Orissa And West Bengal Map

Holy places in map Holy Places in Orissa & West Bengal from orissadhamyatra.wordpress.com

If you’re looking for a destination that offers a mix of history, culture, nature, and adventure, look no further than Orissa and West Bengal. These two eastern states of India have a lot to offer, from stunning beaches to ancient temples, bustling cities to serene villages, and everything in between. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide that will help you plan your trip to this fascinating part of the country.

Top Attractions

There are plenty of must-see sights in Orissa and West Bengal. Here are some of the most popular:

Orissa

Jagannath Temple in Puri
Konark Sun Temple
Chilika Lake
Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar
Dhauli Hill

West Bengal

Victoria Memorial in Kolkata
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Howrah Bridge
Sunderbans National Park
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, here are some hidden gems worth checking out:

Orissa

Chausathi Yogini Temple in Hirapur
Mukteswara Temple in Bhubaneswar
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
Paradip Beach
Bhitarkanika National Park

West Bengal

Cooch Behar Palace
Bishnupur Terracotta Temples
Kanak Durga Temple in Darjeeling
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Mayapur ISKCON Temple

Food Scene

Both Orissa and West Bengal are known for their delicious cuisine. Here are some dishes you shouldn’t miss:

Orissa

Chhena Poda (sweet dish)
Dalma (vegetable and lentil stew)
Machha Besara (fish curry)
Rasabali (sweet dish)
Chhena Gaja (sweet dish)

West Bengal

Macher Jhol (fish curry)
Kosha Mangsho (spicy mutton curry)
Luchi and Cholar Dal (deep-fried bread and lentil stew)
Shukto (vegetable stew)
Rasgulla (sweet dish)

Budget-Friendly Tips

If you’re traveling on a budget, here are some tips that can help you save money:

Take public transport instead of taxis.
Eat at local street stalls instead of restaurants.
Stay in budget hotels or homestays instead of luxury resorts.
Visit attractions during off-peak hours when the prices are lower.
Shop at local markets instead of malls.

Outdoor Adventures

Orissa and West Bengal offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Here are some ideas:

Orissa

Surfing at Puri Beach
Trekking in Simlipal National Park
Boating in Chilika Lake
Paragliding in Sambalpur
Camping in Bhitarkanika National Park

West Bengal

Trekking in the Himalayas
Rafting in the Teesta River
Paragliding in Kalimpong
Rock climbing in Susunia Hills
Cycling in the countryside

Historical Landmarks

Both Orissa and West Bengal have a rich history, and there are plenty of landmarks that reflect this. Here are some to visit:

Orissa

Konark Sun Temple
Jagannath Temple in Puri
Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar
Dhauli Hill
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

West Bengal

Victoria Memorial in Kolkata
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Howrah Bridge
Cooch Behar Palace
Bishnupur Terracotta Temples

Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re traveling with kids, here are some activities that will keep them entertained:

Orissa

Visit the Nandankanan Zoological Park
Explore the caves at Udayagiri and Khandagiri
Go boating in Chilika Lake
Visit the Odisha State Museum
Watch the sunset at Puri Beach

West Bengal

Take a toy train ride in Darjeeling
Visit the Alipore Zoological Gardens in Kolkata
Explore the Science City in Kolkata
Go on a river cruise on the Ganges
Visit the Indian Museum in Kolkata

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something unique, here are some experiences to consider:

Orissa

Watch the sunrise over the Konark Sun Temple
Visit the ancient Buddhist sites at Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri
Attend the Konark Dance Festival in December
Take a boat ride in Bhitarkanika National Park to see crocodiles and migratory birds
Visit the artisan villages of Raghurajpur and Pipli