Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Odisha

Situated in the eastern region of the country, the state of Odisha offers a serene environment for relaxation on its beaches, opportunities to visit renowned temples, and the chance to appreciate the splendor of nature and wildlife. Furthermore, the ancient kingdom of Kalinga ranks among the most prominent places to visit in India, boasting a profound religious and cultural heritage that dates back over 2,000 years. Numerous heritage monuments are dispersed throughout the state, standing majestically as reminders of the land’s historical significance. Additionally, several of these heritage sites have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The state’s art and culture, along with its fairs, festivals, dances, and music, provide a delightful experience for tourists who appreciate vibrant colors and seek to fully enjoy life as part of their India tour packages. Below is a compilation of UNESCO Heritage sites in Odisha for those interested in delving into the state’s rich history.

Konark Sun Temple

Situated in the village of Konark, the Konark Sun Temple ranks among the most visited tourist places in Odisha and has held the status of a World Heritage Site since 1984. Commonly referred to as the Black Pagoda, this temple stands as one of the most magnificent temples in India, dedicated to the sun deity. Constructed by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in 1250 AD, the temple exemplifies the splendor of traditional Kalinga Architecture. It is believed that the temple was originally built at the mouth of the Chandrabhaga River, although the waterline has since receded. The design of the temple resembles a chariot drawn by seven horses on 24 wheels, symbolically transporting the sun god to the heavens. It is meticulously oriented towards the east, allowing the first rays of sunrise to illuminate the main entrance. Made from Khondalite rocks, the temple is also renowned for its erotic sculptures of maithunas. Although a significant portion of the structure now lies in ruins, the temple remains one of the finest examples of architecture in India and continues to attract a large number of tourists throughout the year as part of Konark tour packages.

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Ekamra Kshetra – Bhubaneswar (Tentative)

Bhubaneshwar is an ancient city situated in Khordha district of Odisha, India. It is the capital city of Odisha and also one of the best places to as part of Orissa heritage tour packages. Ekamra Kshetra is the name for the old part of the city of Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar is dubbed the “Temple City” because of the 700 temples which once stood here. It still boasts of a cluster of magnificent temples, which were built between the 3rd century BCE and the 15th century CE. They are built in the Kalinga style, and belong to the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religions. Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Shatrughaneswar Temple, and Parashurameswar Temple are the top places to visit in Bhubaneshwar. The city has been in the UNESCO tentative list since 2014. Besides, one can also visit the Orissa State Museum, Bindu Sarovara, Nandan Kanan, Dhauli Giri hills, Ram Mandir, Udayagiri Caves, Khandagiri Caves, and ISCKON Temple while in Bhubaneshwar.

                            Book Here: Bhubaneshwar Tour Packages

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Chilika Lake (Tentative)

Located at the mouth of the Daya River, Chilika Lake is a large brackish water lagoon, fed by over 50 rivers and streams in Puri, best places to visit near Bhubaneswar. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and also the second largest salt water lagoon in the world after the New Caledonian barrier reef in New Caledonia. Spreads across 1,100 sq. km, the pear shaped lake extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the North to Rambha-Malud in Ganjam district in the South, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long narrow strip of marshy islands and sand-flats. Regarded as one of the best places to visit in Puri, the lake is an ecosystem with large fishery resources. It sustains more than 150,000 fisher-folk living in 132 villages on the shore and islands. Besides, this lake is an important habitat for birds and mammals, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, and added in the UNESCO tentative list in 2014.

                              Book Here: Puri Tour Packages

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