Bhubaneswar: Just spare sometimes from your hectic schedule in the New Year and try to visit the religious places amidst scenic beauty to enjoy the nature and have darshan of deities. To start the year with the offering prayers to God, you must visit to some temples away from your locality with your loved ones. Pick some of such destinations in Odisha, which can give you sacred as well as pleasant feeling.
Here are the best religious places nestled among a serene landscape of lush trees, river, streams and sea, you must explore.
Puri Jagannath Temple, Ramachandi, Sun Temple- Konark
If someone plans to tour Puri, he/she can have multiple experiences of having darshan of deities and enjoying nature’s bounty. Jagannath temple, one of the four Dhamas, witnessed crowd throughout the year. But, on New Year, the pilgrim town sees unbelievable congregation of devotees and tourists from around the world. The trip to Puri will give you an opportunity to enjoy sea, sanctuary and deities. The place is most sought after among revelers as Ramchandi temple and world heritage site Sun temple are major attraction.
The temple of Goddess ‘Ramachandi’ on the river mouth of Kushabhadrariver is a splendid scenic picnic resort. It is situated 7 kms before Konark on the Marine drive road from Puri to Konark. Ramachandi is popularly believed the presiding deity of Konark, and the most benevolent Chandi known. It is certainly more ancient than the Sun temple at Konark. From the architectural point of view, the temple of Ramachandi is not important but from the religious point of view, it is one of the famous Saktipithas of Puri. Water Sports & Boating in Kusabhadra River near Ramchandi temple also attract adventurous sports persons.
The Sun temple at Konark also located on the same route one must not forget to visit. The architectural marvel of the historical shrine fascinates tourists from across the world. Chandrabhaga sea beach is one of the best places to enjoy and see the sunrise in the morning.
Gupteswar Temple, Koraput
This is a heaven for the Lord Shiva Devotees and adventure loners as famous historic Shiva temple is located around 60 km away from Jeypore, the district HQ of Koraput. It is cave shrine which nestles on a lush green hill. Gupteswar is also popularly known as Gupta Kedra Shabari, a rocky stream of great scenic beauty flows by Gupteswar. One can visit the place by road. Bus services are available on special occasion from Jeypore.
Kapilash- The Second Kailash, Dhenkanal
People interested in forest photography must choose Kapilash temple in Dhenkanal district. The shrine of Lord Chandrasekhar is situation at a height of about 457 meters. The place amid nature’s bounty is considered the second Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. Devotees can pick 1,352 steps or ghat road to reach temple. The natural beauties, a small zoo at the foot of the hill lure picnickers and pilgrims throughout the year.
Kapilash is located only 17 km away from district headquarters. One can visit the place by bus or private taxi from Dhenkanal town.
Kalijai Temple, Chilika
Kalijai Temple is located in the midst of Chilika Lake. It is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai. The shrine is a perfect New Year destination for pilgrims as they can offer prayers to the goddess, enjoy the green lagoon through boats and migratory birds. The lake is situated 45 km away from Khurdha. The place is well connected by rail and bus. People can reach the spot without any hassle.
Harishankar, Bolangir
The popular Shiva seat, Harishankar is located amidst picturesque landscape on the southern slope of Gandhamardan hills in Bolangir district. The scenic beauty, waterfall, perennial stream and green lush gives the visitors uncommon happiness. Though it is an ideal place for visitors to beat the heat during summer, the place also witnesses heavy crowd during winter especially New Year week. The famous pilgrimage site is located 80 km away from Bolangir town which is connected by train and bus.
Devkunda Ambika Temple, Mayurbhanj
Devkund Ambika Temple, a religious tourist place in Mayurbhanj district, is a perfect destination of new year revelers. The thought-provoking spot is surrounded by natural sceneries with perennial stream and magnificent waterfall. The shrine is located at the foot of Similipal national park, is located 60 km from Baripada, the district headquarters of Mayurbhanj. Tourists prefer the place not only from the religious pint of view, but also the scenic beauty. The picturesque shrine is one of the most preferred places for visitors for videography, shooting and photography. It is the perfect destination to relish the moment on New Year.
