Orissa is not only famed for its temples, but also of other natural attractions. Though the state's forest cover has been denuded lately due to the fact that the state is subject to intense cyclones, its well-preserved natural landscape still holds a vast expanse offering a protected yet natural habitat to the state's incredible wildlife.
Among the many wildlife sanctuaries found here is the Similipal Tiger Reserve, which is an enormous land of lush green forest with waterfalls, and is inhabited by tigers, elephants and others.
The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary meanwhile has been the home of estuarine crocodiles since 1975. Bhubaneswar, the state capital, on the other hand, is home to magnificent temples and shrines.
Sixty kilometers ahead is Puri, which is a famous holy city and the site of the annual festival of the deity Jagannath and is one of Hinduism's four Dhams or holy places. India's largest coastal lake, the Chilka, which is home to over 150 migratory birds, is also situated here.
The tourist places of Orissa are especially centered on the exquisite temples and extraordinary monuments. Apart from man made wonders Orissa is filled with natural beauty which includes beaches, wildlife sanctuaries and natural landscape.
The long coastal stretch of the Bay of Bengal enhances the beauty of Orissa. The capital city of Orissa, Bhubaneswar houses some of the finest temples and shrines that are counted among the tourist attractions in Orissa. |
