Experience Odisha, a perfect blend of tradition & modernity

If you are passionate about art, heritage and culture, both ancient and modern, we call upon you to join us in an exciting trip of the magnificent land of Odisha
Known as Kalinga in ancient times, Odisha is forever remembered as the place where Ashoka, a bloodthirsty conqueror became a worshipper of ahimsa. Dhauli, the site of the Kalinga war that pushed the Magadhan king into the realm of Buddhism, stands by the side of the River Daya near Bhubaneswar.

Times Passion Trails is an initiative that gives you the unique opportunity to revisit the pages of history and explore all the wonders of this enchanting state that stretches from mineralrich plateaus in the north-west to the Bay of Bengal in the south-east.


Traditionally known as a temple town, Bhubaneswar boasts of ultramodern IT parks, top-class institutions of higher learning and well-equipped healthcare facilities. The Odisha capital is one of the country’s fastest growing modern cities where the day begins with the sounds of temple bells and hymns and ends with brain-storming sessions on medical science, technology and other important contemporary subjects in various seminar halls.

Right on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar are the historic Khandagiri and Udaygiri, the twin hills famous for their rock caves built during the rule of King Kharavela about 200 years before the birth of Christ.

Inscriptions at Khandagiri and Udaygiri narrate the life and times of the great ruler. Magnificent multi-storied caves built for Jain ascetics, which dot the hills, not only represent ancient architectural brilliance but also stand as eternal symbols of peace and love.

If one is an admirer of art and crafts, one can follow our travel trail to Kalabhoomi, a pupular craft museum with a rich collection of curated exhibits. Here one can embark upon an artistic journey by having interactive sessions with qualified craftspeople. For cultural enthusiasts, there is a lot to see, experience and learn in Odisha, where 62 tribes with distinct traditions, lifestyles and food habits live. The best place that offers a peek into tribal life and practices is the Tribal Museum in Bhubaneswar.

History buffs can have a great time at Dhauli where a majestic Buddhist stupa reminds one of how King Ashoka became Dharmashoka from Chandashoka after the Kalinga war. Ashokan rock edicts located near Dhauli stand as proof of the welfare initiatives taken by the Magadhan emperor more than two millenniums ago.

A drive down to the village of Pipili takes one to a road dotted with exquisite applique works on either side.

Every house here is engaged in making colourful and attractive canopies, wall hangings, bags and umbrellas. What truly represent the grandeur and magnificence of local architecture are the temples built centuries ago across the state. The Sun Temple at Konark, a Unesco world heritage site, is a 13th century marvel that lords over Chandrabhaga, a bewitching beach lying between Bhubaneswar and the holy city of Puri. Hundreds gather here to enjoy the mesmerizing sight of the sun going down the horizon at dusk every day.

Further down south is located the seaside town of Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath, Odisha’s most revered deity.

This 12th century shrine is one of the India’s char dhams (four holiest centres, a visit to which, devout Hindus believe, absolves one of all sins).

Every morning and evening, thousands arrive in Puri to pay their obeisance to the Lord and partake of its mahaprasad (holy offerings). The annual Rath Yatra in Puri, when the idol of Lord Jagganath is taken around in a chariot for public viewing, draws tens of thousands of visitors from within and outside of India.