Odisha is historically ancient, nature-wise diverse, culturally colorful, religiously significant and rich
in terms of monuments. Several archeological and architectural highlights are located in Orissa: the temple city of Bhubaneswar and
the remarkable cave carvings in near-by Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills; the 12th-century temple of Lord Jagannath in the center of
Purl, hub of religious activity in this city of pilgrimage; the Black Pagoda of Konark (Sun Temple of Konark), one of the marvels
of India, decorated with exquisite erotic carvings. Non-Hindus, with the exception of Buddhists and Jains, are not permitted to
enter the precincts of the living temples in Bhubaneswar and Purl. In Bhubaneswar: Along the East-Western wall of
LlngaraJ Temple
there is a raised platform about 20 feet high, specially erected for the purpose; from here visitors can get a fair view of the
temple-architecture and carvings. In other temples visitors can move freely but must not enter the sanctum. In Puri: opposite the
Eastern Gate of Jagannath Temple, across the road, from the roof of a three-storeyed building have a good view of the temple. In
other temples, no entry restrictions exist. One of the most vast development projects undertaken in India since Independence is the
Hirakud Dam, thrown across the Mahanadi River. In the Koraput high plateau area, live the colorful tribal people.
From end of September to middle of March is the best season for visiting Orissa. In places like Puri or Gopalpur-on Sea or the western hilly tracts, this period can be extended by another month. Nights in the uplands are cool and thick evening mists often drench your garments. Odisha being a gateway between North and South India, one will find here a blend of diverse religious customs. Holi, early in March, is celebrated all over Odisha as elsewhere in India — by people throwing colored water at each other. Puri is a town of continuous festivals, one of which is Chandan Yatra in May-June, lasting three weeks. The most important event is the Ratha Yatra (Car Festival) which is held in June-July when three huge chariots are drawn through the streets and perform the return journey a week later. The largest of them carries the image of Jagannath, the presiding deity.