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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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