Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Orissa Delights

Places to Stay

Toshali Sands, Puri

One of the very few resort style hotels in the state, spread across 30 acres of beautiful greenery and its own private beach. In one of its 50 cottages, you can sit on your private verandah and smell the roses in your exclusive garden.

By the Sea, Puri

Tel (06752) 250 571 -3

Z Hotel, Puri

The only hotel from Orissa to be featured in the Lonely Planet’s list of top Indian Hotels. With ornate décor, arched corridors and green lawns, this hotel is full of old world charm, and famous for its personalized service and superb food.

On Chakrateertha Road,

Tel (06572) 222 554

Forest Resthouse, Simlipal

In the deep recesses of the Simlipal forests this rest hosue may not offer five star luxuries, but its location more than makes up for it. Nestling amidst tall trees, the wonders of the Simlipal forest is at your doorstep here.

Contact the Field Director, Simlipal Tiger Reserve, Baripada.

Tel (06792) 252 593

Must Try Eats in Orissa

Dalma

Made out of pulses, various kinds of vegetables such as pumpkins, egg plant and cauliflower and spiced with ginger and panch phoron( special spice powder that is mix of aniseed, fenugreek, two types of cumin and mustard). Dalma is regularly eaten at typical Oriya households.

Try Dalma at Dalma, asimple small eatery in Old Bhubaneshwar.

Desserts

If you are the one with a sweet tooth, don’t miss these: Chhennapoda , a caramelized custard like preparation; Rasaballi made of milk.; Pithas, Pancakes made of coconuts, lentils and jaggery; Kalakand a grainy sweet made of condensed milk; the ubiquitous Rasagulla.

Widely available in Restaurants in the bigger cities.

Must Visit Places in Orrisa

Chandipur Beach

The only place that one can literally walk out to the sea and remain alive. Twice everyday, when the tide ebbs, it takes the sea away with it. The waters recede almost 5 kms from the beach, leaving behind a trail of shells, red starfish, driftwood and other small treasures… A Beachcomber’s Paradise.

16 Kms from Balasore in North Orissa.

Bhitar Kanitka

Of the many wildlife sanctuaries and botanical gardens in Orissa, perhaps the most scenic and interesting is Bhitar Kanitka, the second largest compact mangrove ecosystem in India. Actually a group of tiny islands formed by meandering creeks, this National Park extends over 600 Sq Kms. Known for its bio diversity in flora and fauna, it has more than 60 varieties of mangrove plants as well as wide variety of rare and endangered species which make for a stunning sight.

175 Kms from Bhubaneshwar via Bhadrak.

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