Know Your State | Odisha

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About Odisha

The name Odisha is derived from Sanskrit word ‘Odra Vishaya’ or ‘Odra Desa’. The ancient province of ‘Odra desa’ or ‘Or-desa’ was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam.

The Odisha state, which was once a land of Kings and Kingdoms, now boasts of being rich source of natural resources. Its people, temple architecture, classical dance, religions, fairs and festivals, unique handlooms and handicrafts, green woodlands, rock caves, charming blue hills have always attracted historians, tourists and travellers from all over the world. Its rich history, revolutionary freedom movement, fascinatingly sculptured temples and monuments, tribal life characterized by dance, music, rituals, hunting, gaiety and wild ways have become important topics of research for great historians and scholars.

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History and Geography

The name Odisha is derived from Sanskrit word “Odra Vishaya” or “Odra Desa”. The ancient province of “Odra desa” or “Or-desa” was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam.

The Odisha state, which was once a land of Kings and Kingdoms, now boasts of being rich source of natural resources. Its people, temple architecture, classical dance, religions, fairs and festivals, unique handlooms and handicrafts, green woodlands, rock caves, charming blue hills have always attracted historians, tourists and travellers from all over the world. Its rich history, revolutionary freedom movement, fascinatingly sculptured temples and monuments, tribal life characterized by dance, music, rituals, hunting, gaiety and wild ways have become important topics of research for great historians and scholars.

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Infrastructure

For economic development of any state, industrialization plays a vital role. But for creating a viable atmosphere for industries and corporate houses a sound and smooth infrastructure becomes top priority for the government. Keeping that sentiment in view the government of Odisha since few years has consistently tried to provide a fine tuned industry and investment friendly infrastructure. In that direction the government is becoming successful which is seen through a lot of major changes and improvements occurred in the fields of infrastructure. The most important agenda of government of Odisha has become providing the state best connectivity through roads, rail, sea, and air.

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Industries

Odisha is one of the important states of India which is endowed with varieties of mineral resources. The mineral resources of Odisha have reputation for being qualitative for industries. The mineral resources of Odisha include Iron ore, Manganese, Coal, Bauxite, Dolomite, Tin, etc. Mineral resources have played an important role to make Odisha hot destinations for industries. Because of mineral resources big industries, like Rourkela Steel Plant, National Aluminum Company, National Thermal Power Corporation, have established their positions not only in India but also in world market. Besides those, reforms in infrastructure in recent years have created an atmosphere conducive for major industries of the world to look forward to Odisha as an epi-centre for industrial growth. In Eastern India, Odisha is really growing in real sense to become an industrial hub in the coming years.

Government of Odisha aims at creating and industry-enabling and investor friendly climate in the state with a view to accelerate industrial developments, employment opportunities and economic growth. IPR-2001 and Odisha Industries (facilitation) Act 2004 embodies the above objectives of Govt. Odisha has already emerged as a major investment destination for national as well as transborder national investors, especially in steel, aluminum, petrochemicals, power, IT and ITES, food processing industries, tourism and other such sectors.

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Tourist Places of Odisha

On the eastern coast of India, perpetually washed by the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, lies the many splendour of State of Odisha. Endowed with a rich cultural heritage of old world charms and bestowed liberally with the bounties of nature, sometimes tender, sometimes awe-inspiring, it is a kaleidoscope of past splendours and present glamour, a fascinating state with unspoiled beaches, sprawling lakes, luxuriant forests, teeming wildlife, superb monuments, exotic handicrafts, traditional tribes, colorful fairs and festivals, scintillating music and dances. It is a land of unforgettable memories and hidden treasures. Many parts of this fascinating land remain relatively unexplored.

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Odisha Tourism at a Glance

Traditionally known as the land of Lord Jagannath, Odisha is a potential State for tourists of various interests. The legend of Nilamadhab associated with Kantilo is thought provoking. The lush green forests of Ushakothi and Similipal filled with the chirping of birds and rich wild life are much-needed oasis. The biosphere reserve of Nandankanan, only 20 kms. from Bhubaneswar can be interesting for any visitor regardless of age and sex. The lion safari and white tiger safari have added news features.

The majestic Mahanadi gorge at Tikarapara with the added attraction of the Crocodile Sanctuary is a must for the wild life lovers. Millions of Olive Ridley turtles come to Gahirmatha twice a year to lay eggs.

Odisha has a paradise for the birds as well as in the Chilika Lake which is the largest brackish Water Lake in Asia. The Lake is dotted with a host of Islands with their romantic names like Honeymoon Island, Breakfast Island etc. Dancing Dolphins are an added attraction of the place.

The perennial and precipitous water falls at a number of places like Bagra, Duduma, Harishankar, Nrusimhanath, Pradhanpat, Khandadhar, Berehipani, Joranda, etc. formed against enthralling hills of scenic beauty provide the tired travellers with a cool breeze and ice cold water to relieve them off the clutches of the scorching sun in the summer.

More refreshing in the winter are the hot sulphur springs at Atri, Taptapani, Deulajhari and Tarabalo. The lovely beaches of Odisha stretching over 400 kms. from Chandaneswar to Gopalpur are still virgin and rated among the best in the world. The beach at Chandipur in the district of Balasore has a unique individuality of its own.

To break the monotony of travelling, Odisha offers to the tourists numerous traditional fairs and festivals which are observed with colorful pomp and ceremony. The grandest among which is the Ratha Yatra at Puri. Other festivals include Dhanu Yatra at Bargarh, Sitala Sasthi at Sambalpur, Nila Parva at Chandaneshwar, Chhou dance at Baripada etc.

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Tourism in Western Odisha

The Government of Odisha with the help of Odisha Tourism Development Corporation has decided to promote tourism in not only in coastal Odisha but also in Western Odisha. Places of natural beauty are in abundance in Western Odisha.

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* As per 2011 Census (Provisional Data)

Courtesy: https://knowindia.gov.in/

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