.

District
Chamba District
STD Code
01899
Termperature
Summer 15 to 30°C, Winter -5 to 20°C
Best time to visit
Mid-May to Mid-October

Udayagiri

State

Udayagiri is a Buddhist complex in Orissa comprising of major stupas and monasteries (viharas), similar to Ratnagiri, and together with Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri part of Puspagiri University. As per epigraphical artifacts found here, its historical name was “Madhavapura Mahavihara. It dominates a prime position in eastern India in the fields of history, rock-cut architecture, art and religion.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanjaypk/4314997873/

History

The history of Udayagiri is quite latest as not much of it is known before the 14th century. The city was the capital of Langula Gajapati, who was the chief of the Gajapatis of Orissa. In the year 1512, the town came under the rule of Krishna Deva Raya, the ruler of the Vijayanagar dynasty. During his reign the entire city was fortified with walls all around.

The fall of Vijayanagar Empire paved way for the Golconda rulers, under the leadership of Sultan Abdullah, who built two mosques and a garden here. The city further went to the control of the Nawabs of Arcot, who ruled here till 1839.

Accessibility

By Air: Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Udaygiri, which is nearly 90 km away from the heart of the Udaygiri city.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Ratnagiri (Orissa). Ratnagiri is a major railway junction.

By Road: Orissa road transport corporation buses connect Udaygiri to many cities in Orissa. Frequent bus services are available from Bhuvaneshwar (90 km), Cuttack (62 km) and Koark. Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) offer deluxe buses for sight seeing tours in Udaygiri.

District
Kandhamal
STD Code
0674
Termperature
Summer 22-42°C, Winter 7-22°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Talcher

State

Talcher, known for its coal reserves, is one of the fast growing industrial areas of Orissa. The establishment of Talcher Thermal Power Station, the largest coal-based Fertiliser plant, Heavy Water Plant and the Talcher Collieries have greatly enhanced the importance of the place. Dera colliery is the oldest mine here. The coalfields are managed by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL).

Accessibility

Air

The nearest airport for approaching the places of interest in the district of Angul is at Bhubaneswar (160-km), which is connected with New Delhi , Calcutta , Chennai, Mumbai , Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Nagpur by boeing flights.

Rail

Talcher railway station on S. E. Railway.

Road

20-km from Angul and 65-km from Dhenkanal , it is connected with N.H. 42 by N.H. 23 at Banarpal. Regular bus services are also available from here.

Accommodation

HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES
F.C.I. Guest House, Bikrampur
T.T.P.S. Guest House
Brundaban Lodge, Hatatota
Hotel Trisakti, Hatatota
Diamond lodge, Hatatota
Chandrika Lodge, Handidhua
Chhak Mahendra Lodge, Handidhua
Chhak Indrapuri Lodge, Nuabazar

District
Anugul
Topic
Best time to visit
October To March
Famous For
Talcher is known for its coal reserves.

Phulbani

State

Phulbani, amidst rich and colorful flora and fauna, is known as the access point for arranging a tribal tour of Orissa.

Accessibility

Road: Good motorable roads connect the place with Bhubaneswar (211 km), Berhampur and other important places of the State by regular bus service.

Rail: The nearest railhead is at Berhampur on the S. E. Railway - 127 km.

Air: The nearest airport to Phulbani is the Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar (211 Kms).

District
Kandhmal
Topic
Best time to visit
August to March

Sambalpur

State

Sambalpur, gateway to the bewitching western zone of Orissa, is famous for its handloom textile work which has gained international reputation. The unique pattern and design of the textiles are named under the brand of Sambalpuri.

Accessibility

Rail: Sambalpur is well connected by rails. The Bhubaneswar – Sambalpur Intercity Express, Hirakud Express, Puri-Sambalpur passenger train are available from Bhubaneswar.

Raod: Sambalpur is also well connected by road from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. There are regular bus services available to/from Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri.

Air: The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar

Shopping

Sambalpur is an illustrious place that is known for the Hirakud dam, the largest dam of not only India, but the whole world. Some of the features that best describe the district are its gorgeous waterfalls, rich cultural heritage, lively people and magnificent monuments. The district of Sambhalpur has derived its name from the Goddess Samleswari, its patron deity. In the earlier times, it was known for the diamond trade.

However, in the present era, the district is gaining popularity due to its amazing textiles. The native language of the city is Sambalpuri. Even though Sambalpur is a very small district, it has no dearth of tourist attractions. Apart from the Hirakud Dam, there is Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, Huma Temple and Cattle Island, all of which have given a boost to tourism. Even from shopping point of view, the district is a favorite amongst the tourists coming to Orissa.

The fine fabrics of the city, the exquisite motifs and designs and the artwork of its tie and dye weavers are applauded the world over. Infact, the textiles of Sambalpur have found a niche in the international market also. The district serves as the connecting link between Orissa and Chhattisgarh and is visited by tourists around the year. It also serves as the perfect gateway to the western part of Orissa. Even the rich culture of the city, reflected in its dance and music, has given a boost to its travel industry.

STD Code
0663
Topic

Rourkela

State

Rourkela, surrounded by a range of hills and encircled by rivers, is a large industrial town with the richest deposit of mineral wealth in Orissa. It came into prominence in 1955, with the establishment of the first of the three public sector steel plants in India.

Accessibility

Rail: Rourkela has direct trains from New Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Chennai, Bokaro, Tata, Ahmedabad, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Puri.

Road: Rourkela is 470-km from Bhubaneswar and 192-km from Sambalpur by road.

District
Sundargarh
Topic
Best time to visit
October To March

Keonjhar

State

Keonjhar is an idyllic retreat for tourists who wish to explore the beauty of unspoiled virgin lands. It was once a princely state it was ruled by a number of rulers, before it became a part of Orissa. The major attractions in Keonjhar are the magnificent landscapes and the beautiful waterfalls around the town. Terraced valleys and forested land provide shelter to the tribal folk who give the visitors a glimpse of Orissa's rich past in their simple lifestyles and exotic festivities.

History

The early History of Keonjhar Orissa still remains a bit vague. It is believed that Keonjhar was a part of the old Khijjinga territory with headquarters at Khijjinga Kota. This was identified with modern Khiching. Later on under the rule of Jyoti Bhanja in the first half of the 12th century A.D. it became a separate state.

During the latter half of the 15th century, the Southern half was occupied by King Govinda Bhanja. During his rule Keonjhar in Orissa extended from Singbhum in the North to Sukinda in the South. In the east it extended from Mayurbhanj in the East to the borders of the States of Bonai, Pallahara and Anugul in the West.

Accessibility

Air

The nearest airport to Keonjhar is Biju Patnaik Airport situated at Bhubaneswar

Rail

The nearest railhead to Keonjhar is J K Road (114 Km)

Road

Keonjhar is well connected with Bhubaneswar, Ranchi and Kolkata by Bus services

Accommodation

Shopping in Keonjhar Orissa are perfect for the connoisseurs of art. The Bazaars in Keonjhar sell exquisite artifacts of metal work. The metal smiths of Keonjhar are well known for their metal work. The shiny bell metal is quite popular in Orissa. So you can directly buy these metal work items from the artisans. The Dhokra metal castings are also available here. This is a tribal craft work. Made out of bronze in lost wax casting method, this is available in the shops of Keonjhar Orissa.

District
Keonjhar
Topic

Kalahandi

State

Kalahandi, located on the confluence of Rivers Tel and Uttei (tributaries of Mahanadi Belkhandi), is a historical destination with ruined forts and ruined bridges. It has many ancient temples showcasing the architectural and cultural excellence of the Indian community during 12th century. The 12th century monuments in Kalahandi add the value of the tourism in this region.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest Airport to Kalahandi is at Bhubaneswar, which is about 418 km away. Bhuvaneswar is well air connected with all major airports in India. Taxi services are available from airport to Kalahandi and it cost around Rs. 4000.

Rail: Nearest Railway Station to Kalahandi is at Kesinga at distance of 45 km away from the heart of Kalahandi city. This railhead is well connected to other major railway stations in the state. Taxi services are available from railway station to Kalahandi at a fare of about Rs. 500.

Road: Kalahandi is connected by regular bus services from many important cities in the state including Koraput, Bhubaneswar and Berhampur. State owned road Transport Corporation and private bus service providers operate buses between Kalahandi and other cities. State buses charge about Rs. 120 from Bhubaneswar to Kalahandi.

District
Kalahandi
STD Code
06670
Topic
Best time to visit
Nov - Feb

Jeypore

State

Jeypore, also spelled Jeypur and Jaypur, is a historic place of pilgrimage, was once the capital of Kalinga kingdom and had achieved the pinnacle of glory in archeological excellence. It is famous for Saktipeetha of Goddess Biraja.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saroz/359290279/

History

Jeypore is the most important place in the history of Dandakaranya and the undivided Koraput district which was the second largest district in India till its division. The history of Jeypore is inextricably linked with that of the ruling Deo or Dev dynasty.

Accessibility

Air: Visakhapatnam (220 km) in Andhra Pradesh and Bhubaneswar (521 km) are the nearest Airports

Road: The N. H. No. 43 is connected by regular bus services from Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and other important towns of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh & Chhatisgarh.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Rayagada.

Shopping

The Bazaars in Jeypore have on display an interesting array of handicrafts, local woven textile, local fabric, show pieces, etc. uttacki sarees, sambalpuri silks, pipli, etc. The rich handicrafts industry of Orissa churns out many more items sure to delight art lovers and shopaholics.

Accommodation

HOTELS:
Hotel Madhumati
Hotel Apsara
Hotel Princess
Hotel Shankar
Manorama Lodge

District
Koraput
Topic