Odisha Tourism

Tourism in Odisha is one of the main contributors to the Economy of Odisha, India, with a 500 km (310 mi) long coastline, towering mountains, serene lakes and frolicking rivers. Odisha is one of the major tourism sectors of India, with various tourists' attractions, ranging from wildlife reserves, beaches, temples, monuments, the arts and festivals. Other than wildlife reserves, beaches, temples, monuments, the arts and festivals, the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation, a Public Sector Undertaking of Government of Odisha, is also developing tourism sector of Odisha and India.

History
The name Odisha refers to the current state in India. In different eras the region and parts of the region were known by different names. The boundaries of the region also have varied over the ages.
Human history in Odisha begins in the Lower Paleolithic era, as Acheulian tools dating to the period have been discovered in various places in the region.[1] The early history of Odisha can be traced back to the mentions found in ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Maha Govinda Sutta and some Puranas. In 261 BCE, Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty conquered the region in the bloody Kalinga War which was fought at the banks of River Daya near present-day Bhubaneswar. The resulting bloodshed and suffering of the war deeply affected Ashoka. He turned into a pacifist and converted to Buddhism. He sent peace emissaries to various neighbouring nations. Thus as an indirect consequence, the event caused the spread of Buddhism in Asia.
The region was also known to other kingdoms in region of East Indies due to maritime trade relations. The year 1568 CE is considered a pivotal point in the region's history. In 1568 CE, the region was conquered by the armies of the Sultanate of Bengal led by the iconoclast general Kalapahad. The region lost its political identity. The following rulers of the region were more tributary lords than actual kings. After 1751, the Marathas gained control of the region for almost half a decade. In 1803, the region was passed onto the British empire. The British divided the region into parts of other provinces. In 1936, the province of Odisha was formed on the basis of populations of Odia-speaking people.

Fairs & Festivals
Fairs & Festivals in Odisha (Orissa) - With numerous religions, ancient temples, local shrines, tribes and an array of sacred places, Odisha (Orissa) observes uncountable number of festivals and fairs round the year. Major Odisha(Orissa) Festivals of Odisha is Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra and Durga Pooja. Three different religions flourished on the holy land of Odisha (Orissa) thus making it mandatory to celebrate various religious Odisha festivals with great fanfare. Odisha Cultural & Religious Festivals are very famous in india.

Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Orissa - Being a coastal state, Orissa boasts of several architectural and natural attractions. The state is famous for its beaches, wildlife and temples. Tourist from India and all over the world travel come to Orissa for a holiday vacation. For this they must know in advance the ideal/best time to visit Orissa. October to March is the best season to visit Orissa. This is the time of the year that weather is very pleasant and you can enjoy your tour in a perfect way.
Between October to March is the time for migratory birds in Orissa. You can have a look at these migratory birds at Chilka Lake and other national parks in Orissa. So if you a bird watcher, then Lakes and jungles of Orissa is the best place for you in this season. While one can visit Orissa during any time of the year but to experience the best of weather and natural attractions, October to March is the best time to visit Orissa. So book your holiday packages for Orissa right now and enjoy.

How to Reach :-

BY AIR - Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is the best way to reach Odisha (Orissa) by air. The airport is well connected to different cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

BY RAIL - Odisha (Orissa) is connected all over India via its railway network. The trains to all metro cities of India run from and from here.

BY ROAD - Odisha (Orissa) is very well connected to other parts of the country by road. You can easily get taxi and buses for traveling to the all cities.