Orissa is an attractive treasure house of cultures and customs, religions and traditions, languages and literature, art and architecture, scenic beauties and wildlife. Situated on the eastern coast along the Bay of Bengal, Orissa stands for its ancient glory and modern endeavour.

Orissa is an attractive treasure house of cultures and customs, religions and traditions, languages and literature, art and architecture, scenic beauties and wildlife. Situated on the eastern coast along the Bay of Bengal, Orissa stands for its ancient glory and modern endeavour. Orissa has a long tradition of art and architecture. The early monuments date back to the third century B.C. The remnant of an Ashokan pillar, turned into a Siva Lingam and enshrined in the Bhaskaresvara temple at Bhubaneswar and the lion capital of an Ashokan pillar, presently in the State Museum, speak volumes of Orissa's past glory.

Orissa is also known for exquisite handicrafts. Silver filigree work of Cuttack, horn work of Cuttack and Parlakhemundi and the famous appliqué work of Pipili deserve special mention. Pattachitra, a form of folk painting of Orissa, is a unique craft.