HERITAGE SITES ODISHA
Ancient city found beneath Puri along with a secret tunnel from Jagannath Temple to the sea. Here's what we know
Scientists have discovered evidence of an ancient city buried beneath Puri, Odisha. High-tech scans using Ground Penetrating Radar show potential heritage sites stretching across the town. A remarkable finding suggests a tunnel may connect the Jagannath Temple to the sea. Artefacts like pottery and metal objects indicate a once-thriving settlement.
Budget 2026: Tourism gets boost with seaplane manufacturing, Buddhist Circuits & hiking trails in Himachal, Kashmir
The government plans to boost tourism with new initiatives. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans for seaplane manufacturing and developing key sites. These efforts aim to enhance India's global appeal and attract more visitors. The focus is on destination development and improved connectivity. Swadesh Darshan 2.0 continues to support sustainable tourism circuits.
Budget 2026 puts India’s tourism in spotlight; experts call for higher marketing outlay
The Union Budget 2026-27 unveils ambitious plans to elevate India's tourism sector. A new National Institute of Hospitality will be established.
Travel industry welcomes measures aimed at boosting tourism, but long-standing demands remain
The Union Budget has welcomed hospitality sector reforms like a National Institute and high-speed rail corridors, alongside a TCS reduction on overseas tour packages. However, a drastic cut in marketing and promotion spends for domestic and inbound tourism has raised concerns, potentially impacting foreign tourist arrivals despite infrastructure development.
Hospitality industry welcomes Budget 2026-27; disappointed over no infra status
The hospitality industry welcomed the Union Budget 2026-27, praising its focus on infrastructure and skilling initiatives like the National Institute of Hospitality. However, the sector expressed disappointment that its long-standing demand for comprehensive infrastructure status was not met, despite positive steps for tourism growth.
ASI declares Odisha's Swapneswar Mahadev temple as protected monument
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared the 6th-century Swapneswar Mahadev temple in Odisha's Khurda district as a protected monument. This Shiva temple, located in Punjiama village, was officially recognized in a Gazette notification on July 2. The declaration follows efforts by both state and central governments, including contributions from various ministers, to preserve Odisha's ancient heritage.
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Entry to all ASI sites to be free on International Museum Day
To celebrate International Museum Day, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is offering free entry to all its sites and museums nationwide on Sunday. This initiative aims to promote cultural heritage, education, and dialogue by providing access to India's archaeological artifacts. The ASI is also upgrading its site museums with modern technology to enhance visitor experience.
Concert economy is boosting tourism, creating jobs: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's vast tourism potential in sectors like weddings, natural healing, and concert economy. Highlighting India's rich heritage, he underlined the importance of developing the infrastructure for tourism and the economic benefits of attracting both global tourists and artists.
Congress, BJD question Adani's land purchase in Odisha, company says it's for afforestation
The Adani Group's recent land acquisition near Odisha's Gandhamardhan hills has sparked controversy. While the group claims the land is for afforestation, opposition parties suspect mining intentions, prompting concerns from locals and political leaders.
Another grand Ram temple rises thousands of miles away as Ayodhya gets historic Ram Mandir
In Odisha, a new Ram temple has risen in the village of Fategarh, standing tall atop a hill 1,800 feet above sea level. Initiated in 2017, this 73-foot-tall shrine dedicated to Lord Ram was completed with contributions from villagers and devotees, showcasing unity and dedication. The temple, constructed in traditional Odia style, holds cultural and historical significance, rooted in a connection to the 1912 'Nabakalebar.' Concurrently, a heritage corridor project inaugurated in Puri promises devotees an enhanced experience around the 12th-century Jagannath Temple.
Ancient Avalokitasvara idol with inscription discovered in Odisha by INTACH team
Similar inscribed stone images of Avalokitasvara has also been found in the Ratnagiri and Udayagiri sites as well. Many of the discovered artifacts are terracotta tablets, but according to the source, a stone carved image like the one found in Puri is a rare find. What makes it even more significant is the fact that the inscriptions on it are clear and has not eroded. In Buddhism, Avalokitasvara is a bodhisattva who contains the compassion of all Buddhas. He has 108 avatars, the most notable of which is Padmapāṇi (the lotus bearer).
Odisha gets NoCs to beautify Puri Jagannath temple, two other old shrines
The National Monument Authority (NMA) has issued no objection certificates (NoCs) to the Odisha government for its development and beautification projects at Jagannath Temple in Puri, Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and Sun Temple at Konark, but with riders.
Govt project work may have caused damage to Puri temple: ASI
Hearing a PIL claiming that construction work for the project has affected the health of the temple, the HC had asked the ASI, the custodian of the 12th-century shrine, to undertake a joint inspection of the site with the state government and file a report to the court.
After Puri temple, Naveen Patnaik seeks withdrawal of NMA bylaws for Bhubaneswar shrines
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has assured the people of Odisha and Patnaik that the Centre will leave no stone unturned in honouring the culture, pride and local sentiments on the issues related to the recent draft notification of the NMA.
Naveen Patnaik writes to PM, urges him to set up airport in Puri
Patnaik said the Rath Yatra of Puri is a famous annual event, attracting lakhs of pilgrims from across the world and an airport in the town will help bring devotees to the Sri Jagannath Temple.
Pradhan urges Culture Ministry for restoration of 500-year-old temple found in river
In a letter to Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, Pradhan said non-profit Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) had examined the 500-year-old temple and deemed it to be of major historic significance and in a good state of preservation.
Union Budget leaves Odisha government disappointed
On the positive side, Odisha had requested for extension of concessional tax rates to cooperatives in line with corporate tax cuts, said the CM appreciating the move.
Tourism ministry allocates Rs 50 crore for Govardhan parikrama
The Minister conveyed this after a site inspection in Mathura to assess the requirements for development of facilities at a meeting with the officials of the state government.
Away from the hustle bustle of Bhubaneshwar-Puri-Konark, explore Odisha’s ‘Diamond Triangle’
It comprises of three obscure, but stunningly beautiful Buddhist heritage sites.
Budget 2018: Government plans private investments with tech to deck up heritage, tourist sites
The govt proposes to develop ten prominent tourist sites as Iconic Tourism destinations.
Taj Mahal fails to find spot in 'Adopt a Heritage' scheme
The 'Adopt a Heritage Scheme' was launched on the World Tourism Day on September 27 by the president.
No taker for Taj Mahal in government's `Adopt a Heritage' scheme
The tourism ministry issued letters of intent to seven private entities who adopted 14 heritage sites under the scheme.
After Kuala Lumpur, Bhubaneshwar to be connected to Bangkok, Singapore
AirAsia had received bookings from Australia, New Zealand and as far as Japan for this route (to Bhubaneshwar) and was glad to offer other markets in their networks to Odisha, CEO added.
Tower operators seek special treatment from electricity boards
"We want all state governments to direct their electricity boards to give special treatment to telecom sector and tower operators," said Akhil Gupta, Chairman of TAIPA.
Freeze-frame: When in India, how to roam like a local
Explore India like a local by witnessing heritage sites, local fests, spiritual sojourns and enjoy unique flavours.
Odisha's Bhitarkanika may be in world heritage site list
Often described as nature's gift, Bhitarkanika is enriched with a variety of habitats and conditions not found anywhere else in the country.
3 New Delhi monuments to be developed as model sites
The decision was announced by culture minister Mahesh Sharma while inaugurating e-ticketing facilities and a helpline for visitors to Taj Mahal and Humayun's Tomb on Friday.
Government plans tourism circuits to attract Buddhist pilgrims
According to the plan, 'Sacred Circuit' will be a five to seven days' journey and will include visits to Gaya, Varanasi, Piparva and Kushinagar.
Rs 41 crore project for world famous Sun Temple at Konark
Rs 41 crore project was unveiled today l for peripheral development and beautification around the architectural marvel to attract more tourists.
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