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1. Climate & Clothing
In Orissa there are mainly 3 seasons, namely summer, winter and monsoons. The weather is generally comfortable with winter season being the best months for sight seeing.
Summer
Between March to June.
Strong sun, high temperature that can go up to 40oC.
Winter
Between October to February.
Reasonably cold, with low temperature at 7oC.
Monsoons
Between July and lasts till October.
Hurricane, cyclone and tornado during this period are prevalent in the coastal vicinity.
2. Culture
Orissa tradition includes a variety of songs. One of them is in the form of a ballad which is which is often heavy-hearted, accompanied by flutes and lyres.
Besides the songs, you can check out the unique handicrafts of Orissa, which ranges from silver ornament art to cane and bamboo and wood carving. Some of the other works include palm leaf engraving, carpets, and the ancient craft of folk painting.
3. Electricity
230-240V 50Hz
The plug used in India has either two round pins or three round pins arranged in a triangle.
4. Health & Safety
Health
Mosquitoes are rampant and it’s definitely good idea to have your arms and legs well covered and to bring along a mosquito repellant .
You should keep to bottled water and avoid eating food that is raw or uncooked to avoid getting the runs. If possible, try not to drink any un-pasteurized milk or dairy products. You may also want to give the food from roadside venders a miss.
Keep the sunblock handy for protection against the strong sun.
Safety Tips
Some general safety advice:
Keep all important documents locked in a safe place. Carry small amounts of cash and keep your bag close to you at all times. Be mindful of offers of food from strangers. For females, avoid going out alone, especially at night.
5. Language
The main language spoken by the locals in Orissa is Oriya.
Other spoken languages are Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Bengali, Kashmiri, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, and Telugu.
6. Money
The currency is the Indian Rupee (100 paise make one rupee)
Notes of 1,2,5,10,20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees denomination
Coins of 10, 20, 25, 50 paise and 1, 2, & 5 rupees denomination
Travellers Cheques / Credit Cards are accepted by major hotels, tour operators and some shops.
Foreign currency can be exchanged through Bank and Authorized Money Changers. Receipts for such exchange must be obtained and retained
7. Religion
Majority of the people in Orissa are Hindu. Other religions in Orissa include Islam, Christianity and Buddhism.
8. Transportation
The journey from Orissa to Calcutta by train takes 12 hours.
Transportation in Orissa itself is largely by buses.
9. Visa
Tourists from all countries will need to have a valid passport and visa.
Check with the India Embassy in your country for details.
Visitation to certain tribes will require special permission, which can be easily arranged through Tour Agents.
10. Attractions in Orissa
Puri
The name of Puri has changed numerous times, from Hilgiri, Niladri, Hilachal Purushottam, Sankhakshetra, Srikehetra, Jagannath Dham, to Jagannath Puri. One of the things you get to see here is the sea known as the Bay of Bengal.
Sambalpur
Sambalpur is famous for textiles and diamond trade, forestland and rich tribal heritage.
Jeypore
Surrounded by natural scenery, the forests, waterfalls, and meadows, is home to a great number of Orissa tribes.
Dhenkanal
If you enjoy watching the birds, elephants, and all kinds of animals in the wild forest, you will want to make a trip here.
Do note that a fee is applicable when visiting some of the monuments, including the Museums, Wild-Life Sanctuary, and Khandagiri-Udaygiri Caves at Bhubaneswar.
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