Orissa: Lagoon, Odissi and Tiger Reserve

Chilika Lagoon is Asia’s largest brackish-water lagoon, a wetland of international importance and a Ramsar site. It is also the only habitat of the Irrawaddy dolphin in India. For a trip to Orissa, it provides a distinctive natural highlight: wetlands and wildlife take center stage here, while other themes range from temple dance to ancient manuscripts.

Lagoon, tiger reserve and waterfalls

The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district in northern Odisha offers a different way to experience nature. It covers 2,750 square kilometers. Recommended activities there include jungle safaris, guided walks and birdwatching. Check access and operating conditions before visiting. The waterfalls are also part of the reserve’s landscape: Baheripani plunges about 400 meters, and Joranda about 150 meters. These two heights offer a direct comparison within the same natural area.

Odissi and manuscripts

The history of Odissi traces back to the ancient Mahari dance tradition, which dates back thousands of years. Devadasi dancers performed it at the Jagannath Temple in Puri; later, it developed into Odisha’s classical dance form. The connection to Puri and its later development as a classical form are both part of the dance’s cultural context.

Another cultural highlight is the Odisha State Museum. It has an extensive collection of ancient manuscripts and offers an online catalog. It also preserves ancient manuscripts engraved on palm leaves. Check in advance whether the online catalog is available if you plan to use it for preparation. The dance tradition and manuscript collection offer different ways to explore cultural history: a traditional dance form on the one hand, and written heritage and its preservation on the other.

Regional cuisine and Bali Jatra

Mahaprasad is the offering to Lord Jagannath in Puri. It is prepared in earthen pots stacked on top of one another over a fire, with the top pot cooking first. Pakhala is fermented rice soaked in water overnight and eaten with fried vegetables and fish. In Odisha, it is considered a typical summer dish. The two offer distinct culinary highlights: an offering prepared in a special way in Puri and a seasonal rice dish.

At Bali Jatra in Cuttack, there are numerous stalls selling traditional handicrafts, Odia cuisine and other offerings. The seven-day fair is for people of all ages. If you would like to include Bali Jatra in your travel plans, check the dates and program in advance.

Getting there and regional context

Bhubaneswar’s international airport offers direct connections from major Indian cities as well as Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Flight routes can change, so check current connections before planning your trip. For rail travel, Odisha falls under the jurisdiction of the East Coast Railway Division. Together, these details provide an initial overview of flight connections and the region’s railway administration.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Puri, Khordha, Sundargarh, Gopalpur, Cuttack, Bhanda, Ganjam, Jajpur, Kalahandi, Kendrapara, Gajapati, Nalco, Balangir.

For the main travel overview: India.