Tourist Places in Khordha

Tourist Places in Khordha
Chilika (Barkul) : Queen of natural beauty, Chilika, the largest brackish water lake in Asia covering an area of over 1,100 sq. km is a great attraction for the tourists for fishing, bird watching and boating. In winter Chilika aflutters with thousands of indigenous and migratory birds of many varieties from far and near even from the distant Siberia. The fabulous beauty of Chilika which has inspired poets to sing its glory and which can be best enjoyed from Balugaon, Barkul must be seen to be believed. One can also have a glimpse of the lake from the moving trains and vehicles on the road near these places. The atmosphere is just serene and undisturbed amidst the blue expanse of water on one side and an evergreen range of hills on the other. Dotted with a host of islands with romantic names, a cruise in Chilika will be a life long memory Queen of natural beauty, Chilika, the largest brackish water lake in Asia covering an area of over 1,100 sq. km is a great attraction for the tourists for fishing, bird watching and boating. In winter Chilika aflutters with thousands of indigenous and migratory birds of many varieties from far and near even from the distant Siberia. The fabulous beauty of Chilika which has inspired poets to sing its glory and which can be best enjoyed from Balugaon, Barkul must be seen to be believed. One can also have a glimpse of the lake from the moving trains and vehicles on the road near these places. The atmosphere is just serene and undisturbed amidst the blue expanse of water on one side and an evergreen range of hills on the other. Dotted with a host of islands with romantic names, a cruise in Chilika will be a life long memory.
Dhauligiri : The Peace Pagoda built by the Kalinga Nippon Budha Sangha in 1973 and known as Shanti Stupa commemorates the change of heart of Emperor Ashok and the journey of budhism to the nation. There are two temples at Dhauli. One of Vairangeswar Mahadev and Dhabaleswar Mahadev. The proclamations of Emperor Achok are recorded in prakrit language in bhramin script on the rock of Dhauli on the Southeast end.
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves : The Khandagiri and Udayagiri Craves relive the memories of Kalinga Empire under the Jain emperor Kharvela. There are about 40 rock cut cave adoring the two hills separated by a road. It is believed that the founder of Jain faith, Mahavir had visited Udayagiri and khandagiri in the 6th Century B.C. Modern scholars are found in Rani and Hati Gumpha in theUdayagiti with description of the culture of dance in Orissa as far before as the 2nd century B.C. Modern scholars are of the opinion that the Udayagiri cave complex was also a theatre complex. Emperor Kharvela was a staunch and a great patron of culture. It is possible that he had created the caves for use of Jain ascetics as well as for cultural shows.
Atri :Atri is famous for its perennial Hot Spring. The hot spring is reputed to have medical properties which is used both intensively and extensively for the cure of skin diseases. The water of the Hot Spring (57 degrees centigrade) contains small doses of sulphur flavour when heated to 100 degree centigrade. There is a Bathing Complex of Govt. of Orissa at Atri . Not far from the Hot spring there is the sacred shrine of Lord Hattakeswar Mahadev. The temple is the venue of a grand annual fair, Makar Jatra, on the day of Makar Sankranti (mid January) On this day the visitors congregate in large numbers to worship Lord Hatakeswar to fulfill their desires and they also bath in the ponds to get cure of their diseases.
Nandankanan Zoological Park : Nandan Kanan National Park is situated 20 Km from Bhubaneswar, capital city of Odisha, India. The name Nandan Kanan means Garden of Pleasure, which gets justified when one enters the park. Along the banks of Lake Kanjia and amidst natural forest, is located. The Zoo has earned International Reputation for breeding of white royal Bengal tiger in captivity and has two separate safaris for Lions and Tigers. There is a Botanical Garden on the northern side of the zoological park overlooking the Kanjia Lake which is a resort of delight for the boating lover. Elepahant Ride, toy train and ropeway amusements are also available in the Park.