Orissa
has a chequered history which has successfully assimilated
and synthesised the best of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu
cultures. Orissa or Kalinga as it was then called was a
settlement of non-Aryan and Aryan settlers. It was a
formidable maritime empire with trading routes stretching
up to Bali, Sumatra, Indonesia and Java. The key to
international trade and immense wealth, it was coveted by
many rulers. In fact, it was here that the famous Battle
of Kalinga was fought in 261 BC, which made the great
Mauryan Kshatriya (warrior caste) king Ashoka forsake war.
He became a follower of Buddhism and spread the spirit of
ahimsa and peace, the message of Buddhism, to Ceylon
(modern day Sri Lanka) and the Far East, Exquisite remains
of the Buddhist past still remain in the areas of
Udaygiri, Lalitagiri and Ratnagiri.
Kharavela,
who came to power in Kalinga, around 1st Century BC, was a
staunch follower of Jainism. It is to this period that
Orissa owes its Jain art and architectural tradition.
The
sophisticated architectural style of the Jain Monastic
caves at Udaygiri and Khandagiri are a story unto
themselves. During the 7th to the 13th Century AD, Orissa
flourished. Trade and commerce increased and along with it
evolved its art and architecture. The style of Hindu
temple construction, so unique to Orissa also developed
around this time.
To
understand all that a Hindu temple stands for one must
realize that temples in India are not merely abodes of
deities but a shradhanjali (offering) to the most sacred.
Here a ’darshan’ is a communion between man and his
creator. Hence, Orissan temples are characterised by
profuse decorations, exquisite carving and ornamentation
covering the entire visible area with Gods &
Goddesses, kings and queens, animals and flower motifs
ranged against each other. They radiate the artist’s
inner love and dedication. Orissa is probably the only
state where one can study temple architecture in all its
successive stages of development.
Enchanting
Odissi
Odissi,
is the traditional dance form of Orissa and probably owes
its origin to the temple dances of the devadasis (temple
dancers). Possibly the oldest classical dance form, one
must sit through a performance to experience its sheer
lyrical grace. Mentioned in inscriptions, it is depicted
on sculptures, in temples like the Brahmeswara and the
dancing hall of the Sun temple at Konark. In fact in the
1950’s the entire Odissi dance form was revitalized with
the help of the Abhinaya Chandrika and sculpted dance
poses found in temples. Orissa enjoys a rich tradition of
tribal and folk dances as well. Chhau from Mayurbhanj
District is a martial dance form reminiscent of Orissa’s
earlier maritime tradition. Other folk and tribal dances
include Danda Nata, a daylong performance ending in
acrobatic sequences, Ranapa or dances in which dancers
perform balancing acts on bamboo stilts.
Rare
Artistry
Land of
dextrous artists and craftsmen, Orissa possesses a rich
artistic tradition which enjoyed liberal patronage from
the temples as well as the nobility. Diverse and varied,
the craftsmen artists of Orissa still retain their
indigenousness, trying to refine it to suit a changing
sensibility. Be it the applique artists of Pipli or the
stone carvers of Orissa, proud descendants of sculptors
whose hands chiseled the unsurpassable designs on
Orissa’s famous temples, the essential conflict between
the traditional and the modern is gradually being
resolved. The progressive attitudes of the Orissan artists
coupled with hereditary skills zealously perpetuated, has
given traditional Orissan arts and crafts like weaving of
Ikat, Bomkai and Sambalpuri Saris, stone carving, applique
and embroidery, silver filigree work, patta painting and
palm leaf engraving, brass and bell metal work, lacquered
boxes and toys and basket weaving, a unique place in the
connoisseur’s dictionary the world over. A visit to the
Raghurajpur artists village and Pipli, near Puri, to see
the artists at work is quite a rewarding experience.
Gourmet
Delights
The green
coconut with its pure water and the abundant sea food from
Chilika lake and the sea are as Orissan as pizzas are
Italian. Delicious prawns, crabs, sweet water fish, lamb,
chicken and eggs cooked by Orissan cooks are widely
available gourmet fares, while specialty restaurants serve
almost everything. Milk preparations like Rasgulla,
Rasmalai, Khirmohan, Rasabali, Kalakand are delicious.
Pithas, sweet and savoury are served as local snacks. This
is a traditional preparation requiring skill and care.
Pithas like Mandas, Kakara, Chhunchipatra are usually
domestic preparations much loved by the Orissans.
The
Ethnic World of Orissa
Orissa is
a modern state with an ethnic past that is still vibrant.
Most of her tribes are to be found in the districts of
Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar Phulbani, Sambalpur, Kalahandi and
Koraput. As many as 62 tribes exist in Orissa - Kondhs,
Koyas, Bondas, Gadabas, Santals, Juangs, Oraon, to name
only a few are some important tribes who have retained
their individuality and their close bond with nature. From
the last week of January to early February, the Tribal
Fair at Bhubaneshwar brings together the ethnic world;
their art, craft and culture is on display. For those
desirous of a closer look trips are arranged by many tour
operators from Bhubaneshwar and other cities but it is a
hardier trail and more time consuming.
The
Tribal Museum (T.H.R.T.I.) at Bhubaneshwar (CRP Square)
however is quite comprehensive and provides adequate
information on the art, craft, housing and life-styles of
the various tribal groups.
Bhubaneshwar
Temple City
of The East
Visit the
ancient city of Bhubaneshwar (Bhuban being world and Iswar
God) and it is a walk down centuries of temple
architecture, With 600 temples still extant, temples are
to this ancient city as forts are to Rajasthan. It is
probably the only city in the world that enables an
authentic over-view of the stages of development of Hindu
religious architecture. In the fast moving world of today
these temples are a gentle reminder of the splendour, the
heritage that was once India, It is not hard to imagine
what a temple would have been at the time of its patron
ruler. Regular dances by the ’Devadasis’ or divine
servant girls, rituals and rites, recital of hymns were
all an integral part of temple culture. Temples in
Bhubaneshwar are built on a common plan as prescribed by
Hindu norms. The structure is divided into four distinct
parts connected to each other. The external part or the
outer chamber is the ’Jagamohana’. The Garbhagriha is
the inner sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity. There
is also a conical beehive shaped tower which forms the
third part – the Nata Mandap and the fourth is the Bhoga
Mandap. All visible parts of a temple are sculpted with
motifs of priests, kings, courtiers, pilgrims, celestial
dancers, couples in embrace, birds, animals or scenes from
religious epics and legends.
TRANSPORT
AND COMMUNICATION
- Air
: Indian Airlines and Vayudoot connect Bhubaneswar
with Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Nagpur,
Varanasi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam.
Fare: Calcutta - Bhubaneshwar Rs.1910 (J), Rs.1381
(Y).
- Rail:
Bhubaneshwar is directly connected by rail with
Calcutta, Puri, Madras, Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore,
Guwahati, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Trivandrum.
Fare: Calcutta - Bhubaneshwar Rs.489 (AC-2A), Rs.367
(I), Rs.134 (II).
- Road:
Bhubaneshwar is situated on the national highway no.5
that runs between Calcutta and Madras. It is 480 kms
from Culcutta, 130 kms from Chilika Lake (Barkul), 32
kms from Cuttack, 184 kms from Gopalpur-on-sea, 64 kms
from Konark, 1225 kms from Madras, 62 kms from Puri.
- Bus
: Orissa State Transport operates regular buses
between Bhubaneshwar and Berhampur, Chilika, Cuttack,
Konark, Paradip, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur and other
places. Inter-state bus services operate daily in
between Calcutta and Puri via Bhubaneshwar and
Bhubaneswar-Tata Nagar.
- Local
Transport: Unmetered taxis, cycle rickshaws
and autos are available. Tourist taxis and deluxe
buses are available on rent from Transport Manager,
Orissa Tourism Development Corporation, Panthniwas,
Lewis Road, Bhubaneshwar, Tel : 55512.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Area
: 65.03 sq km.
Altitude : 45 metres (146 ft.)
Temperature (deg C): Summer - Max.38,
Min.27.1; Winter - Max.28.2, Min.15.2.
Rainfall : Mid June-September 60 inches
(152 cms).
Languages Spoken : Oriya, Bengali, Hindi,
English etc.
Best season : October to March.
EXCURSIONS
Dhauligiri
(8 km) has Ashokan edicts carved on rocks. These date back
to 2nd century BC. Also has Buddhist temple built with
Japanese collaboration. Udaygiri, Khandagiri (8 km) have a
series of cave temples belonging to the Hindu and Jain
faiths. Local guides required for the labyrinthine caves.
Nandan Kanan Zoo (25 km) for viewing the Royal Bengal
Tiger and white tigers. Chandipur (16 km) is a seaside
resort with one of the finest beaches in Orissa. Pipli (29
km) is a village famous for its appliqué work, originally
only made for the temple Gods. Atri Springs (42 km) has
sulphur springs and the famous Hatakeshwara Temple. Sun
Temple, Konark (65 km) is a magnificent 13th century
temple visualized as the chariot of the Sun God, as he
glides through the firmament from dawn to dusk. The ruins
have sculptures detailing every aspect of human life. The
city also has a beautiful beach.
Udaygiri
Khandagiri
7 kms
from Bhubaneshwar are the twin hills of Udaygiri and
Khandagiri. Built by Kharavela around 1st - 2nd Century BC
for Jain monks, they are excellent examples of Jain Cave
art. The famous caves of Hathigumpha (elephant cave) in
Udaygiri, RaniGumpha (Queen’s cave) also in Udaygiri,
with upper and lower stories, spacious courtyards and
extremely delicately designed friezes bear witness to the
sophistication the architectural styles had attained as
early as the first Century BC.
Dhauli
Driving
down the Puri-Konark Highway from Bhubaneshwar one comes
across Dhauli hill on the banks of the River Daya.
Surrounded by the soothing greenery of paddy fields, lies
the 3rd Century BC Ashokan Rock Edict, a memory of the
gruesome war that transformed Ashoka, the great Warrior
into a Buddhist missionary. The Peace Pagoda built in
collaboration with the Kalinga – Japanese Buddhist
Sangha, on the opposite hill, is completely modern and is
an excellent foil.
Puri
The seat
of Lord Jagannath, Site of Renowned Rathyatra Festival and
one of the most popular sea side resorts on the Bay of
Bengal, Puri is an ideal travel destination all the year
round.
TRANSPORT
AND COMMUNICATION
- Air
: The Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar (65 kms).
Fare: Calcutta-Bhubaneshwar (Tue,Thu,Fri,Sat) Rs.1910
(J), Rs.1381 (Y).
- Rail:
Puri is connected to Berhampore (Orissa), Bhubaneswar,
Calcutta, Cochin, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Madras,
Tirupati, Trivandrum, Varanasi etc.
Fare: Calcutta-Puri Rs.140 (II), Rs.402 (I), Rs.545
(A/C-2A).
- Road:
By road Puri to Bhubaneshwar-62 kms, Calcutta-541 kms,
Chilika-167 kms, Konark-31 km, Madras-1285 km,
Sambalpur-362 km, Vishakhapatnam-486 kms.
- Bus
: Government State Transport and Orissa Road
Corporation buses connect Puri with Bhubaneshwar,
Calcutta, Chilika, Konarak, Madras, Sambalpur,
Visakhapatnam etc.
WHAT
TO SEE
Shri
Jagannath Temple, Daria Hanuman and Sonar Gouranga Temple,
Gundicha Char, Indradyumma Tank, Narendra/Chandan Tank,
Loknath Temple, Swarga Dwar, Sea Beach at Puri.
EXCURSIONS
Sakshigopal
- 19 kms, Konark - 31 kms, Bhubaneshwar - 63 kms.
TOURIST
INFORMATION
(1)
Tourist Office, Government of Orissa, Plot No. 842,
Station Road, Puri. Tel: (06752) 2131.
(2) Tourist Office, Government of Orissa, 55 Lenin Sarani
(Beside Wellington Square), Calcutta, Tel: 244-3653.
Konarak
Renowned
for its magnificent sun temple, which was constructed by
Narasinha Deva of Ganga dynasty of Orissa in mid 13th
century, Konark is also a lovely beach resort. It is
easily approachable from BhubanesHwar-64 kms & Puri-32
kms by coaches and tourist cars. Regular bus services
including conducted sigthtseeing tours are available for
Konark from BhubanesHwar and Puri.
In
Konark, the "Natya Mandir", the dance hall of
the Sun Temple probably remains as the last remnant of the
glorious temples of Orissa an extant example of the
architectural excellence of the times. Built in the 13th
Century, here a collossal image of the chariot of the Sun,
drawn by seven horses and 24 wheels symbolises the
divisions of time. The main tower of Konark stood as high
as 227 feet, superceding both Lingaraja and Jagannath
Temples. The Jagmohana (Porch) structure and the tower are
both situated atop the stone platform supporting the 24
wheels. The Konark Sun Temple also houses a Natamandira or
dancing hall. Only two subsidiary temples out of the 22,
that were also situated inside the temple precincts, exist
today. The VaishnadeviMayadevi Temple stand to the West of
the towers. The Sun temple of Narasimhadeva is a depiction
in stone of the life of those times – royal, social,
religious and military. The intricate carvings on the
walls and wheels of the chariot are unprecedented in
history. The fine sculptures depicting Court life,
hunting, scenes, celestial deities are epitomes of
precision and grace. Graceful sculptures from the world of
the Kamasutra, epic of eroticism also adorn the
structures. The Sun Temple standing in solitary splendour
is the relic of a great past. The history lovers can
regale themselves at the Archaeological Museum at the site
of the Konark Sun Temple. The majestic Sun Temple
silhouetted against the setting sun remains indelibly
etched in the spectator’s memory.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Area
: 2.5 sq.km.
Altitude : Sea level.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max. 43,
Min. 32.2; Winter- 26.7, Min. 10.6.
Rainfall : 152.4 cms (July to September).
Clothings : Summer- Light tropical &
cottons, Winter- light woollens.
Languages spoken : Oriya, Bengali, Hindi,
English.
Best season : Throughout the year, but
preferaby October to March.
STD Code : 067581.
HOW
TO REACH
- Air
: Nearest airport Bhubaneshwar (64 kms) is connected
with Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Madras and Nagpur by
Indian Airlines flights.
Fare: Calcutta-Bhubaneshwar Rs.1910 (J), Rs.1381 (Y).
- Rail:
Nearest railheads Puri (31 kms) and Bhubaneshwar (64
kms) are connected by rail with all the major places
in India.
Fare: Calcutta-Puri Rs.545 (AC-2A), Rs.402 (I), Rs.140
(II). Calcutta-Bhubaneshwar Rs.489 (AC-2A), Rs.367
(I), Rs.134 (II).
- Road:
Konark is well-connected by regular bus-services with
Puri, Bhubaneshwar as well as all the major places in
Orissa.
Chilka
Lake
Chilika
Lake, spreading over an area of 1100 sq. kms is the
largest brackish water lake in the country and attracts
large number of migratory birds besides resident ones.
Barkul and Rambha are two places on the lake which serve
as the base. Though the lake can be visited throughout the
year, October to March is the best season.
Flora:
The lake hourbours the "aquatic vegetation" of
its own and is typically represents by Algal forms (e.g.
Chaetomorpha and Enteromorpha widely distributed algae
followed by Lyngbya, Ulva, Cladophora and others like
Gloeocapsa, Nostoc, Sprigyra, Oedogonium, Chara, Nitella,
Gracilaria etc.), a number of Diatoms/Phytoplanktons and a
few species of brackish water submerged phanerogams like
Potamogeton pectinatus, Halophila ovalis, Ruppia maritima,
Naja faveolata, Hydrilla verticellata and Ceratophyllum
demersum etc. Some floating plants like Eichhornia
crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Azolla pinnata etc. enter
the like with flood water but disappear after a few
months. The communities of Schoenoplectus littoralis in
association with Eleocharis dulce, Phragmites karka,
Myrostachya wightii & many other grasses and sedges
also exist in shallow muddy areas. Species like Salicornia
brachiata, Suaeda maritima, Sesuvium portulacastrum, Phyla
nodiflora, Heliotropium curassavicum & some others
occur in marshes and salt fields along the edges and other
shallow areas. The present scanty littoral and scrub
jungles on lake margin, islands and rocky faces are
represented by the species like Salvadora presica,
Pongamia pinnata, Colubrina asiatica, Cassipourea
ceylonica, Aegiceras corniculatum, Azima tetracantha,
Pisonia aculeata, Clerodendron inerme, Carmona retusa,
Carissa spinarumm, Crateva spinarumm, Meytinus
emarginatus, Opuntia dillenii, Ficus sps., Crateva
adansonii spp., Lepisanthes tetraphylla, Streblus asper
etc. and a number of climbers/twinners and herbaceous
ground flora. The dunes & sandy areas of the beaches
near lake have the floral composition of their own,
favoured in the conditions they offer. The land lying
between Sea and Lagoon exhibits rich growth of casuarina
equisetifolia, planted by Forest Dept.
Fauna:
There is a wide varity of animal life forms representing
various groups of Animal Kingdom (ranging from Protozoa,
Porifera, Polyzoa, Brachiopoda, Coelenterata, Ctenophora,
Isopoda, Echiura, Sipuncula, Chaetognatha,
Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Crustacea, Arachinida, Insecta,
Mollusca to Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and
Mamals). The more details of some of these fauna
arefurnished here.
Around 158 species of fishes and prawns have so far been
recorded.Crabs like Scylla serrata & Neptunus
pelagicus are the predominent types available here.
Oyster (e.g. Ostrea talpur, Arca, Meretix etc.) occurs in
small patches. Nearabout countless types of Amphibians
Reptiles viz. Snakes, Lizards, Turtles & Crocodiles.
Discovery of Limbless skink (Barakudia insularis), a rare
reptile which was reported first time from loose soil of
Barakudia island by Annandale (1917), attaches much
significance to this place. The Dolphins have been
reported mostly near Satapada-Magarmukha area and
occasionally between Kalijai and Balugaon. Other mammals
reported from small pockets in the surrounding
hlls/forests/scattered islands & amidst the vegetation
of sandy ridge facing Chilika and Sea include Black bucks
(Antilope cervicara), Spotted deer, Fox, Jackal, Hyaena,
Jungle Cat, Hare, Rat, Pachyura (an insectivora), Common
bat, Otter, Common mongoose, Monkey, Squirrel, Porcupine
etc.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Area
: 1100 sq. kms. ( Wildlife Sanctuary area- 15.53 sq. kms.)
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max. 37,
Min. 30; Winter- Max. 24, Min. 17.
Rainfall : 1160 mms. (Mainly July to
September).
Clothings : Tropical.
Languages Spoken : Oriya, Bengali, Hindi,
English.
Best Season : Throughout the year.
TRANSPORT
AND COMMUNICATION
- Air
: Nearest airport Bhubaneshwar is 105 kms from Barkul
& 135 kms from Rambha.
Fare: Calcutta-Bhubaneshwar (Tue,Thu,Sat,Sun) Rs.1910
(J), Rs.1381 (Y).
- Rail:
The nearest railheads are at Balugaon (7 kms from
Barkul) and Rambha on South-Eastern Railways which are
directly connected to Calcutta, Puri, Madras,
Hyderabad and Bombay via Secunderabad etc.
Fare (approx): Calcutta-Balugaon Rs.650 (AC-2A),
Rs.450 (I), Rs.150 (II)
- Road:
Both Barkul & Rambha are situated on the National
Highway No.5. Regular buses ply between Bhubaneshwar
and Berhampur with stops enroute at Balugaon (for
Barkul) and Rambha. Barkul to Bhubaneshwar (105 kms),
Puri (167 kms), Cuttack (133 kms), Berhampur (78 kms),
Gopalpur-on-Sea (75 kms) and Rambha (30 kms) etc.
- Local
Transport: Auto and Cycle rickshaws available
at Balugaon, Rambha, Barkul.
PLACES
OF INTEREST
The lake
with several of its islands, main among them being,
kalijai, Nalabana, Honeymoon, Breakfast islands etc.
Satpada towards the South Eastern stretch of the lake is
closer to puri and is fast developing as a tourist spot on
the shore of Chilika.
CRUISE
ON THE LAKE:
To visit various islands, particularly, Kalijai &
Nalabana as well as to cruise on the Chilika Lake,
motorised Yatch and speed boat services are available at
fixed rates from the Manager, O.T.D.C., Panthniwas,
Barkul.
EXCURSION
Narayani
(22 kms from Rambha), Gopalpur-on-Sea (45 kms from Rambha
and 75 kms from Barkul), Taptapani Sulphur Spring (100 kms
from Rambha and 130 kms from Barkul).
TOURIST
INFORMATION
Government
of Orissa Tourist Counter, Tourist Bungalow, Rambha, Dist:
Ganjam- 761 028, Telephone: 44.
Gopalpur-on-Sea
Gopalpur-on-Sea
is a quiet and charming sea resort along the Bay of
Bengal, in the district of Ganjam, Orissa. It offers
secluded environment and magnificent sun, surf and sand
for most of the year.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Area
:
Altitude : Sea level.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max. 35,
Min. 23; Winter- Max. 27, Min. 16.
Rainfall : 118.7 cms (46.7 inches).
Clothings :
Languages Spoken : Oriya, Hindi, English.
Best Season : Throught the year, but
preferably October to April.
TRANSPORT
AND COMMUNICATION
- Air
: Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport (180 kms).
Fare : Calcutta - Bhubaneshwar Rs.1439 (C), Rs.1163
(Y).
- Rail
: Berhampur (16 km) on Howrah-Madras line of
South-Eastern Railway is the nearest railhead.
Fare : Calcutta-Berhampur Rs.593 (AC-2A), Rs.444 (I),
Rs.150 (II).
- Road
: Gopalpur is connected by motorable road to Barkul-75
kms, Berhampur-16 kms, Bhubaneshwar-180 kms, Puri Via
Bhubaneshwar-242 kms. Frequent bus services connect
Berhampur with Gopalpur.
- Local
Transport : Auto-rickshaws and
cycle-rickshaws are available.
PLACES
OF INTEREST
Gopalpur
is situated right on the Bay of Bengal with a beautiful
sea-beach.
EXCURSIONS
Chilika
Lake (Rambha-45 km and Barkul-75 km), Nirmaljhar (56 km),
Taptapani sulphur-spring (67 km).
Simplipal
Nestled
in the centre of Mayurbhanj, the northernmost district of
Orissa is the similipal National Park one of India's
better known wild life sanctuaries, covering a large
forested area of 2750 sq.kms. The variation in topography,
climate and vegetation has supported large varieties of
animals, birds and reptiles. Similipal is one of the
earliest and finest of India's fifteen Tiger reserves
under Project Tiger.
GENERAL
INFORMATION:
Area
: 2750 sq.km.
Altitude : 559.31 metres above sea level.
Temperature (Deg C): Summer- Max.40,
Min.20; Winter- Max.20, Min.4.4.
Rainfall : 1648 mm ( Mid. June to Mid.
September ).
Best Season : 1st November to 15th June.
December to February is extremely cold. (The reserve
remains open from 15th Oct. to 15th June).
STD Code : 06792.
ENTRY
PERMIT:
Issued
from: Office of Assistant Conservator of Forest, National
Park, Jashipur.
Range Officer, Pithabata at Pithabata Check Gate.
Time: For
Day Tourists- 0600 to 1200 hours.
For
Reservation Holders- 0600 to 1400 hours.
NOTE:
TOURISTS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE ANTI-MALARIAL DRUG BEFORE
ENTRY INTO THE PARK
TRANSPORT
AND COMMUNNICATION:
- Air
: Nearest airports are Calcutta 250 kms and
Bhubaneshwar 300 kms.
- Rail:
Balasore, on the South Eastern Railwaly, 76 kms from
Lulung. Jamshedpur, on the South Eastern Railway, 115
kms from Jashipur.
Fare (Approx): Calcutta-Balasore Rs.472 (AC-I),
Rs.172-294 (AC Sleeper) Rs.208 (I), Rs.72 (II).
- Road:
Lulung, on the eastern periphery of the park can be
approached through Baripada (20 kms) is on National
Highway No.5. Visitors taking National Highway No.6
can enter the park through Jashipur where enough
transport facilities are available. Some Road
distances from Lulung are:- Baripada 20 kms, Jashipur-
114 kms, Bhubaneshwar- 320 kms, Calcutta- 250 kms etc.
- Local
Transport: Jeeps and private cars are
allowed.
WHAT
TO SEE
Fauna
found at the Park include the tiger, leopard, elephants,
bison, sambar, porcupine, pangolin, flying-squirrel, hill
myna, hornbill, python etc.
EXCURSIONS
Kiching
(50 kms from Joshipur).
TOURIST
INFORMATION CENTRE
1.
Government of Orissa Tourist Office, Baripada- 757 001.
District: Mayurbhanj (Orissa), Telephone: (06792) 52710.
2. Assistant Conservator of Forests, Similipal National
Park & Tiger Reserve, P.O. Joshipur, Distt: Mayurbhanj
(Orissa). Pin- 757 091, Tel: (06792) 224.
3. The Field Director, Similipal Project Tiger, Baripada-
757 002, Tel: (06792) 52593.
4. Orissa Tourist Information Centre, Utkal Bhawan, 55
Lenin Sarani (Beside Wellington Square), Calcutta- 700
013. Tel: 244-3653.
Chandipur
Chandipur
(16 kms) away from Balasore Railway Station on
Howrah-Madras line of South Eastern ( S.E.) Railways
annique beach where the sea water recedes about 5 kms
during low-tide and advances to the shore line again
during high-tides each day. An ideal beach resort of
Orissa.
HOW
TO GET THERE
- Air
: The nearest Airport is Bhubaneshwar which is 230 kms
from Chandipur.
Fare : Calcutta - Bhubaneshwar Rs.1163/- (Y),
Rs.1439/- (C).
- Rail:
The nearest railhead Balasore (16 kms) is on the South
Eastern Railway.
Fare : Calcutta - Balasore Rs.304 (AC-2A), Rs.228 (I),
Rs.92 (II).
- Road:
Chandipur is connected by road to Balasore 16 kms,
Bhubaneshwar 230 kms, Cuttack 230 kms, Calcutta 240
kms etc.
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