Introduction
The eastern Indian state of Orissa can prove to be a fine example of how people cherish associations with their past. Visitors to East India can never escape the lures of the state. It has impressive temples, exquisite monuments, fine beaches and a landscape which is no less captivating. Here, you will come to experience a heady blend of the classic and the contemporary and a sense of holiness that the state exudes from one corner to the other.

Climate
Orissa lies in the tropical savanna climatic region. During winters, the minimum temperature records 20 degrees centigrade. January shows the lowest temperature in the winter season. Summers are warm with temperature reaching a bearable maximum of 33 degrees centigrade. The hilly areas, however, seem to provide respite from the hot conditions of summer.

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Important Cities & Towns
Bhubaneswar has the eminence of being the state capital. The sprawling town has two divisions – the old and the new parts. In terms of tourist potential, one of the most significant is Puri, known for its pristine beach. The extensive steel and fertilizers plants make Rourkela known all over. Cuttack, the old capital of Orissa, is also an important time. Keonjahr, Konark, Paradip and Koraput are other important cities and towns of the state.

People & Culture
The mostly rural land of Orissa has been cautious enough to keep its age-old traditions alive. The tribal population of the state is of much interest to the tourists. Abiding in the forested hinterland and hill slopes, these interesting folks can be seen during the weekly market gatherings. The impressive scenes of the countrysides and the village charm is truly something to see, experience and soak up. People of the state have strong belief in their religious traditions. And this fervour can well be experienced during the festivities. Oria and English are the chief languages spoken here.

Famous Travel Attractions
Orissa invites travellers and pilgrims of all faiths – Hindus, Buddhists or Jains. However, temples of the state happen to be the biggest attraction for tourists. Worth mentioning among these are the Sun Temple (Konark), Jagannath Temple (Puri) and Raja Rani Temple (Bhubaneswar). The Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival, organised in June-July, draws tourists and travellers from all parts of the globe. A slice of serenity and some nice eye-feasting options await the tourists at beaches like Puri, Chandipur and Gopalpur On Sea. Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri are known recently excavated Buddhist sites. The hills of Khandagiri and Uadygiri, located close to the state capital, bear some worth-seeing Jain caves. For wildlife lovers, a visit to Nandan Kanan, Bhitar Kanika and Simlipal sanctuaries can be a valuable experience.

Air/ Rail/ Road Link
Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa, has a well-linked domestic airport. The airport has regular flights to places like Hyderabad, Nagpur, Kolkata, Delhi, Raipur, Varanasi, Mumbai and Chennai. Bhubaneswar is the major railhead in the state, served by a number of mail and express trains from different parts of the country. The road route of the state is also well-established.