Gandhamardhan Trek:-The Gandhamardhan Hill
enshrines the Nrusimhanath shrine on its northern slope and the
Harishankar shrine on its southern slope. To walk over the hill-top from Harishankar
to Nrusimhanath and back,
a distance of 16 km, through the glories of nature and culture (it is said
to be the seat of a Buddhist University
called Po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li by the Chinese traveller Huien Tsang) is an experience
by itself.
Barkul Water Sports:-South of Puri, the sea mixes in with Chilika
Lake to create the largest brackish water lake in
Asia, and a spot of enchanting beauty. These shallow waters enclose an immense
area of marshes, lowlands, and islands.
A number of islands dot the expanse of the lake. The large fishing community
adds flavour to the lake with their
traditional colourful sail boats bobbing expertly across the water, reminiscent
of the ancient maritime heritage of
Orissa. In fact, the fisher folk can be persuaded to take visitors on their
boats.While Chilika is worth visiting the year round, the winter months, when
the air reverberates with the din of the birds, are the nicest times. Barkul,
Rambha, Balugaon and Satpada are the bases for visiting Chilika, where boats
can be hired. At Barkul, the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (OTDC)
has organised a Water Sports Complex where facilities for canoeing, kayaking,
and boating are available. The complex also has water scooters. PIC
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Mahendragiri Trek:-The beautiful 1525 meter tall Mahendragiri Hill, is around 125 km from Berhampur. It is the destination of numerous trekkers who can, on a good day, sight elephants, spotted deer and even leopards. The Mahendra Tanaya rivulet wends its way through the forest which abounds in peacocks, flying squirrels, and even talking mynahs. PIC 1
Dhabaleswar Water Sports:-Tucked in the bosom of the river
Mahanadi is a idyllic island called Dhabaleswar. So called
because of its presiding deity, Lord Dhabaleswar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva,
the island is a place of great religious
significance. Sculptures dating back to the 10th century AD stand testimony
to the antiquity of the temple. While
Dhabaleswar attracts pilgrims round the year, thousands of people throng the
place on special occasions like Shivaratri.
Located far from the madding crowd, and surrounded by the Mahanadi, Dhabaleswar
provides a magnificent ambience for visitors. The island is located 4 kms
from Cuttack by river, and 12 kms from Cuttack by road. With a view to promoting
water sports, the Tourism Department has provided two Water Scooters and two
boats at the island.
Nilagiri Trek:-Situated in the district of Balasore, the Nilagiri Hill in the Kuldiha jungle is a trekker's delight with its silvery streams and immense beauty. Wildlife abounds in their bounteous undergrowth. Trekkers can camp at three camping outlets located here.
