Odisha: A Blend of History and Culture

Published in the Sunday Sakal on 29 June 2025

When we think of Odisha, the Konark Sun Temple and Jagannath Puri instantly come to mind. Known as Utkala in ancient scriptures, this land has a rich legacy shaped by numerous dynasties. With a 485-kilometre-long coastline and a capital like Bhubaneswar—often called the City of Temples—Odisha offers a deep cultural and historical experience. Key attractions include the Lingaraj Temple, the UNESCO-listed Konark Sun Temple dedicated to Lord Surya, and the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri. The Konark Sun Festival and annual dance festival held here are widely celebrated. Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lake, draws over a million migratory birds between November and January. Other notable sites include the ancient city of Cuttack, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, and the massive Hirakud Dam. Odisha is also popular for medical, eco, and adventure tourism. Its seafood dishes like Chingudi Jhola and Machha Jhola are local favourites, while vegetarian dishes like Dalma and Chhena Poda are equally loved. Festivals such as Chandan Yatra, the world-famous Rath Yatra, Sital Sasthi, Konark Fair, Durga Puja, and Bali Yatra add vibrant colour to the state’s cultural calendar. The Mahaprasad at Jagannath Temple is a must-try. Odisha is also known for Pattachitra paintings, the graceful Odissi dance, and beautiful handwoven sarees from Sambalpur and Ikat. The annual Konark Dance Festival, held from February 19 to 23, is a stunning showcase of classical dance, music, and traditional attire. With Veena World, you can choose from Odisha tours ranging from 6 to 15 days. So, which one will you choose?

Oh! I didn’t know this…

New Zealand, nestled in the Pacific Ocean, is a country made up of a group of islands. It lies next to Australia and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Among its most stunning natural attractions are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, which are considered one of the best in the country. In the Māori language, Waitomo means "water dripping through a hole"—wai meaning water, and tomo meaning sinkhole. These caves have been formed over millions of years by the erosion of limestone through underground rivers. The magical glow seen in the caves is caused by bioluminescence, a natural chemical reaction produced by glowworms. The caves are also characterized by fascinating formations called stalactites and stalagmites—ice-like deposits formed when water dissolves minerals from the limestone surfaces. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, forming when water drips down and leaves behind mineral traces. The droplets that fall on the ground below create mound-shaped stalagmites as they accumulate layer by layer. Over time, when stalactites and stalagmites continue to grow, they eventually meet and form a solid pillar. More than 300 caves have been discovered so far in the Waitomo region, yet many still remain hidden and unexplored. Beneath thousands of these glowing creatures, you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride, or if you’re more adventurous, you can go for black water rafting. Blessed with incredible natural wonders, snow-capped mountains, and stunning coastlines, isn’t New Zealand already on your bucket list? Come, let’s explore this magical land together!

Travel is about embracing nature with an open heart

I began touring with Veena World in 2017, and since then, I’ve completed 15 tours with them. I live in Goregaon East, and my niece, who is a preferred partner of Veena World in Alibag, helps me book all my tours. I’ve always had a love for travel, but it was only after turning seventy-five that I truly started exploring. Today, I am eighty-four years old. I decided to first discover my own country and began with Kerala. After that, I visited Rajasthan, Andaman, Meghalaya and Assam in the Northeast, Leh-Ladakh, Sikkim-Darjeeling, Dalhousie-Dharamshala-Amritsar, Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Bikaner, Shimla-Manali, Nainital-Mussoorie-Haridwar-Corbett Park, and Varanasi-Ayodhya-Lucknow. Internationally, I have visited Bhutan, Singapore, and Nepal. During my Andaman tour, I visited the beautiful Havelock Island. In Sikkim, I went to Zero Point and Nathula Pass. I fondly remember climbing to Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan and exploring the remote beauty of Ladakh. One of the most moving experiences was during our visit to the Cellular Jail in the Andamans—the light and sound show there was deeply emotional and unforgettable.

I plan my own tours and usually prefer to stay alone in a single room. I try to participate in everything included in the tour, even trekking, whenever possible. I don’t shop much during tours, but if I find something nice for my daughters or grandchildren, I make sure to get it for them. Now, I wish to explore Europe. Within India, I still want to visit the unexplored states of Manipur and Nagaland from the Seven Sisters. On 21st July, I’ll be going on the Bangkok–Pattaya–Phuket–Krabi tour. For me, travelling is all about soaking in the beauty of nature with wide-open eyes and an open heart—and I absolutely love it.

• Chandrakant Babrekar , Goregaon, Mumbai.

Private Holiday Ideas
Bali – All-Inclusive at Just ₹99,000
With Veena World Customized Holidays

One of the most trending travel destinations right now is undoubtedly Bali. Chances are, you’ve already liked a bunch of Bali holiday stories on social media shared by your friends or family. And there are plenty of good reasons why Bali is so popular. It’s not just about beaches—Bali offers everything from stunning rice terraces and volcanic mountains to spiritually uplifting ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. You might be surprised to know that Bali is home to nearly 20,000 temples! It’s often said that if you want to experience ancient India today, you’ll find it not in India, but 6,000 kilometres away—in Bali. Incredible, isn’t it? If you're dreaming of an exotic getaway, Bali has no match. And now, thanks to Veena World Customized Holidays’ air-inclusive package, this dream is even more tempting—available at just ₹99,000! This package includes Mumbai-to-Mumbai airfare, four nights in Kuta and two nights in Ubud. And guess what? Your stay in Ubud isn’t in a regular hotel room—it’s in a luxurious private pool villa! Especially perfect for couples looking for that special touch, right? Your holiday also comes with several exciting inclusions like a relaxing Kalpika Spa session, thrilling river rafting, a visit to Nusa Penida, the iconic Tanah Lot Temple, Bali Safari, and the majestic Kintamani Volcano. With Veena World Customized Holidays, your comfort is the top priority. That’s why the package also covers private transfers, delicious Indian dinners, and some truly unforgettable experiences such as the Bali Swing, Uluwatu Temple, and Tanjung Benoa watersports. So, don’t miss this golden chance to grab your dream private Bali holiday at a super affordable price. Remember, this never-before price is valid only for July and August—after that, the rates will definitely go up. So get in touch with our team today and make the most of this hottest deal!

Hemis Festival

The Hemis Festival is one of the most renowned cultural celebrations in Ladakh, held at the Hemis Monastery. This monastery is located in the village of Hemis, about 45 kilometres from the capital city of Leh. The festival takes place around June–July, and this year, it will be celebrated on 5th and 6th July. It marks the birth anniversary of the great Buddhist saint Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who is believed to have introduced Buddhism to Tibet. The main highlight of the festival is the ‘Cham Dance’ or ‘Mask Dance’, where Buddhist monks dressed in vibrant robes and masks perform sacred dances in the monastery courtyard. These dances symbolize the triumph of good over evil. During this time, locals dress in traditional Ladakhi attire—chubas, which are long robes, and foks, the region’s distinctive headgear. The festival also features traditional music and folk performances. One of the major attractions is the grand Thangka of Padmasambhava, a Tibetan Buddhist painting embroidered on cotton or silk, which is unfurled during the celebrations. Wouldn’t you love to be part of such a vibrant and spiritually uplifting festival? Then come, let’s go!