Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district has found a place in TIME Magazine’s ’50 extraordinary destinations to explore’. The TIME Magazine recently released its list of the ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2023’.
To compile this list of the World’s Greatest Places, the magazine solicited nominations of places from its international network of correspondents and contributors, “with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences”.
Emma Barker Bonomo, the senior editor at TIME, was quoted as saying by CNN that the list reflects a couple of big trends in travel right now: Sustainability and authenticity. “Many locations on this list are finding ways to let tourists visit with a more limited environmental impact. And many have responded to travellers’ desire to have unique, local experiences by offering indigenous-led tours or curated homestays,” she said.
About Mayurbhanj, the magazine noted that it is the only place on earth to spot the exceedingly rare black tiger. Apart from the famous Similipal National Park, there’s a lot more that you can do in this district. “This April, Mayurbhanj Chhau, a captivating dance festival on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list will take place on a much larger scale following a pandemic hiatus,” TIME noted.
“Stunning biodiversity and interminable heritage continue throughout the state. In the capital Bhubaneswar, a new guided walking tour series, Odisha Walks, explores ancient cultural sites, monolithic rock edicts, and remarkable temple architecture. Later this year, the Pangi Forest Reserve in Jeypore, home to the eponymous Jeypore ground gecko, is opening a new trekking trail up the 4,600 ft. Nakti Dangar hill,” the TIME further noted.
The only other place selected in the elite list from India is Ladakh. The TIME stated, “Ladakh, on the other hand, boasts of astonishing alpine landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist culture. This year, India also designated its first Dark Sky Reserve in Hanle Village, about 168 miles southeast of Leh, Ladakh’s capital.”
“While you’re there, experience Delhi’s legendary eateries Karim’s, known for its Mughlai menu of grilled meats, and Nathu’s Sweets, which both opened outlets in Leh in August 2022. Or hotfoot over to Cafe Montagne, which opened its doors in July 2022, for a meal of tempura fried prawns with sea buckthorn, fondue, or spicy fried chicken. For those heading to Turtuk Village, about a 5-hour drive from Leh, don’t miss Farmer’s House Cafe, another newly-established eatery that opened in July 2022 and try sushi, Himalayan herbs salad with local cheese, or hand-rolled pasta with walnut sauce,” the magazine suggested.
