Konark Temple architectural marvel was designed as a chariot of the Sun God, pulled by seven horses and driven on twenty four intricately carved wheels. The Konark Temple was constructed using three different types of stones –  laterite, khondalite and chlorite, and is estimated to be around 227 feet, making it one of the tallest standing temples of the country. Although most parts of this architectural monument have faded against the ravages of time, some parts of the grand Jagamohana (Entrance Hall) and the Natya Mandap still stand glaring bright amidst the ruins. 

Archaeological experts are of the opinion that the Sun Temple was built in sea giving an impression of the sun god rising out of the water at day break. Apart from its beauty, what bewitches historians and archaeologists are the scientific intricacies, for example, the wheels are designed in a way that one can estimate the time of the day by observing the shadow casted on the spoke of the wheels by the Sun.

Located right near the Chandrabhaga Beach, the Konark temple is a hotspot of tourists from all around the globe, always bustling with people as it is a sanctum symbolizing the majestic stride of Surya Dev and marks the culmination of Orissan Architectural Style. For photo enthusiasts to capture the ideal aura of this heritage, the best time to visit the temple is from 6:00 to 6:30 am in the morning so as to witness the first falling rays of the Sun adore the temple in its golden hue. But December to January is the ideal time of the year to explore the Surya Temple as the famous and prestigious Konark Temple Dance Festival is held from the 1st to 5th of December every year followed by the splendid Chandrabhaga Mela in January.

As Tagore had said, The Konark Temple is truly a land where, “the language of stone surpasses the language of man”. Every being, from expert to commoner is bound to be mesmerized and awestruck by its exceptionally magnificent glory and thus should top every wish- list of every traveller as a significant must-visit!

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It is rumored according to reports that wildlife sightseeing and bird watching will be an essential part of the package of the cruise. Extremely popular for its rich diversity in flora and fauna, the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary also offers ravishing scenic beauty. The tourists can spot animals in their natural wild habitat right from the cruise as the reservoir is an open spot where the animals regularly visit to drink water. In addition, the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary consists of three islands- the sunset island, the island of bats and the cattle island, they are collectively called the ‘Island of Odyssey’,  each of whose unique natural attractions severely allures nature enthusiasts to explore. 

• THE SUNSET ISLAND : Just 743 sq. km away from the reservoirs, this island experiences some of the most stunning sunsets and if the tourists get lucky, they might have a chance to experience the gorgeous view of the moonrise on the east, during the sunset. 
• THE CATTLE ISLAND : This island is located near to the nature camp that once housed a herd of cattle but during the resettlement period, when the villagers left due to the dam construction, they left behind their cattle and now their progeny found safe haven living in the forests of the island. 
• THE ISLAND OF BATS : Just a km away from the Debrigarh Wildlife sanctuary of Orissa, within the Hirakud reservoir, this island is inhabited by over a thousand bats. The tourists can view them living in their natural habitat but only from a certain distance. 

The forest department of the Hirakud Wildlife Division has employed local members of the tribal community inhabiting the area, mostly fishermen to maintain and conserve the forests and wildlife surrounding the reservoir which also provides an additional income to their livelihood and strengthen their support. 

 The Hirakud Cruise in Orissa can board a total of not more than 8 tourists at a time who cannot spend more than an hour crossing the reservoir. There are a number of eco tourism spots around the reservoir usually managed by the local communities which provide a very intricate experience and provides a deeper knowledge of their lifestyle and cultural heritage and is thus a great attraction for tourists in Orissa boarding the cruise. 

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The Golden Beach, also known as the Puri Beach, has officially been ranked as India’s cleanest beach due its extremely well maintained surface and infrastructure including public washrooms, changing and shower rooms,  development of solar lighting system, tower rooms, sitting arrangements and demarcation of safe swimming zones. About Rs. 7.88 crores have been invested in core infrastructural services and in mechanizing pollution abatement services. Another large sum has been spent on peripheral activities like approach road, fencing and plantation, parking, sand sculptures, water supply, jogging tracks, installation of CCTV and public address system through state management services. 

The Golden Sea beach is a stretch of fine golden sand, dotted with stalls selling local delicacies. This beauty is also very popular with the pilgrims who come to visit the famous Jagannath Temple located nearby. The Grand Marine Drive road just parallel to the beach is a famous preferred spot for long walks by the beach. The local seafood found by the beach are freshly sourced by the fishermen at sea and are hence the top most attractions for food connoisseurs similar to the surfing enthusiasts who are drawn to the choppy waters of this beach. Alongside the beach, there stands a lighthouse that helps tourists captivate the spectacular view of the sea beach from the top. Considered as one of the safest beaches of the country, this beautiful lively beach is always bustling with a happy crowd. The Golden Beach is considered extremely sacred by Hindus and thus remains as one of the few places offering spiritual salvation along with the thrill of nature. The sublime sands of the Golden Puri Beach and the zap of the water from the Bay of Bengal beguile tourists throughout the year and hence continues to live up to its international recognition.

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