The state Odisha is located in the Eastern part of the India, supposed to be having a long stretch of coastline of about 500 km. The largest river on this land is Mahanadi River. Aside from this, Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon here in Odisha, famous for breeding numerous different kinds of species and dolphins, which is worth watching to. Travellers from each corner of the world come here to see them, spend some quality time with friends and family, and spend peaceful time here away from the busy world of their own and likewise. The eco system of the lake is so much effective that the environment is known ideal for the growth of plants and animals there. The adventure lovers simply adore to come here and check out the wildlife sanctuaries like Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, or Simlipal National park that are known to be breeding different kinds of animals that are rare to be seen somewhere else especially the White tiger, Gharials, and more. Adding to this, if you are in Odisha, make sure to not forget to meet with different tribal communities here that will definitely add more fun and amazement to your trip. More than 62 different tribal communities live here and each one of them has its own unique way of living and following of traditions and cultures. Having an interaction with them, knowing more about their lifestyle and daily routine, how they celebrate festivals and events, about their popular artwork and handicrafts is surely like an adventure of its own.

The different kinds of tour packages that could be opted while visiting Odisha could be as per the following.

• Wildlife tour package in Odisha
• Temples/Pilgrimage tour package in Odisha
• Sea beaches tour in Odisha
• Tribal tour in Odisha
• The complete city tour in Odisha

Aside from this, travellers can even think of opting for a customized tour package to Odisha covering temples, waterfalls, beaches, wildlife, tribal sightseeing and visit to villages in it. And here comes the role of a good and reliable travel agency in Odisha. Best Choice Holiday is one of them that arranges and provides tour packages to travellers coming from all over, taking care of their uttermost desires and expectations in the itinerary. Travel is always been an important part of everyone’s lives and is like a necessity to refresh themselves and prepare for leading the life with zeal and full enthusiasm. And a trustworthy travel agency is must to opt to as it will handle and do all the arrangements while your visit in Odisha, as per the preferences. Once you have opted a tour package from them, you don’t have to worry about anything as everything is been already taken care of by them, right from the accommodation to places to visit to food meals to guide to car rentals and so. The tourism is increasing with time in Odisha and a large number of fairs and festivals and dance shows are also popular here. So, take out some time, go for customized itinerary with a travel agency in Odisha and have the most cherishing time with your loved ones altogether!

The post Opt for Best Adventure Tours Through A Travel Agency In Odisha first appeared on Best Choice Holiday.

1. Mangalajodi at Chilika Lake – Chilika Lake is been reckoned as the second largest brackish water lagoon of the Asia and is a hub of more than 230 varieties of migratory birds flocking throughout from all around. The highest congregation of them is been seen at Mangalajodi at Chilika Lake. In fact, Mangalajodi is been well known and famous as the bird paradise of Asia. Along with millions of colourful and beautiful migratory birds, Irrawaddy dolphins could be sighted while boating in the lagoon with ease. The major species of birds that can be glanced at Chilika Lake include lakhs of Ducks, Plovers, Godwits, Ruffs, Falcons, Sandpipers, Terns, Lapwings, Cranes, etc.

2. Bhitarkanika – It is blessed with over 271 species of birds and the sanctuary is been recognized as the mini Amazon of Asia. Known as the country’s biggest colony of herons, the place is indeed a treat for all photographers, amateurs and nature lovers. In this National Park, tourists can check out rare species of birds including Ducks, Indian Pitta, Eagles, Pintails, Geese, Vultures, and so much more.

3. Similipal – Famous for Elephants and Tigers, it is well known for wildlife and bird watching. The most commonly found bird species here are Peafowl, Parakeets, Jungle fowl, Eagles, Trogons, Hill Myna, Hornbills, etc.

4. Satkosia – It is another newest tiger reserve in Odisha, famous for wildlife and bird watching and other activities to enjoy. The rare breeding migratory birds that can be found here are Brahminy Ducks, Pintails, Bar headed geese, resident birds including Peafowls, Egrets, Pied Hornbills, Kingfishers, River Terns, Cormorants, Doves, Golden Oriole, Woodpecker, Sunbirds, Barbets, Minivets and more.

5. Debrigarh – Spread in a large area of 347 sq km, it is located in between Hirakud Dam and reservoir. The beautiful sanctuary is been famous for bird watching and wildlife and is been regarded as a home to more than 234 species of birds, 85 species of butterflies, etc.

6. Chandaka – A large number of bird species can be sighted here and this wildlife reserve is a famous destination for eco tourists, researchers, peace seekers, and nature lovers.

The nature camps held in Odisha at these different wildlife reserves and parks are significant for bird watching and wildlife and facilities for birding are been available in all of them. Do you want to go for bird watching activity in Odisha? Get in touch with a reliable travel agent like Best Choice Holiday, which can arrange everything as per your wish and preference in one go. Let them know your priorities first and they will come back with customized travel itinerary as desired. Have fun while checking out bird species and engage in other activities as well!

The post The Beguiling Bird Watching Activity for Adventure Seekers in Odisha first appeared on Best Choice Holiday.

Caves Available at Udayagiri:

The term ‘Udayagiri’ depicts for sunrise hill. In total, there are 18 caves present here. To know about each one of them, simply read on the following.

• Cave 1 – Well known as ‘The Rani Gumpha’ or ‘The Queens’ cave, it is the largest majestic cave, which is a two storied monastery supported by the several columns and terraces. On the lower floor, there are 7 doors whereas on the upper floor, there are 9 doors for the entrance. The different sculptures of royal entourage, musical instruments and dancing women could be seen here. The cave is majorly used for all chant performance, theatre performance and so related to Samaja celebration. Even, a beautiful image of Surya chariot ride is also drawn here.

• Cave 2 – Famously known as ‘Bajaghara Gumpha’, it has been backed with two large sized inner columns and front columns.

• Cave 3 – Known as ‘Chota Hathi Gumpha’, it has elephants next to front door and is known to render comfort and peace to all.

• Cave 4 – Known as ‘Alkapuri Gumpha’, it is double storied and is carved with elephant sculptures and other beautiful magical creatures, along with ornaments and treasures.

• Cave 5 – Well acknowledged as ‘Jaya Vijaya Gumpha’, it is double storied and some columns in the cave are constructed and few of them are rock-cut.

• Cave 6 – Well-known as ‘Panasa Gumpha’, it has two columns built and there is a sanctum carved with ochre art nearby the cave.

• Cave 7 – Famous as ‘Thakurani Gumpha’, it is double storied, contained with carvings related to flying animals.

• Cave 8 – Known as ‘Patalapuri Gumpha’, it is roughly cut. There are two columns available at the verandah of the cave and flying beings are carved into them.

• Cave 9 – Well known as ‘Mancapuri Gumpha’, it is double storied with 4 columns in the lower floor. The cave is carved with many different kinds of comforting and peaceful inscriptions as well as sculptures.

• Cave 10 – Known as ‘Ganesha Gumpha’, it is acknowledged for its carved stones. Available with low ceilings and a verandah, it is popular for its carved stones, and interesting inscriptions of people. There is also carving of famous Jain Tirthankara here.

• Cave 11 – Popular as ‘Jambesvara Gumpha’, it has two door openings backed with one column, two pilasters and low ceiling. It is assumed that the cave belongs to the wife of Mahamade, named as Nakyia.

• Cave 12 – Known as ‘Vyaghra Gumpha’, it is relatively a small unusual temple cave. It is supposed to be the cave of the town judge, Sabhuti. The entrance is shaped like the head of an animal.

• Cave 13 – Reckoned as ‘Sarpa Gumpha’, it is also a small unusual cave.

• Cave 14 – Famous as ‘Hathi Gumpha’, it is an elephant cave.

• Cave 15 – Known as ‘Dhanagraha Gumpha’, it is carved with the sculpture of gate keeper.

• Cave 16 – It is well acknowledged as ‘Haridasa Gumpha’.

• Cave 17 – It is well known as ‘Jagammath Gumpha’.

• Cave 18 – Famous as ‘Rosai Gumpha’, it is roughly cut small sized cave.

Caves Available at Khandagiri:

At Khandagiri hill, there are about 14 caves available in total. These caves are supposed to be infringed by the local Brahmins turning them into Hindu shrines.

• Cave 1 – Known as ‘Tatowa Gumpha’, the entrance is intricately carved with the parrots and looks splendidly beautiful, guarded with 2 bulls and 2 lions.

• Cave 2 – It is also reckoned to be as ‘Tatowa Gumpha number 2.’

• Cave 3 – Known as ‘Ananta Gumpha’, it comprises sculptures of women, elephants and athletes.

• Cave 4 – Known as ‘Tentuli Gumpha’, the entrance of the cave is carved with portals.

• Cave 5 – Famous as ‘Khandagiri Gumpha’, it is a double storied roughly cut cave.

• Cave 6 – Popular as ‘Dhyana Gumpha’, it is also a roughly cut cave.

• Cave 7 – Known as ‘Navamuni Gumpha’, the walls of the cave is carved with sculptures of Sasana Devis, Ganesha and Jain Thirthankar.

• Cave 8 – Reckoned as ‘Barabhuji Gumpha’, the cave comprises rock cut footprints, carved with Jain Thirthankar and Sasana Devis. It is known to be providing solace representing different Hindu deities.

• Cave 9 – It is well known as ‘Trusula Gumpha’.

• Cave 10 – It is famously known as ‘Ambika Gumpha’.

• Cave 11 – Well acknowledged as ‘Lalatendukesari Gumpha’, the rear wall of the cave is carved with comforting Mahavira, Jain Thirthankar and Parsvanatha.

• Cave 12 and 13 – The name of both these caves are still unknown.

• Cave 14 – Known as ‘Ekadasi Gumpha’, it is like a cell. All caves represent Digambara Jain postures, principles and their praying postures.

How to Reach:

• By Air – The closest airport to Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves is Bhubaneswar airport, at an about 8 km distance away.

• By Road – Once you are in Bhubaneswar, tourists can opt for any means like private taxis or bus service to reach there.

• By Rail – Bhubaneswar railway station is at an about 10 km distance from the place, and from there, private cab or taxi services are available and could be opted.

In a shell, both Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are open all round the year, right from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit the caves is in between October to March months. Though, tourists can visit anytime throughout the year. To enjoy the scenic beauty and charm of the place, there is an entrance fees that will be charged from tourists. For children below 15 years of age, no amount will be charged from them. For Indians, the entrance fee is Rs. 5 per person. Tourists from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, Afghanistan or Bhutan, an entrance fee of Rs. 5 per person will be charged. For other countries, an entrance fee of Rs. 100 per person will be charged. Want to go for the historical and archaeological tour to Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves in Bhubaneswar, Odisha? Undoubtedly, these two hills are among the highly visited tourist spot in Eastern India. If you want to visit there, contact with Best Choice Holiday travel agent for all information. Gear up for an adventurous tour to Udayagiri and Khandagiri!

The post The Historic Rock Cut Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves in Odisha first appeared on Best Choice Holiday.