Geographically, Eastern part of Odisha is completely different than Western part...
Former is coastal, while the latter is mineral-rich plateau...
While I hail from the Western, my spouse is from the Eastern..so I get to see both parts...here are some interesting pictures from Eastern region......
The world-renowned Sun temple in Konark.... This 13th Century monument, also called 'Black Pagoda' is declared a world heritage site and its a strong contender in the Seven Wonders of the Wold contest. Ravaged with time, the intricate stone sculptures are fast deteriorating. Renovation work is going on towards preservation of this magnificent temple.
This enormous white-domed, architectural wonder, built on the Dhauli Hills, by the river Daya is 'Shanti Stupa'. This peace pagoda, now a major Buddhist heritage center was erected after the historical Kalinga War. The dome houses huge Buddha statues and Ashokan rock edicts. This hill top, a serene place overlooking the sprawling Bhubaneswar city, is ideal for
contemplative relaxation. This renowned Stupa is barely few miles from my in-laws place, so I look forward to relax in its peaceful ambiance again and again.
A black faced, long-tailed langur monkey enjoying guavas, perched on the tree, in my in-laws orchard. These species of monkeys inhabit the nearby forests and their troops often attack the orchards. The villagers have a tough time warding off these nuisance-causing primates. These monkeys not only eat most of the guavas, mangoes, bananas and papayas, but also, vandalize the orchards by jumping from trees to trees. I clicked this fearless one, having a feast of the crisp guavas, I was eyeing for days.
Coconut palm fringed horizon. This fabulous picture was taken from the terrace of my in-laws place near Bhubaneswar, India. The sandy and salty soil and tropical climate of this coastal area is suitable for thriving growth of these monocots. Most of the houses have at least few of these palms. Some families even earn their livelihood by selling the edible fruits. Apart from the fruits, the shells, coirs and fronds are also useful. The coir is crafted into aesthetic pieces, ropes and doormats. The fronds are used for roof thatching and as cooking fuel. After the long sultry, summer afternoons, listening to the gentle swaying of the palms in the cool evening breeze, have a tranquilizing effect on both body and mind.
Coconut palm fringed horizon. This fabulous picture was taken from the terrace of my in-laws place near Bhubaneswar, India. The sandy and salty soil and tropical climate of this coastal area is suitable for thriving growth of these monocots. Most of the houses have at least few of these palms. Some families even earn their livelihood by selling the edible fruits. Apart from the fruits, the shells, coirs and fronds are also useful. The coir is crafted into aesthetic pieces, ropes and doormats. The fronds are used for roof thatching and as cooking fuel. After the long sultry, summer afternoons, listening to the gentle swaying of the palms in the cool evening breeze, have a tranquilizing effect on both body and mind.
One of the most enchanting road, I would love to hit again. This is the marine drive road joining Puri and Konark, two tourism hot spots of Orissa, India. As you ride along the almost desolate road, flanked by casuarina trees, inhaling the fragrant cool breeze, you can't help wishing the road, not to end. Last March I discovered this blissful journey while visiting the golden temple ....
Puri beach.........
We visited it in the night too...I insisted to have some fried fish from a vendor...
Delicious it was, though not the healthiest.....
Ramachandi........
Tranquil place it was...me and husband spent some relaxed time...and some tender coconut water..
if I visit it ever, I would like to spend a little longer here......
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