Odisha occupies a unique place in the cultural map of India. Since time immemorial the art, architecture, painting and sculpture have lured the interest of innumerable tourists, travellers and pilgrims all over the world. With the march of time and the glorious achievement of its people, the art and culture of Odisha reached its climax in medieval period and it was destined to be called Utkal. Odisha provides an excellent opportunity to the tourists to have a glimpse of the great heritage of Odisha. This wonderful land of fascinating beauty also boasts of colourful fairs and festivals round the year. Hence it is rightly said, Odisha is the very soul of India and the workshop of rich art and fine culture. The Golden Triangle consisting of Bhubaneswar, Konark and Puri is the most conspicuous one and is a destination point for the tourists.

Puri, the holy city of India has many synonyms like Neelachakra, Muktikshetra, Purusottamkshetra, Shankhakshetra, Shreekshetra etc. The magnanimous temple of Lord Jagannath was built in 12th Century A.D. by Chodaganga Dev of Ganga Dynasty. Lord Jagannath-the Lord of the Universe is the epitome of all culture, all religion & all wisdom. Jagannath Dham Puri, with its vast outstretching sea beach attracts the tourists to visit this pious land again and again. The annual Car Festival of Lord Jagannath draws millions of devotees to have a glimpse of Lord Jagannath with his elder brother Balabhadra and younger sister Subhadra in the Car and have their blessings.

Odisha boasts of a rich historical heritage and monuments that were built years ago and still stand as memories of the past. The Sun Temple of Konark built in 13th Century A.D. is regarded as a masterpiece of engineering, skill and architecture. Built in the shape of a chariot with 12 pairs of wheels and driven by 7 spirited horses, the Konark temple is a marvellous site for the tourists. It is also termed as Arkakshetra or Padmakshetra and this ‘Black Pagoda’  was build in honour of the Sun God by Languda Narasingha Dev. The sensuous sunrise at Black Pagoda rejuvenates life with new splendours, new dreams and new romances.  It is a temple where every carving stone tells a beautiful tale. The story of Dharmapada in setting the arch stone of Konark thrills the visitors. The sight of Chandrabhaga,  Ramachandi and Baliharachandi are worth–observing. The marine beach from Konark to Puri is still virgin and is regarded as one of the best in the world.

Between 6th Century A.D and 13th Century A.D, there were about 6500 temples in the heart of Bhubaneswar for which it was given the coveted destination as the ‘Temple City’ of India. Lingaraj is the presiding deity and the temples of Rajarani, Anantabasudev, Mukteswar, Vaital, Brahmeswar, Parasurameswar, Kedareswar and many others are known as the gems of Odishan art. The Lingaraj Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in the 11th Century A.D.  by Yagati Keshari. This city is also popular by Known as Ekammrakshetera. The architectural beauty of these temples defies human comprehension. Maha Shivaratri is the most famous festival of Lord Lingaraj.

Odissi, the typical and classical dance form of Odisha had its origin in the temples of Odisha. It has its own rhythm which acts as a blending force of other classical dances of India. The smiling facial expression, gentle body movement, statuesque postures, sculpturesque poses and mythological lyricism in it touches the innermost heart of every audience. Besides this, Sambalpuri, Ghumra, Chhau and Danda dances of Odisha have acclaimed world-wide reputation.

Waves of civilization have passed through Odisha as in case of other parts of the world. The famous Buddhistic complex of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri popularly known as ‘Diamond Triangle’ speak aloud the greatness of Odisha hidden in the womb of mother earth. Khandagiri is honey-combed with Buddhist Caves. The Hatigumpha speaks the glory and grandeur of King Kharavela in ancient Odisha. Dhauli hill is famous for the rock-edict of Magadhan emperor Ashok. The conquered Kalinga conquered the heart of her conqueror in the epoch-making Kalinga War and subsequently he was converted from ‘Ashok the Cruel’ to ‘Ashok the Benevolent’. The Peace Pagoda with the image of meditative Buddha on the top of the hill is a symbol of peace while the bottom of Dhauli close to river Daya is an epitome of valour of Kalingan army. Thus, Odisha is a venerated pilgrimage spot for the devotees of the Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and other religions of the world and has become the museum of Indian art and architecture.

Odisha can rightly be proud of its lustrous dream damsel Chilika Lake. It is the largest salt water lake in Asia and paragon of natural beauty. Millions of migratory birds come to its lap from Central Asia, Europe and Siberia in winter season. Nalaban, a small island in Chilika is a playground of various colourful birds. It is a source of inspiration and enjoyment to the poets, nature lovers and ornithologists. The sprightly dancing dolphins, enchanting boat journey, foamy waves and creamy blue water excite every visitor to have a glace at its beauty. The spectacular sight of goddess Kalijai Temple infuses a sense of spiritualism in them.

The sprawling Park Nandan Kanan established in 1960 has two distinct sites- the Biological Park and the Botanical Park on the two sides of a lake. This park is unique in India with the animals and birds living in it with their natural habitat, the largest lion Safari and the first breeding ground of white tigers.

Apart from this the Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanja, Ushakothi in Sambalpur and Bhitar Kanika in Kendrapara present picturesque sites for the tiger reserves, deer parks and Olive Ridley sea turtles. The majestic Mahanadi’s Satakosia gorge at Tikarapara in Dhenkanal offers a vibrant sight of crocodiles.  Sambar, the state animal of Odisha is plentifully found in Saptasajya in Dhenkenal and Lake Valley in Ganjam and Similipal forest. These are the hallmark of eco-tourism in Odisha.

The fine handicrafts and flourishing collage industries scattered in different parts of Odisha have played a remarkable role in the Cultural life of Odias. The Sambalpuri textiles, colourful applique works of Pipili, patta painting of Raghurajpur, stone utensils of Remuna, horn works of Puri and the silver filigree works of millennium city  Cuttack are admired and appreciated by all the visitors in India and abroad.

 Odisha is also a perfect spot to get drenched in the nature’s endowments. The Badaghagra and Sanaghagra waterfalls in Keonjhar, Duduma in Koraput, Khandadhar in Sundargarh, Pradhanpat in Sambalpur and Hatipathar in Rayagada are the things of beauty and joy for ever. Besides this hot springs in Odisha like Atri, Taptapani, Deulajhari etc. are the sources of perennial beauty due to the bounty of nature.

Therefore, with vast legacies of a memorable past, Odisha was undoubtedly called ‘Utkal’ in medieval period. The rich art and culture of Odisha is cosmopolitan in nature and it has promoted her to be a part of ‘Incredible India’.