A chariot of fire @ Konark

The Sun God’s temple near Puri is designed like a rath.

When you watch Odissi danseuse Sharon Lowen performing at the Konark Dance Festival against the backdrop of the ancient Sun Temple, you marvel at her grace. But you also stare at the ornate craftsmanship of the temple. The sacred city of Konark is an important destination in the Golden Triangle circuit of Orissa. 

The temple has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Majestic in conception, it was built by Narsimha Deva. One of the most stunning monuments in India, the entire structure has been conceived as the chariot of the Sun God.

It has 24 wheels, each about 10 ft in diameter, with a set of spokes, There are elaborate carvings and erotic sculptures primarily on the second level of the porch. The sculptures provide eloquent testimony to the genius of Orissa’s sculptural tradition.

Apart from the temple, Konark is popular for its beach. Bathe in the waters – they are relatively safe – buy some shell artefacts and spend the rest of the dat exploring the rich architecture of the temple. The annual Konark Dance Festival in the temple complex is a much awaited event.

Getting There:

The nearest airport and railheads are at Bhubaneswar and Puri.  (I went to Bhubaneswar by air from Delhi and then hired a cab).

Nesting Ground - Salt water lake rich with bio diversity

Chilika Lake near Bhubaneswar in Orissa, is Asia’s largest inland salt water lagoon, separated from Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge. The Chilika Bird sanctuary, spread across 1,100 sq km, boasts of a unique ecosystem with species like the while-bellied sea eagles, grey legged geese, purple moorhen, herons and flamingos nesting here in the winter. 

Chilika, a hot spot of bio diversity, shelters a great number of endangered species like Irrawaddy dolphin which is a fresh water dolphin. Motor launches take you to Satapada Island for dolphin watching tours where these cetaceans can be seen playing in the clear waters.

The lake is an integral part of the people of Coastal Orissa for both religious as well as economic reasons. Pilgrims flock here in January during the Makar Mela to pay obeisance to Goddess Kalijai. The salt water of the lake encourages prawn, crab and mackerel fishing and one can see numerous small fishing boats setting sail in the mornings to get the day’s catch. Honeymoon, Breakfast, Nalabana (Island of Reeds) and Parikud are some interesting islands inside the lake.

Getting There:

Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar. Nearest railway station is at Balugaon and Rambha. NH5 connects Bhubaneswar with Chilika. (I went to Bhubaneswar by air from Delhi and then hired a cab).

Let’s Go To Sea -- PURI

The abode of Lord Jagannath and one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destinations, Puri has been the place where countless pilgrims take a traditional holy dip. The town is also known for the annual Rathyatra held in July every year when lakhs of pilgrims congregate to pull the magnificient raths of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadhra and Lord Jagannath. Getting to pull the rope of rath is akin to having washed away your sins.

Puri is a hot destination, both for people who are looking for spiritual solace, as well as those who want to de-stress on the beaches. Puri is one of the few places in which sunrise and sunset can be viewed from the same beach.

Although Puri attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year, the best time for a visit is July – during the Rathyatra – or early November when you can participate in the annual Puri Beach Festival and Sand Art Festival. In the evenings the beaches turn into a gourmet’s paradise when stalls selling scrumptious sea food are set up. The combination of Orissa’s craft, cuisines and culture will not fail to charm you.

Getting There:

The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar. Puri has a railway station, and is connected by trains on Southeastern Railways. It is also well connected by buses from most parts of the state.  (I went to Bhubaneswar by air from Delhi and then hired a cab).

Mist over the mountains - Kanchenjunga

Perched between Nepal in the west, Bhutan in the east and Tibet in the north, Sikkim’s pride is Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. Formerly a Kingdom, since 1975 it has been a land locked province in India. Gangtok the capital of Sikkim, is famous for its scenic beauty and spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga. Shrouded in the heavy mist, the mighty Kanchenjunga both protects and frightens the inhabitants of the magical kingdom.

Kanchenjunga is worshiped as a deity in Sikkim. The name meaning ‘House of Five Treasures’, is represented by its five summits. Along with its natural beauty, Gangtok’s chortens and stupas mesmerize the visitor from the beginning. Monasteries, prayer wheels, red robed monks and rosary beads create a setting that is unknown to most travelers.

Wooden houses with pagoda designs, turquoise colored roofs and buzzing local markets complete the town’s look. Add to it the elegant costumes of the local people, their smiling faces, the unhurried pace of their lives and you have a place that is both unique and quaint. And if you see a proliferation of orchids anywhere, it’s only because that’s the state’s official flower.

Getting There:

The closest airport is Bagdogra and the nearest rail-head is New Jalpaiguri. Both are well connected with all the metro cities. (I took a flight to Bagdogra via Kolkatta. From airport hired a cab.)