This time, the recommended route have as a reference point the town of Bhubaneneswar , capital of the eastern state of Orissa . However, the visit does not run along the streets of this urban sanctuary known as the "City of Temples", but no less attractive by their surroundings.
If you depart from there to the west, the traveler will encounter two mountains in the past have given shelter to a group of Jains ascetics living in caves: the peaks of Udayagiri and Khandagiri . In the latter case, you can still keep a small temple at the top, although the number of caves is lower than the other mountain.
Another interesting peak that stands at Dhauli , just 8 km south of Bhubaneshwar. Its main attraction are the edicts preserved engravings belonging to the reign of Emperor Asoka (304 BC-232 BC), third president of the Maurya Dynasty (321-185 BC).
In that place, it commemorates the victory over the forces of Kalinga in 262 BC by a sculpture led by elephants. It is said that this battle was what led to Asoka to convert to Buddhism. In any event, the Peace Pagoda, built also on Mount Dhauli, recalls the moment when the Emperor embraced the doctrine coined by Buddha.
After visiting these sites, we must not forget that the city of Puri , located 60 km southeast of Bhuanewshwar and considered the most sacred of Orissa, waiting to be known. Without doubt, its most notable attraction is the temple of Jagannath (pictured), built in the twelfth century by King Indrodyumma after the god Jagannath appeared to him in dreams.
If possible, we recommend entering the premises in conjunction with the Festival of Corrozas. This takes place in June or July, depending on the lunar calendar, and includes colorful processions with statues and votive centerpiece of the temple.