LOCATION

• 17^o.49' and 22^o.34' North Latitude, and 81^o.29' and 87^o.29' East Longitude

• On the eastern coast of India between Kolkata (Calcutta) and Chennai (Madras)

• The State of Orissa is like a bridge between northern and southern halves of India, representing multifaceted synthesis.

AREA

• 1,55,707 Sq. Kms (4.74% of India's land mass)

• There are 30 districts, which are administrative units of the Stae with Collector as the head.

CAPITAL

• Bhubaneswar

• An ancient city about 2600 years old, known as Cathedral City of India, it is fast emerging as a Cyber City as well.

PEOPLE

• Population - 36.7 million (236 per Sq.Km)

• Inhabited by the local people known as Oriyas including 62 ethnic Tribes, a cross section of people from all parts of India also live in Orissa.

• Though rich in mineral wealth, Orissa is basically an agrarian state producing some of the finest varieties of rice. However the urban areas have grown into industrial townships including IT centres.

LANGUAGE

• Native language is Oriya, a regional language of India

• But the Travel Trade and Hotel Industry people fluently speak and understand English, Hindi and Bengali as well.

CURRENCY

• Indian Rupee (100 paise make one rupee)

• Notes of 1,2,5,10,20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees denomination

• Coins of 10, 20, 25, 50 paise and 1, 2, & 5 rupees denomination

• Travellers Cheques / Credit Cards are accepted by major hotels, tour operators and some shops.

• Foreign currency can be exchanged through Bank and Authorized Money Changers. Receipts for such exchange must be obtaind and retained.

RELIGION

• Orissa is a secular state with a harmonious blending of all major religions.

CLIMATE

• Tropical climate

• Temperature

  • Max. - 40^o C (Summer)

  • Min. - 7^o C (Winter)

• Average rainfall - 150 cm

SEASONS

• There are three major seasons

  • Summer - March to June

  • Rainy - July to September

  • Winter - October to February

• Every season has its own charm

• Orissa can be visited round the year

• However, the best season is from September to March

CLOTHING

• Light weight / cotton clothing for summer and rainy season.

• Warm garments for winter.

• Raincoat / Umbrella will be handy during rainy season.

COASTLINE

• Over 480 kms, dotted with virgin beaches like Chandipur, Chandrabhaga, Puri, Gopalpur, etc.

FOREST AREA

• 58,135 Sq. Km. (37.3% of the total area of the State) including biosphere reserves like Simlipal, Bhitar Kanika, Tikarpara, Ushakothi (Badrama), Barbara, etc.

ENTRY FORMALITIES 

• Foreign national require a valid passport & Indian visa.

• There is no separate permit required for visiting Orissa.

• However, prior permission is required for visiting a few tribal pockets by foreigners (which can be arranged through the Tour Operators)

• There is restriction for entry of Non-Hindus into some of the living shrines of the State.

• There is an entry fee to visit some monuments (Sun Temple at Konark, Rajarani Temple, Khandagiri-Udaygiri Caves at Bhubaneswar, Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udaigiri Buddhist Complex and the Wildlife Sanctuaries including Nandan Kanan and also the Museums.

• Nandan Kanan & the State Museum remain closed on Mondays.

ACCESSIBILITY

By Air: Bhubaneswar is well connected with all major metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore) by flights operated by Indian Airlines and Air Sahara.

By Rail: Indian Railways provide a network of Fast & Super Fast Trains to all major cities of Orissa from different parts of India.

By Road: Orissa is crisscrossed by a network of excellent National / State Highways. Regular bus services are available from / to all major cities ofthe State and a number of cities like Kolkata, Raipur, Tata, Ranchi, Vizag etc. in the adjoining states.
Taxis and Auto Rickshaws are available at all important tourist centres and cities which can be hired on negotiated rates. In some of the vehicles there could be meters but the operators prefer negotiated rates. Auto Rickshaws are cheaper than taxis.

By Sea: There is no regular passenger ship but charter ships and cruise liners call at Paradeep Port, a major sea port of India

ACCOMMODATION

Orissa has every category of accommodation facilities ranging from Star Hotels of international standard to Budget Hotels and Lodges providing clean and comfortable accommodation at reasonable price. The Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), a Government of Orissa Undertaking and Department of Tourism, Governemtn of Orissa operate a chain of tourist bungalows known as Panthanivas, Panthasals, Panthika, yatrinivas, etc.

CUISINE

• Staple food of local people - rice and vegetables

• Traditional Oriya meal - generally spicy with a lot of vegetables

• Special delicacies include fish, prawn and crab in non-veg and dalma (a mix of vegetables and pulses) and sag (leaf vegetables)

• Typical sweetmeats include Chhenapoda, Chhenajhilli, Rasabali (all made of milk) and Pitha (cakes)

• 'Mahaprasad', the food of the Gods cooked by unique steaming process is available at temples.

• Green coconut water, a refreshing natural drink, is widely available.

• Indian, Chinese and Continental food available in Hotels & Restaurants.

HEALTH CARE

• In case of emergency, modern Allopathic, Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic medical care is available at Government Hospitals as well as private clinic / hospitals at all important tourist centres.

• Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Centres have been opened at Panthanivas, Bhubaneswar and at some private hotels. The Panthanivas at Bhubaneswar also has a Yoga Centre.

LAW & ORDER

Orissa is generally a peaceful state where tourists are always welcome and received by people with a smile. They are also ever ready to help you. However in case of any need, you can also contact the local Police Station or the TOurist Officer / Collector / Superintendent of Police (SP) of the district.