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PARADEEP
PARADEEP, a major sea port of India for trade activities with a fine
sea beach, is an enjoyable tourist resort – 94 km from Cuttack. Important pilgrim
centre Kendrapara is 65 km from Cuttack. Known as Tulasi Kshetra it is famous for the
temple of Lord Baladeva. A grand car festival is held here annually which draws a mammoth
crowd. Also 60 km from Cuttack, Jhankad, houses the shrine of Goddess Sarala and the place
is associated with poet Sarala Das, the first epic poet of Orissa.
How to get there : All three have regular bus service
from Cuttack.
Where to Stay : Paradeep Port Trust’s Nehru
Bungalow and Madhuban Guest House. Contact the Port Trust Chairman for booking. Hotel
Aristocrat (Tel. 22091-94), Hotel Golden Anchor, Madhuban (Tel. 22647, 22648), Hotel
Paradeep International (22547, 22951).
Kendrapara : Tulasi Lodge (Tel: 22498), Shrikrishna
Lodge (Tel. 22571), Santosh Lodge, Rajshree Lodge (Tel: 23073) and Aram Lodge (Tel :
22319)
Exciting moments can also be had at the Bhitarkanika Wildlife
Sanctuary. Sprawled over 672 square kilometres, it has a variety of animals in its
mangrove forests criss-crossed by rivers and creeks. Know for crocodiles, sea-turtles (on
the Gahirmatha beach) and water monitor lizards, it has r are white crocodiles. It is also
a sanctuary for deer and migratory birds. One can also see 10th-11th
century temples, sculptures, and mud-forts and pottery.
Accommodation is available at the Forest Inspection Bungalow and
Interpretation Centre at Dangmal and Forest Rest House at Ekakula on Gahirmatha beach.
Contact Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar, Dist, Kendrapara.
You may go to Bhitarkanika via Chandbali and Rajnagar which are 160 km
and 100 km respectively from Cuttack. Dangmal, the base is three hours from both Chandbali
and Rajnagar by motor launch. For motor launch, contact the DFO, Rajnagar, or Assistant
Director, Inland Water Transport, Chandbali.
Assistance : Tourist Office, Cuttack, Tel: 612225. |
