Bhubaneshwar

Road Trip from Bhubaneshwar

Highlights:

Bhubaneshwar City
Mangaljodi
Chilika
Tara Tarini Temple
Tampara Lake

Bhubaneshwar - Popularly called as "Temple City of India" is the capital of the eastern state Odisha. City is proud of its marvellous architectural temples, rock carvings and ancient sculptures. You will be in awe of the city once you visit it.

Lingaraj Temple

This is the largest temple in Bhubaneshwar and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by the Somavamsi dynasty, it also represents Kalingan architecture. It is visited by around 6000 visitors daily and events like Shivratri attracts an even larger crowd.

Lingaraj means king of 'lingam', which is an iconic form of Shiva who was later worshipped as Harihara. The lingam is believed to be originated of its own and so is called Swayambhu, hence people worship it both as Lord Shiva and Vishnu.

Instagram Pic Credits: ama._.odisha

Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves

These age old caves which dates back to 1BCE are located between Udaygiri and Khandagiri hills are of archaeological historical and religious importance.

There are 18 caves in Udaygiri and 15 in Khandagiri. Check out the amazing sculptures, inscriptions and other writings in these caves.

Instagram Pic Credits: swarnali_manna

Mukteshwar Temple

This is a 10th century Hindu Temple with Lord Shiva as deity. It dates back to 950CE and is often known as the era of new style of temples. The architecture got changed by the presence of torana (arched gateway) which can also be seen in other temples later on.

Try visiting the temple during the yearly Mukteshwar Dance festival which showcases Odissi dance in its finest.

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Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa

Odisha is known for the great Kalinga war and how Ashoka later converted to Buddhism to follow peace. The same is depicted int the form of this Stupa.

Located 7 kms from Bhubaneshwar, this Stupa is considered to be built just after the Kalinga war and is now visited by many monks and tourists as well. In the vicinity, there is a 'Saddharna Vihar Monastery' and 'Dhavaleshwar Temple'

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Mangalajodi

Mangalajodi is a small village in the northern side of Chilka Lake and is also called 'The Bird's Paradise'. It hosts more than 3 lakh birds in its marshy waters in winters. It relies totally on 'Eco Tourism'.

Pic Credits: Tripoto

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Other Tourist Attractions in Mangalajodi:

Puri Satapada

Famous for Irrawady Dolphins. Located on Satpada village, here Chilka meets the Bay of Bengal

Kalijai

Situated on an island for the Goddess KaliJai (Kali+Jai). Jai was a girl who drowned in her boat and later villagers treated her as the Goddess.

Barunei

This deity is on the top of the hill where a beautiful stream known as Swarna Ganga flows

Vetnoi

The only place where Blackbuck exits within human habitat and is protected by the locals.

Enroute Chilka Lake, a lunch stop at Chilika Dhaba is a must. This famous roadside dhaba is visited by everyone. If you are a Non vegetarian, then it is a paradise in sea food but there are plenty of vegetarian options as well.

Have a sumptuous meal and move ahead to the next destination - Chilika Lake

National Highway 5 can take you to Chilika Lake. Enjoy the Bird watching, boating and the beautiful lake side.

Instagram Pic Credits: chilika_toka

Tara Tarini Temple

Tara Tarini Temple - Situated at the banks of river Rushikulya, it is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers of Mother Goddess and also one of the 4 Shakti Peeths. It is believed that when Shiva was carrying the corpse of Sati Devi, some of the body parts fell on Earth. Sati Devi's. breasts are said to be fallen on Tara Tarini and hence it is considered as the shrine.

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Jiranga Monastery

About 2.5 hours drive from Tara Tarini temple is the Jiranga Monastery. It is also called Padmasambhava Mahavira Monastery or Thupteng Mindrolling Monastery.

History: During the Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet in 1959, around 85,000 monks were forced to take shelter in India. Chandragiri, 80 kms from Brahmapur was one of the 6 shelters that was identified in the country. The refugees stayed here. This monastery was built in 2008 and was inaugurated by The Dalai Lama in 2010.

Instagram Pic Credits: mo.odisha

Tampara Lake

This is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state of Odisha. It has been converted to an eco-tourism spot and people can enjoy boating and other water sports. It. is about 120 km from the monastery.

Instagram Pic Credits: moganjam

Odisha has many other places for tourism and is the hub of temples, wildlife, nature and ancient heritage. If you have more time, you can head on to Puri which is about 7 hours drive from Tampara Lake location.

Hope you enjoyed this short Road Trip from Bhubaneshwar!

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