khurda
Location: Khurda District, 30-kms From Bhubaneswar, Orissa
Local Delicacy: Sita Bhoga
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the Year
The district of Khurda holds a queen position in the tourist map of Orissa, for its historical antiquities and religious shrines. The Kalinga School of architecture is best represented in its exotic temples, monuments and sculptures. Bhubaneswar, the Temple City is too popular between both the international and domestic tourists.
This is the most convenient alighting point to cover the Golden Triangle of Puri-Bhubaneswar-Konark as well as to Chilika and other nearby lovely tourist spots, due to well connected air, rail and road services. This district also charms the tourists with its eye catching handicraft varieties of Orissan delicacies handloom and appliqué works.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Khurda: The district headquarters town with a rich historical past is encircled by the Barunel hill on one side, while the other side is dense jungle. Due to its strategic location, Khurda was the capital city of Orissa in 16th Century AD Khurda fort was the last independent fort of the British India.
Barunei: A scenic spot, 3-kms from Khurda, Barunei attracts thousands of visitors round the year. 'Barunei', the presiding deity of the place adorns the hilltop. The shadowy mango groves with a perennial spring called 'Swargaganga' provide a pleasant atmosphere for the picnickers.
Bhubaneswar: The modern capital of Orissa, boasts of some 500 temples still standing on there own, ranging from 54.36m high Lingaraja to the lovely miniature ones. A complete study of the Kalinga style of architecture from its very inception to perfection spreading over two thousand years is epitomized in the monuments of Bhubaneswar. No other place has such a continuity of building so chronologically arranged from 3rd century BC to 13th century AD
Dhauli: This is the place famous for Ashokan Rock Eddicts (3rd century BC) and Buddhist Peace pagoda along with a beautiful modern Buddhist monastery at the foothill.
Khandagiri-Udayagiri Caves: The main Attractions of this place are the Rock edicts of king Kharavela built in 1st-2nd century BC, 'Hati-gumpha' inscription and the temple of 'Parswanatha'.
Nandankanan: This biological garden comprises of attractions such as a beautifully carved lake, ropeways, toy train, white tiger safari, lion safari and varieties of species.
Hirapur: This place is famous for one of the only four out of the sixty-four 'Yogini' temples in existence in India.
Gadamanitri: Gadamanitri is a hill with scenic beauty and the abode of goddess 'Ramachandi', which is the presiding deity, a center of 'Palika' forces of 'Bhoi' dynasty.
Atri: A place popular for its hot sulphur springs and health resorts.
Bonapur: Bonapur houses a 'Shakti Pitha', temple of Goddess 'Bhagabati' and 'Dakshyaprajapati', which is famous for cane works.
Kaipadar: Well known for the tomb of Bokhari Sahib, on 18th century Muslim saint acclaimed as 'Pir'. Kaipadar is also popular for its religious fair held on every Thursday and visited by both Hindus and Muslim devotees.
Barkul-On-Chilika: The largest brackish water lake in the Asia with lovely spots like bird sanctuary, a winter resort for migratory birds, famous temple island Kalijal, water sports complex and other small islands that are spread all over the lake.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Bhubaneswar is the nearest Airport at a distance of 30-kms.
Rail: Khurda road is the nearest Railway junction at a distance of 12-kms. Bhubaneswar Railway Station is just 30-kms away.
Road: Khurda is on the N.H.5. Regular bus service is available from all major towns of the state at Bhubaneswar and Khurda.
Nearby Cities
Barkul: 76-km
Atri: 12-km
Gadamanitri: 24-km
Hirapur: 45-km
Nandankanan Zoo: 46-km
Bhubaneswar: 30-km
Dhauli: 38-km |
