Odisha is one state in India which not a lot of people know about how great the natural beauty is down there, the kind people, and of course, the religious atmosphere is just awesome. And if you are planning on visiting this great Indian state, you should know about the various interesting facts about Odisha that will make you crave even more to make your plans as soon as possible to visit this state. So, here we go.
1. The Sacred Jagannath Temple
Odisha is the land where everybody worships the supreme god Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha. And their temple, the Jagannath Temple in Puri is actually an architectural marvel, which also holds a huge significance for every single person in the state. And yes, if you are planning on visiting this temple, do not miss the yearly Rath Yatra. It’ll be worth it.
2. Chandipur Beach’s Vanishing Act
At first, the name “Hide and Seek Beach” sounds fun, but when you see it right in front of your own eyes, the fun part will be on another level. Why? Well, you see, the Chandipur Beach vanishes and then resurfaces when the tides come and go. But what’s special about that though, it is the case with every other beach in the world, right? Wrong! This particular beach in Odisha actually recedes up to five kilometers during low tide.
3. Sanctuary for Olive Ridley Turtles
For those who don’t know, the Olive Ridley Turtle is actually classified as a Vulnerable species. But in Odisha, these turtles live like it is their heaven and the safest place on Earth for them. Thousands of these turtles come to lay their eggs at Gahirmatha Beach, which is for sure the biggest mass nesting location for them.
4. Konark Sun Temple: A Chariot in Stone
Constructed way back in the 13th century, the Konark Sun Temple is a wonder of construction meant to seem like a huge chariot. Comprising seven horses and twelve pairs of finely carved wheels, it represents the chariot of the sun deity and serves as a sundial too, and it is just insanely stunning to look at.
5. Chilika Lake: Migratory Bird Haven
The biggest brackish water lagoon in Asia, Chilika Lake is a refuge for migratory birds and a habitat of rare Irrawaddy dolphins. If you love watching and studying different species of birds, then you must visit this very place because it draws thousands of birds from as far as Siberia every winter.
6. Hirakud Dam Is A Literal Engineering Marvel
Among the longest earthen dams worldwide, Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur stretches over 25.8 kilometers. Built across the Mahanadi River, it’s vital for irrigation, flood management, and power generation, therefore highlighting Odisha’s engineering ability.
7. Nandankanan Zoological Park’s Unique Safaris
Renowned for its rare white tiger safari, the only one in the world, Bhubaneswar’s Nandankanan Zoological Park For those who enjoy wildlife, it is also a must-see since India boasts the biggest lion safari and hosts a great range of animals.
8. Asia’s Tallest Hanuman Statue
Rising at 74 feet, Rourkela’s Hanuman Vatika boasts Asia’s highest Hanuman statue. And it is pretty understandable that every day thousands of people visit this magnificent monument, which is a major spiritual and cultural site in Odisha.
9. Huma’s Leaning Temple
You may have already heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, right? But did you know there is the one and only learning temple in India, and yes, it is right here in Odisha? Devoted to Lord Shiva, the Huma Temple close to Sambalpur is the only leaning temple in the world.
10. Odissi Dance: An Ancient Art Form
Originating from Odisha, one of India’s oldest still-existing classical dance styles is Odissi With a history spanning more than 2,000 years, this dance form reflects the rich cultural legacy of the complex rhythmic movements which are just dazzling to look at.
11. World’s Oldest Rocks Found in Mayurbhanj
It sounds a bit too far-fetched but is a 100% fact that Odisha has some of the oldest rock formations in the entire world. Yes, these old rocks found in Mayurbhanj are believed to be 3 billion years old. And that’s the very reason why scientists, historians, and geologists are in love with this particular state in India.
12. Rasagola’s Sweet Origins
Did you know Odisha is where the beloved Rasagola started? You might think it was from West Bengal or some other Eastern state, but its origins are traced back to Odisha.
