Jajpur

Once the prosperous and ancient capital of Utkal, Jajpur was an important and flourishing centre for trade and commerce in the olden days. Its diverse cultural cross-currents enlivened and enriched the city even in the days of the visit of the Chinese traveller Huien T'Sang..It is also one of the sacred pilgrim points in Orissa. Goddess viraja (Durga) is the city's reigning deity. Jajpur is also known as Navigaya kshetra where Pinda is offered by the Hindus for their ancestors.

Udayagiri-Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri was the conversion of Ashoka to Budhism, after the bloody was of Kalinga that was responsible for the spread of this rreligion not only in Orissa but also to places as far flung as China and Japan. While a vast amount of research and excavations need to be conducted still, what we do have is a wealth of architectural and sculptural findings that speak glowingly about the fine artistry inherent amongst the people of Orissa's ancient past. Situated 70 kms away from Cuttack, the hills were home to a larger Buddhist complex which could be the ruins of a Buddhist University called Puspagiri (mentioned in the travelogues of the Chinese traveller Huien T'Sang).

Chandikhol is a perfect picnic spot with its thickly wooded hills and sylvan spring that flows perennially through its green glades.

Excursion

• Chandikhol
• Jajpur
• Mahavinayak
• Ratnagiri & Udayagiri

Getting There
By bus from 92 kms cuttack or bhubaneswar 118kms daily bus service
By train nearest railway station Jajpur-Keonjhar Road station of S.E.Railway

Weather
Temperature
Minimum in December-16.6 degree c.
Maximum : 36.5 degree centigrade (in May)

Rainfall: 114.35 cms

Clothing
Light cotton in summer and heavy woolen in winter.

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