The tropical state of Orissa lies along the eastern seaboard of India , on the Bay of Bengal. It was well known throughout the ancient world as formidable maritime empire with trading routes stretching to Bali, sumatra and Java in Indonesia. The history of Orissa (once called the Kalinga) is little hazy until the demise of Kalinga dynesty in 260 BC. Kalinga was conquered by the great Indian emperor Ashoka who later on left the path of violence and converted to Buddhism. He then assisted in spreading Buddhism to Srilanka and eastern Asia. In 1st century BC under the rule of Chedi King Buddhism declined and Jainism was restored as the faith of the people. From the tourist point of view its main attraction is the Golden triangle (Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark ) of the east. The other  attractions are the Chilka Lake, Gopalpur on sea and the tribal areas but are bit difficult to reach for independent traveler.

BHUBANESWAR-PURI-KONARK-CHILKA-GOPALPUR ON SEA
Bhubaneswar is well planned capital of Orissa. It is a city of temples and once had 7000 temples at one time of which 500 remain today. These temples are more than 1000 years old and reflect the greandeur and high quality of workmanship of Kalinga temple art.

Sightseeing and Excursion
Lingaraja temple (11th c.) dominates the landscape rising to a height of 46 m. It is the finest representation of Kalinga art, Mukteswar Temple (10th c.) with its profusion of wall carvings, Parasurameshwar Temple (7th c.) famous for its latticed windows, Rajarani (11th c.) with its exquisite carvings of the feminine form, Brahmeswar Temple (11th c.) typical of the Orissan Temple, Udaigiri-Khandgiri (8 km) going back to 2nd c. BC, they were abode of Jain Monks, Dhauli (10 km)  on top of a hill is a peace Pagoda,  Nandan Kanan (23 km)  a park in which animals are kept in a naturalistic zoo, Pipli (21 km) village where applique handicraft are made.

Konark is Famous for its sun temple built symbolically like the chariot of Sun. Puri -A hindu religious centre famous for the massive chariot-cars used in the annual Rath Yatra procession. One of the most important pilgrimage of the Hindus. It is also a popular Beach Resort.Chilka Lake is Ideal for bird-watching, it is the biggest inland lake in the country. Gopalpur On Sea196 KMS from Bhubaneswar is a beautiful beach resort.