Odisha is rich in culture and history. The palaces and forts of Orissa serve as the beautiful shrine of heritage. They are reminiscents of an era gone by for kings and queens, along with the glory and tales of valiance associated with it. The grandeur and thereby architectural masterfulness of these monuments add a dimension to visiting Odisha, perhaps digging out some petals from the scabbard of its royal history for every history buff or perhaps curious traveller.
Palaces of Odisha
- Bhanja Palace, Mayurbhanj:
The Bhanja Palace remains within Baripada of Mayurbhanj, the town which showcases one among the rare architectural wonders of Odisha- The Bhanja Palace. It really turns into an amalgamation of the Odia traditional designs to colonial influences. It possess well-carved doorways, vast courtyards, and greenery outside the walls; this is a must-see place for all visiting to dip into the regal legacy of Odisha. - Aul Palace, Kendrapara:
The palace is located in Kendrapara district. The Aul Palace still today serves the royalty. The palace is really beautiful and completely covered in nature with the simplicity and yet elegance that is visible in the lives of Odia royalty. The user can have a glance of palace together with old architecture in viewing the temples surrounding the palace. - Paralakhemundi Palace, Gajapati:
This palace boasts of the grandest architecture, and it is an excellent example where the South Indian and Odia styles have met. It is a royal residence of historical significance that still earns an undoubted attraction in the area today.
Exploring the Forts of Odisha:
- Barabati Fort, Cuttack:
There is a fort built in the 14th century; the fort is called Barabati, and it was built to glorify the ancient military power of Odisha through the towering landmark of Cuttack. It was once a strong seat of power of the Ganga dynasty. Now the site holds nothing but ruins, which still excite tourists with historical significance and some rewarding views of the nearby Mahanadi river. - Fort Raibania, Balasore:
A little-known historical treasure of Odisha, Raibania Fort, gargantuan by all medieval fort size standards in Odisha, was constructed as a fortress and, besides having a number of forts, contains within its precincts a network of canals. - Sisupalgarh, Bhubaneswar:
Claimed to be one of India’s oldest forts, Sisupalgarh is an area rich in archaeological evidence near Bhubaneswar. With evidence that it had already existed by the 3rd century BCE, this fort shows an advanced urban settlement of the Kalinga era. Complete with gates and watchtowers, the rectangular edifice is proof of ancient engineering and history.
Why Travel to These Locations?
Not just architectural wonders, but also the tale-weavers of Odisha’s glorious past, the palaces-forts dotted throughout the landscape capture the distinct art-culture-history mix of the particular region. Be it the delicately sculpted carvings or the strategic fortifications, all these leave aside downright awe among spectators.
Best Visit
Ideal months to visit would be between November to February, while touring the royal heritage of Odisha. The weather through this time of year is quite pleasant and quite conducive for meandering through these sites and touching the verdant surroundings.
