Odisha formerly known as Orissa, is an Indian state on the subcontinent's east coast, by the Bay of Bengal. It is surrounded by the Indian states of West Bengal to the north-east and in the east, Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west and north-west and Andhra Pradesh to the south. It is the modern name of the ancient kingdom of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 261 BCE.The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April 1936, as a province in British India and consisted predominantly of Oriya speakers.April is therefore celebrated as Utkala Dibasa. Cuttack remained the capital of the state for over eight centuries until 13 April 1948 when Bhubaneswar was officially declared as the new state capital, a position it still holds.
Orissa Travel Guide
Top Destinations in Orissa
Puri, India
The scent of salt and camphor drifts on the breeze as you wander Puri’s bustling lanes, sunlight glinting off the gold-plated flag atop the Jagannath Temple. ... more
Bhubaneshwar, India
From the moment dawn stretches across Bhubaneshwar, the city feels awash with a quiet reverence. Narrow lanes unfurl beneath centuries-old banyan trees, the air... more
Cuttack, India
Cuttack is the former capital and the second largest city in the state of Odisha, India.Also known as the 'Millennium City' or the 'Silver City' it is the ... more
Rourkela, India
Rourkela is a planned city located in the northern part of Odisha, India. It is the third-largest Urban Agglomeration in Odisha. It is situated about 328 ... more