Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity. Stretching across more than three million square kilometres, it encompasses a staggering array of landscapes, vistas and environs, and offers unparalleled travel experiences – from the beautiful beaches of Goa, to the compelling craziness of Kolkata, the sacred Ganges river banks of Varanasi, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Kashmir and the ancient, exquisitely crafted temples dotted across the entire country. Not to mention the vibrant, friendly people, and the incredible cuisine.
This large city has become an economic hub and an important religious centre in Eastern India. With its many jaw-dropping Hindu temples, Bhubaneswar is often referred to as the Temple City of India, and along with Puri and Konark forms the ‘Swarna Tribhuja’ or Golden Triangle, one of the area’s most temple-filled and popular destinations. The older part of the city once boasted more than 2 000 temples, about 200 of which still stand today. The modern city, which emerged in 1948, was one of India's first planned cities after it gained independence. Visit the beautiful twin hills of Kumargiri and Kumarigiri, which contain a number of enthralling caves that served the Jain monks in the 2nd century BC. The spectacular Cactus Garden should also not be missed.
The laidback town of Puri, on the east coast of Odisha state, appeals to a colourful mix of pilgrims and bohemian travellers. The pilgrims visit Jagannath Mandir, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. During the Rath Yatra festival, three red chariots, fourteen metres high, with sixteen wheels, transport the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra to a temple three kilometres away. It is the only occasion when non-Hindu visitors have the chance to see the temple deities. A mere glimpse of Lord Jagannath on the chariot is considered very auspicious. Secular highlights of the area include Puri Beach, vibrant markets, New Marine Drive and the backpacker hub of Chakra Tirtha Road.
Located in the Ganjam district, the town of Gopalpur, also known as Gopalpur-on-Sea, is set on the coast of the Bay of Bengal in the southern part of Odisha, India. Once a bustling commercial port town, today it boasts a tranquil atmosphere with a pristine beach scattered with colourful traditional fishing boats and offering spectacular views of the sunrise. Visitors can look forward to viewing the picturesque red-and-white-striped Gopalpur Lighthouse standing guard over one of the most peaceful beaches in the world. Take a sunrise beach walk, browse the freshly caught fish, prawns, and crabs at the village market, and visit the small temple of Gopalswamy.
