Odisha
Before planning a trip to the exotic land of Odisha, one most know some basic facts about the state. Though the state is like any other state of the Union of India, yet the feel is definitely different, because of its rich varied cultural tradition. To get the feeling of a lifetime, one most experience the scenic serene and sublime Odisha.

Location
17,14’ and 22,34’ North latitude
81,29’ and 87,29’ East longitude

Odisha, situated in the Eastern cost of the India is of tern considered to be an extension of the Northern India and an annexure of Southern India, by thus retaining the traits of both representing a multifaceted cultural synthesis.

Area
1,56,707 square kms.
Capital: Bhubaneswar

Referred to as the temple city of India, the ancient city of nearly 2600 years old is fast emerging as the nerve centre of the Eastern India because of its progress in IT sector.

Climate
Odisha can be visited round the year. However, the best season is from September to March, as the weather is at its balmiest best.  Serious devout can come here during Rath Yatra on Jun/July. Clothing Light cotton in summer and Light woolen in winter is fine.

Language
Native language is Oriya; along understand English, Hindi and Bengali as well.

Accessibility
Bhubaneswar is well connected with all major metros through air. Indian Railways provide a network of Fast & Super Fast Trains to all major cities of Odisha from different parts of India. Odisha is crisscrossed by a network of excellent National / State Highways. Taxis and Auto Rickshaws are available at all important tourist centers and cities, which can be hired on negotiated rates. All visitors are required to carry a passport valid at least for the next 6 months. Special restrictions apply to Pakistani and Afghan nationals. Prior permission is required for visiting a few tribal pockets by foreigners .There is restriction for entry of Non-Hindus into some of the living shrines.

Accommodation in Odisha
Odisha has every category of accommodation facilities ranging from Star Hotels of international standard to Budget Hotels and Lodges providing comfortable accommodation on various tariffs. Booking rooms in prior is wise, mainly during festive times.

Religion in Odisha
Odisha is a secular state with a harmonious blending of all major religions. There is restriction for entry of Non-Hindus into some of the living shrines.

Odisha Fabulous Fairs & Festivals
The Raja-Sankranti, the Pana sankranti, the Garbhana-Sankranti ,Kumarotsava-the 'festival of youth' are important Odishan festival among others. Odisha tourism department collaboration with other organization is organising Ekamra Utsav,Kalinga Mahotsav, Rajarani Music Festival, Konark Festival and Shreekshetra Utsav .For the tourists these festivals are great venue for enjoy and familiarity Odisha’s distinctive ways of life, culture imaginative actions often expressed in their art, craft, jazz , melody and even cuisine . It is experience of discovering the majesty of life.

Art and Crafts
Utkal, the ancient name of Odisha, literarily means a place where art and crafts have reached its stage of excellence. This part of the country is renowned for Stone sculpture, Palm-leaf paintings, Dhokra, Horn articles, Patta paintings, Tassar paintings, Pottery toys, papier-mache products, sand art and applique work. Lacquer Work, the refuse of an insect, is yet another form of handicraft Odisha is famous for Silver Filigree, locally called tarakasi is the most unique handicrafts of Odisha. Variety of materials used for Stone carvings mostly practiced at Puri, Cuttack and Mayurbhanj, are one of the major crafts in Odisha. Odissian School of paintings has three streams, the tribal, the folk and the classical, traditionally linked with Jagannath.

Music
There is a glorious tradition of music in Odisha. Gitagovinda was performed by Devadasis in temple in honor of Jagannath, gradually took the form of traditional Odissi music. Latter on Bhajan, Janana and Oriya songs under light classical groups were accepted as traditional music of Odisha.

Odissi Dance
Odissi dance is a typical classical dance form in Odisha, has its origin in the temples of Odisha and has been closely connected with their day-to-day activities. History provides evidences of the practice of dedicating dancing girls or Devadasis also known as Maharis to the temple in honor of Gods. In  Gotipua dance ,the mother of Odissi nrutya, boys dressed as girls began to dance .

         

For the first time, Odissi dance came out of the temple of Lord Jagannath and began to be performed in public. Odissi embraces in different items of its repertoire such as Mangalacharan, Pallavi, Abhinaya, etc. Besides this, Odisha has certain own local dances like as Danda dances, Ranapa dances, Chaiti ghoda dances etc.

Odisha Food
What is rich and plentiful is the diverse selection of sea-food , with crabs and lobsters steeped in the ever present ingredients of  curd (yoghurt) and Coconut milk Small cakes or 'Pithas' which are both sweet and savory are extremely popular in Puri. Chhenapoda pitha, the caramelised custard-like dessert is popular. Another traditional must is the tasting of the 'Mahaprasad 'or the sacred food offered as 'bhog' to Lord Jagannath. Available at