Travel
India is a dazzling whirlwind of sensual deluge. Everything from the
sounds and the smells, to its vibrant diversity will sweep you off
your feet. Nestled just east of India’s coastline is the state of
Orissa, a rapidly booming hub of the ever-expanding IT industry.
If you are traveling to Orissa, locals suggest you emulate the
millions of migratory birds and plan your trip between October and
March. Not only will you catch the splendor of nature’s air show,
but also you will find the weather most agreeable and mild-
mannered. Traveling other times of the year won’t spoil your trip,
in fact many bargains are to be found during the off-season, but be
prepared for very high temperatures and the occasional heavy rain.
Finding a place to stay is relatively easy in Orissa. In the capital
city of Bhubaneswar (‘The Lord of the Universe’) you can be pampered
at the Trident Hilton, an internationally recognized Four Star hotel.
Other hotels that boast luxurious accommodations include the Mayfair
Lagoon with exquisite marble bathrooms, the Hotel
Swosti, known for their friendly staff and obliging chef, and the
Swosti Plaza Limited, where they will pack you a healthy breakfast to
go.
The Restaurant and Bar scene in Bhubaneswar is diverse and
plentiful. Everything from traditional Indian fare to exotic rural
treats to typical fast food establishments can be found. Vegetarians
are common and most restaurants offer a non-meat menu.
Shopping is an adventure in Bhubaneswar as the city is host to a
multitude of street fairs and festivals. The fairs are such a source
of pride for the city that they have a designated area called simply, “Exhibition Ground”. Here anything from rare editions from the
largest annual book fair to trinkets honoring the image of Lingaraja
(Lord Shiva) can be found. One popular item is beautiful and intricate handmade wall hangings woven from fabrics from Sambalpur.
Another city to explore in Orissa is one of the oldest cities in
India, Puri. Most celebrated for its famous Jagannath Temple, Puri is
on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is a must see for those that
love a great beach. The Jagannath temple in Puri is home to the world’s largest kitchen.
It employs over 400 cooks who feed over 10,000 visitors a day.
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