In 261 B.C., a major turning occurred and noted forever in the World History when the much known Kalinga war took place in Odisha. That war actually made Emperor Ashoka to give up war and sword, and accept Buddhism. Once the war is over, he conquered the principles and basis of Buddhism, took it to a new level and even played a pivotal role in taking it and spreading it to distant shores involving Cambodia and Thailand.

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In terms of tribal communities and heritage, Odisha has the largest variety of them in India. They have contributed a lot in making Odisha’s history as well as ancestry rich and well acknowledged. On one end, there are tribes who prefer to lead a peaceful and secluded life, keeping their culture and tradition as it is and to be followed by their generations, whereas on the other end, there are few tribes which are alike the other general agricultural groups. Their distinctness and cultural presence could be revealed through their attire, art and crafts, ornamentation they carry along with their way of celebrating festivals, following rituals and certainly their language. Each phase of their life is directly linked with the faith in supernatural powers, following the same ritual practices that have been inherited from ages, and their religious beliefs. These things in real give them true meaning to live their lives with content and peace among social structure. With time, origins of borrowing from Hindu religious festivals and events have been noticed among the tribes and the artistic accomplishments and abilities of the people are not only seen in their arts and crafts, handicrafts, wall painting, ornaments, dresses, decorations, wood carvings but also in their unique music and dance forms too.

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Different kingdoms, namely Kalinga, Udra, Odra, Utkal, Kangoda, Tosali and Kosala prospered in the area that is famous and well known as Odisha at present. The name Odisha is a Sanskrit based word depicting Odra Vishay or Odra Desha. After joining hands from Marathas, Mughals and British, till 1912, Odisha was a part of Bay of Bengal and till 1936, a part of Bihar. Officially, Odisha was born as a state on 1st April, 1936. After independence in 1950, it became an independent state integrated into Union Republic of India and resumes on the same pathway till date. With so much to see there, it is worth to visit Odisha and know more about the state. Want to get a tour package of Odisha? Contact Best Choice Holiday tour operator, let them know about your wishes and budget and leave rest up to them.

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How and When to best visit these famous Buddhist sites of Odisha?

The popular Buddhist site that is ‘Diamond Triangle’ is located at an about 2 hours distance to North of Bhubaneswar in the Asia Hills. The nearest train station is Cuttack and the nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar only. The best time to visit is in the cooler dry months that is in between October to March and afterwards the weather gets scorching hot and humid during April and May.

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Here, follows the list of Buddhist sites that are worth and must to check out.

Ratnagiri – Been referred to as “Hill of Jewels”, it holds much of paramount importance in Odisha as a worth visiting Buddhist site, check out the Buddhist teachings as well as its mesmerising sculptures. The first Buddhist university of the world is believed to be located in Bihar state in Nalanda earlier and that is now located at Ratnagiri. The site is discovered back in year 1905. As per the sources, the Buddhist site dates back to 6th century AD. The excavations were conducted in between the time period of 1958 to 1961, and a lot of shrines, two monasteries, a huge stupa, several votive stupas, stone and terracotta based sculptures, Buddhist antiquities, architectural fragments involving copper, bronze, brass objects and so. The huge stone Buddhist sculptures here are simply must to have a look at and inspiring. There are over two dozen heads of Buddha of different sizes depicting the serene and calm meditative Buddha expressions, and are regarded as excellent works of art. There are four galleries here that open daily in between 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening, except for Friday.

Udayagiri – Been referred to as ‘Sunrise Hill”, it is been reckoned as a home to another huge Buddhist complex in Odisha and lots of tourists come from all around to have a look at the two brick monasteries, a stupa, different rock-cut Buddhist sculptures and a stepped stone with inscriptions. The stupa present here has four seated stone Buddha statues facing in each direction. Even the monastery is remarkable available with 18 cells along with a shrine chamber with intricately and impressively carved ornamental façade. In fact, as per the sources, the excavation did introduce several stone sculptures and Buddhist images. Adding to this, another great attraction of the site is the gallery comprising rock-cut pictures of Buddha looking out along with the Birupa River. It consists of five images including a standing Buddha, a seated Bodhisattva, a goddess seated over a stupa, a standing life size Boddhisattva, and a standing Boddhisattva.

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Lalitagiri – It is another one of the oldest Buddhist settlements of Odisha. The excavations were carried out here in between 2nd century BC to 13th century AD in between the time period of 1985 to 1992, and as a result, a stupa, four monasteries, different stone sculptures of Buddhist divinities and an apsidal chaitya hall have been found. Most of the Buddha sculptures that were discovered during the excavations, are supposed to be housed in a sculpture shed that lies next to the monasteries. Some have been lost or been shifted to other museums too.

Langudi Hill – It is renowned to be the place where the acknowledged Buddhist monks met with The Great Emperor Ashoka. Here at this place, a huge number of stone inscriptions are installed and written by the emperor himself, as per the sources. The major attractions of this site are rock-cut sculptures and stupas. Even, people can see the devastation there of a monastery, seals, terracotta based figurines, broken pottery and more.

Chandragiri – In 2010, famous Dalai Lama introduced the biggest monastery of South Asia at Chandragiri located nearby Berhampur. It is spread in a very large area of 10 acres, and as per the sources, the monastery houses a big 21 feet Buddha idol, Avaloketeswara and the 17 feet high Buddha Padma Sambhav. For the same, the stone foundation has been done back in 2003 and the construction got completed in 2009.

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Dhauligiri – This site is also reckoned and well known for its Buddhist monuments. It is also well acknowledged to be the site where the intense battles had been fought and even won by the Emperor Ashoka. In fact, the monument is known to be the one that saw the transformation of an ambitious king to a prospering one and then to be a follower of Buddha and his teaching. The place is about at an 8 km distance from Bhubaneswar, and the evidence of the transformation is the rock that is been pictured with an image of an elephant chiseled from the overhanging rock. There are as of now two such rock commandments that survive in Odisha.

In a shell, Buddhism heritage, ancestry and teachings is deeply rooted in Odisha and these beautiful sculptures, monuments, stupas, and the followers certainly proudly stand as a declaration to this fact. Are you a disciple of Buddhism? Want to have a look at the ancient stupas and monuments of Buddhist? Planning a trip to Odisha? If the answer is yes to any, make sure to give Best Choice Holiday a chance to manage your itinerary and trip, in accord to your meets and desires and turn your time into lifetime cherishing moments.

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Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary – It is situated at an approx. distance of 20 km from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Backed with diverse natural habitat including reptiles, mammals, birds, and more, the major attraction is the white tigers. The sanctuary is open on all days except Mondays. The timings changes from 8 AM to 5 PM (October – March) to 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (April – September).

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary – It is one of the famous and widely visited wildlife sanctuaries of Odisha. Situated at the North Eastern part of Kendrapara district, the sanctuary is an important natural habitat for porcupines, wild boars, and others. The key attractions are the availability of largest number of saltwater crocodiles. Even these saltwater crocodiles hold a record in Guinness Book of World Record due to its 23 ft long size. It remains closed during the monsoon season, and people can visit it during other season in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary – It is known to be spread from Dhamra River to that of Mahanadi. This marine sanctuary is popular for its Olive Ridley turtles that are supposed to spend about 6 to 8 months at the beach side and if you are one of those lucky ones, you can also see the spectacular sight of them. It is ideal to visit there during months of February to April and in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

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Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary – It is located at the Northern Western periphery of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The elephant sanctuary wildlife reserve is the major attraction here to look out for along with other species. Your adventurous cum trip is going to worth every moment been spent here for sure. It remains closed during monsoon season. The timings to visit are in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

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Ushakothi or Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary – Located at an approx. 40 km distance away from Sambalpur district, the major attractions of the sanctuary are varieties of fauna, flying squirrels, racket tail drongos, sambar, and bison. There are watch towers placed to let visitors grab a nice view of the animals and the overall forest. In order to be there, it is must to have a permit card issued by the Forest Range officer. The sanctuary is closed during the monsoon time, and the timings to visit are in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Similipal Tiger Reserve – It is been located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. The attractions are an elephant reserve, a tiger reserve, a biosphere reserve, varieties of fauna, etc. Tourists can check out the natural splendid biodiversity of animals from watch towers. It remains closed during monsoon time and the timing to pay a visit is in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary – Located in between Konark and Puri, it is been entitled to coastal dunes, sandy beaches and a large variety of cashew and casuarina plantation. The major attractions are spotted deer/cheetahs and black bucks, such rare species that could simply change your time into thrilling and adventurous one. It remains closed in between June to October and the timing to visit is in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

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Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary – Located in the Nuapada district of Odisha, this proposed tiger reserve is famous for its unique eco system and bio diversity attracting tourists from all around. The attractions are barasingha/swamp deer and wild water buffaloes. It remains closed in between June to October and the timing to visit is in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary – This spectacular wildlife sanctuary is been located in the Bargarh district in Odisha. The major attractions are the possession of flora and fauna varieties, four horned antelope/chausingha, and magnificent migratory birds. It remains closed in between June to October and the timing to pay a visit is in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary – In 2007, the area was recognized to be as Satkosia Tiger Reserve spread over the Mahanadi River in Odisha, India, constituting two adjoining sanctuaries including Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and the other is Baisipalli sanctuary. In Satkosia Gorge Wildlife sanctuary, visitors can check out a large number of leopards, elephants, Gharial breed of crocodiles and other animals. In Baisipalli wildlife sanctuary, the prime attraction is the bison along with other wildlife animals and creatures. It is open in between November to May and the timing to visit is in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Chilika Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary – This bird paradise or sanctuary is been located at the heart of the Chilika Lake in Odisha. It is been reckoned as a home of numerous local birds, migratory birds, including White bellied sea eagle, Flamingo, Spot billed pelican, avifaunal species and others. Adding to this, visitors can even find if they are lucky enough Irrawaddy dolphins at Satapada that is about at an approx. 50 km distance from Puri, at the Southern region of Lake Chilika. The bird sanctuary remains closed during monsoons and the best time to be there is during winter months.

In case, you are seeking for an offbeat destination to explore, or get a thrilling cum splendid lifetime wildlife moments, do make sure to visit these wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha, India. Certainly, these would be great options to discover and have a look at the numerous animals, birds and varieties of fauna and flora. Planning a trip to Odisha? Let Best Choice Holiday get a chance to manage your accommodation, tickets and everything of your tour and you will not regret it for sure. Have a memorable experience that could be cherished ever!

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Lingaraja Temple – Constructed by the Jajati Keshari – Somavanshi king, it is 10th century temple made up from red sandstone and the architecture is simply exceptional prototype of Oriya style. Boasting of a spacious courtyard spread in more than 250,000 sq ft area and covered all around by fortified walls, there are over 50 smaller shrines in the temple all dedicated to Hindu pantheon. The altar of the main temple is been embellished with a humongous Shivling in granite, also been reckoned as ‘Swayambhu’. It is indeed a must-visit temple of Odisha.

Konark Sun Temple – Built by the King Narsimhadeva in the 13th century, this famous temple is also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is dedicated to Sun God and the architecture stands on 24 beautiful and intricately sculpted stone wheels, hauled by 7 powerful horses. The overall structure is adorned with different sculptures, both internally and externally. Surya’s three surviving images have been designed in order to capture the sun rays at dawn, noon and sunset. Moreover, it took in total 12 years by 1200 artisans to complete the temple.

Jagannath Puri Temple – It is been located in Puri, Odisha and is been one of the famous Char Dhaams or among the four sacred places of devotion and worship in the country. Constructed on a huge raised platform in the city, the structure is enclosed by a wall penetrated by four gates with big pyramidal structures over them. The building is been built in the form of Kalinga style, and the main altar has about 30 shrines of different sizes. This temple is been reckoned among the tallest structures in Indian subcontinent that is 214 feet above the ground.

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Rajarani Temple – The temple is been built in 11th century and the name is derived from Rajarani that is a kind of red sandstone used in the construction. The East facing shrine of the temple reflects the architectural beauty and splendour of the old Kalinga sculptures. The artwork of the temple is a bit different from others, and the best outstanding treasures are the standing astadikpalas on the Central façade end and on lotuses available with their mounts. A lot of travellers visit the temple in December during the Rajarani Music festival time.

Mukteswar Temple – Also been regarded as the twin temples of Siddheswar – Mukteswar, it is been built back in 10th century and the 35 foot high rise architecture made up of sandstone is been reckoned to be the crowning glory and prestige of Oriya architecture. The temple represents the perfect blend of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist architecture, in terms of their intricate carvings narrating tales of animal figurines as well as from Panchantrata. Ganesha’s standing idol is simply magical and the altar is been constructed in the Pancha Ratha style comprising five divisional walls all around.

64 Yogini Temple – When different parts of ancient India were in the pain of fallout and tantric cult, many regions of the Central and Eastern part introduced the built of different open air shrines and Yogini Temple is one of them that is located in close proximity to Bhubaneswar. It is built in 9th century, with a circular shaped monument with no roof, dedicated to 64 ‘yoginis’. Also been famous as Mahamaya temple, the interesting sculpture in the temple is of one-legged Shiva or Ekapada Shiva.

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Brahmeshwar Temple – The temple is been located to the East of the famous Lingraj temple, constructed by the ruling King’s mother in the respect of the mighty deity Lord Shiva – Brahmeshwar. For the first time, iron beams are used in the construction of the temple and the building is about 60 feet tall. Moreover, for the first time, iconography of dancers and musicians has been done on the temple walls. There were many tantric pictures on the western exterior and Lord Shiva and other deities were pictured in alarming postures.

Maa Tara Tarini Temple – It is not only been counted among the oldest pilgrimage centres of holy and mighty Maa Goddess but also as one of the four prime Shakti Peethas in the country. It is been situated on the banks of River Rushikulya in Ganjam district nearby Brahmapur city.

Ram Mandir – Located in the heart of the city Bhubaneswar, it has images of Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman and Goddess Sita. It is an ancient temple of the city and also has shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities.

Dhabaleswar Temple – This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at the banks of Mahanadi River. The stone carvings on the temple date back to early 10th and 11th century.

Do make sure to must-see and get the blessings of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and other deities by visiting these temples whenever you are in Odisha. Planning a trip to Odisha? Connect with Best Choice Holiday this time, let them arrange a fully fledged package tour for you and your loved ones and be prepared to cherish the lifetime moments as per your desires and within your budget.

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