A visit to my homeland Odisha after many years

After many years, I recently had the pleasure of visiting my homeland Odisha, and it was an emotional and unforgettable experience. Being back in the place where I spent my childhood made all my memories come alive. From exploring the beautiful temples to witnessing the natural beauty of Chilika Lake, every moment was a feast for the senses.

A visit to the Lord Shree Jagannath Puri Temple

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Lord Shree Jagannath Puri Temple, which is located in the coastal town of Puri. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shree Jagannath, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shree Vishnu, and is an important pilgrimage site. The temple's architecture is breathtakingly beautiful, and the intricate carvings on the walls and pillars are a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the artists who created them. The darshans of the Lord were absolutely divine and the experience was soul stirring. Hail the Lord, Jai Shree Jagannath.

Darshans at the Shree Lingaraj Temple

Another temple that I had the pleasure of visiting was the Shree Lingaraj Temple, which is located in the heart of Bhubaneswar. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has the divine presence of both Lord Shree Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been built in the 11th century; the temple's architecture is a beautiful blend of Kalinga and Dravidian styles, and the intricate carvings on the walls and pillars are simply stunning.

A visit to the Konark Temple

Next on my itinerary was a visit to the Konark Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is located in the small town of Konark and is dedicated to the Sun God. The temple's architecture is a beautiful blend of Kalinga and Dravidian styles and is shaped like a chariot with 24 wheels, each representing an hour of the day. The intricate carvings on the walls and pillars depict scenes from Hindu mythology, and it's truly awe-inspiring to see the level of detail that has gone into each carving.

Awesome time at the Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake, which is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, was another highlight of my trip; I had an awesome time there. The lake is home to a variety of migratory birds, including flamingos, and it's a truly magical experience to witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. While on my boat ride at Chilika Lake, I had the amazing opportunity to witness a pod of dolphins swimming and playing in their natural habitat. It was truly an awe-inspiring experience, and I felt so lucky to have been able to witness these beautiful creatures up close.

The Pipli Visit

Last but not least, I visited the Pipli Village, which is famous for its applique work. The village is located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, and it's a hub of activity with artisans creating beautiful pieces of art using the applique technique. The vibrant colors and intricate designs of the applique work are truly a sight to behold, and it was fascinating to see the artisans at work. I couldn't resist buying some beautiful applique works, including a colorful wall hanging and a cushion cover. I also picked up some beautiful Radha Krishna paintings that were inspired by Odisha's rich cultural heritage.

The Mouth Watering Food

And of course, no trip to Odisha is complete without the famous food of the state. I had the pleasure of trying some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted, including mouthwatering street food and traditional Odia delicacies. The seafood was also a highlight, with dishes like prawn curry and fish fry being some of my favorites. And of course, no trip to Odisha is complete without trying the famous Rasgulla, a sweet syrupy dessert that originated in the state. I ate at Hare Krishna & Tripti Restaurants in Bhubaneswar and Aggarwals in The Puri; the food was just heavenly.

I am happy that I planned this trip; and am glad to say that my recent visit to Odisha was an incredible experience, filled with stunning architecture, natural beauty, delicious food, and beautiful handicrafts. If you're planning a trip to India, be sure to add Odisha to your itinerary and experience the beauty and charm of this amazing state for yourself.