Odisha Calling

Hopping onto our vehicle with the most scenic landscape for company, take a look at our road trip through the magnificent heritage and traditions of magical Odisha.

- Arushi Chaturvedi

Equipped with a sense of exploration and a backpack full of essentials, we took the fruitful leap to explore the rich land of Odisha, that we were to discover, unlocks the door to a magical space that is packed to the brim with rare gems. Giving irresistible stops along the way, the architecture and history of this state kept us yearning to stay a bit longer wherever we went, relishing in the feeling of natural warmth.

With the intention of leaving no stone unturned in this plentiful traveler’s destination, we started our road trip. We wanted to give ourselves a loose structure, just like all seasoned travelers, and so we chose to start our trip in the southern regions of Odisha. Our first stop was the famed Jiranga Monastery of Chandragiri, whose incredible cultural importance for the Buddhist community drew us towards it. But what had an equally bigger impact was its structure built in the Atanpuri architectural style of Nalanda, by architects from Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, thus giving it a distinct look. Mesmerized by its transportive structure and visuals, there was still no missing the looks of wondrous worship on the faces of Tibetan migrants that chose this area itself as one of their six settlements within the country. Hearing it being referred to as ‘Phuntsokling’, meaning land of happiness and plenty, by the Tibetan refugees showcased to us just how significantly impactful this place was.