You’ve all heard about Orissa’s wonderful temples, each more magnificent than the other, some even world heritage sites… its exotic wildlife, dazzling waterfalls, beautiful beaches are all spectacular attractions for tourists visiting Orissa. While Puri, Bhubaneswar, Konark and their interesting temple festivals are of prime importance for tourists visiting the state, do you know Orissa is home to many another interesting attractions? … Like its many sulfur springs or its exotic caves housing many archaeological remnants?
Not only are they known for their religious significance and natural beauty but also for their curative powers, with some of the most prominent springs here being Atri, Taptapani, Deulajhari and Tarabalo.
Located amidst paddy fields, around 42 km from Bhubaneswar, in the Khurda district, if myths and legends are to be believed, then the curative properties of this spring can even cure infertility in women. One of the most popular springs of Orissa, Atri Sulfur Spring, is a scenic spring set amidst banyan, neem and peepul trees, with a steady temperature of 55 degrees at any given point of time. The waters are stored in an artificial lake, while a bathing complex is also constructed by the tourism department so allow tourists the privacy of bathing indoors. Atri is a spring that not just cures ailments, but rejuvenates the body and mind too, also important is the Shrine dedicated to Lord Hatakeswar that lies near the spring.
One of the most scenic springs of Orissa, Taptapani is located in the lush green forest 50 km from Berhampur. A hot water sulfur spring, the temperature here varies between 90 degrees to 100 degree Fahrenheit. This bubbling water is believed to have properties that can cure skin diseases and the body.
Situated at an ideal destination, the Orissa Government too has done their bit to promote tourism. Beautiful guest houses built by the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation ensure that guests who visit this place are not only well looked after but can also enjoy the benefits of the springs at their doorsteps, as care has been taken to provide bath water directly from the springs.
Like other springs, here too the water is channelized to a small pond which is also available to the general public for a dip, while a temple built here can also be visited.
Not only attracting tourists from India but across the globe, Deulajhari is another scenic hot spring enveloped by lush green forests, located close to Athamalik and Angul. This makes travel to Deulajhari easy as Angul is quite close to NH42, from where there are plenty of buses to various parts of Orissa. It is said that the waters from this spring start from a Shivalinga below thus making it ideal for both religious and medicinal purposes.
The hot waters from this spring are stored in manmade ponds which characterize a Shiva Temple. Also considered a miracle is the fact that though connected to the hot springs, half the springs in this area are cold springs.
Situated in the Nayagarh district of Orissa, the hot water spring of Tarabalo is another famous spring spreading across an area of about 8 acres. Besides its curative powers this hot spring just about 5 km from Bhubaneshwar, is known for its lush greenery and breathtaking views, making it a must visit for its spectacular beauty.
Not just an archeologist’s delight, the Khandagiri caves about 6 km from Orissa’s capital, which date back to the 2nd century, constructed during the time of the Chedi dynasty, are known for some fascinating paintings and motifs and are another wonder the state has to offer its tourists. Of these fifteen caves, once inhabited by Jain hermits bearing carvings of holy texts, the most prominent ones include the Ajanta cave of Khandagiri, and the Tatowa cave of Khandagiri.
The Ajanta Gunpha is another interesting attraction here known for its stunning paintings of humans and animals.
Also carved to shelter Jain hermits who gave up world pleasures, the Udaygiri caves located at 135 feet at the Udaygiri Hills are another awesome attraction Orissa has to offer. These too are known for extensive carvings and inscriptions from Holy Jain texts as well as exquisite paintings of animals and humans; paintings include various victories by kings over their foes. The most beautiful cave here is the double storied Rani Gumpha; the Ganesh Humpha just above the Rani Gumpha is also another prominent cave, while the Bagh Gumpha resembles that of a tiger’s mouth.
Another wonderful attraction, calling tourists to discover archaeological remnants of the ancient times is Gudahandi, a place known for its several caves; here too one can find the walls of the caves decorated with ancient paintings.
A picturesque site, with the Behera stream lending to the natural beauty, Gudahandi not only represents the rich history of the place, but also houses remains of the dam,which according to ancient mythology was believed to have been built by Bhima from the Mahabharata.A prominent Buddhist site, Lalitagiri just 90 km from Bhubaneswar, is a site known for ancient relics, and archaeological remnants. Here several beautiful sculptures, stupas, pottery and other items, some even believed to be personal belongings of the Buddha have been discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India, the most prominent discovery here being a temple surrounded by stupas and monasteries.
Another blast from the past, Dhauligiri a major Buddhist pilgrim destination about 7 kms from Bhubaneswar is a reminder of how even the fierce warrior Emperor Ashoka converted into a peace loving person after the Kalinga war. According to history it was in Dhauligiri that Emperor Ashoka seeing the loss of life and property was a changed man and abandoned war and took up Buddhism and started spreading the message of peace and harmony. The Shanti Stupa here is one of the main attractions here.
Not only is Mahendagiri blessed with mythical history and many archaeological remnants but also with immense beauty. At 500 feet above the sea level, nestled between exquisite mountain ranges and lush green forests, this place is the perfect escape if one is looking for peace and quiet. So picturesque, this stunning mountain finds its mention in many works by legendary poets such as Kalidas and more.
Visited by thousands of devotees for its RathYatra being held in Puri, these great getaways ‘taking you back in time’ must be tried before leaving this incredible state!
