Sunday, August 10, 2008

Explore Bhubaneswar with Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Service



 Bhubaneswar: Monday, 4th Aug. 2008 was a Red Letter Day for the Orissa Tourism. On this day the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), a state owned PSU introduced the most convenient way to explore and experience Bhubaneswar- the capital city. With a well-networked Hop-On-Hop-Off luxury bus service connecting the important tourist locations of the city on two major routes namely a City Tour and a Heritage Tour.

Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik flagged off the new busses from Pantha Nivas, while Devi Prasad Mishra, Minister of Tourism said that the service is to up grade tourist infrastructure and provide best facility to international as well as  domestic tourists. The city has gone a step further with the Public Private Partnership as this tour has been operated and managed by Kalinga Trade and Travels for five years along with Air Tel as the brand partner. The corporation has initially operates five 45 seater Air Conditioned buses and eight 12 seater Tempo Travelers.

Now Orissa marks in the tourism history of India, becoming the first ever state to provide the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus service. The provision of an information booklet along with the ticket makes the tourist to feel comfortable and informed about details by making it a self guided tour. This indeed provides an ample opportunity to every one on a tour to highly explore and experience Bhubaneswar in an innovative way.

OTDC’s Hop-On-Hop-Off bus service offers a comfortable, air-conditioned ride around the city with a single ticket. The ticket is valid for both the City Tour and Heritage Tour for one day. One can get on and off the bus at any of the destination on the designated routes as per his/her convenience.
  
Each specific destination on the designed City Tour and Heritage Tour route is touched by one Hop-On-Hop-Off bus at a predetermined time interval. From these stops, one can easily access the best of tourist attractions Bhubaneswar has to offer including heritage sites, handicraft and souvenir emporiums, parks, museums, shopping complexes, eateries, cinema halls, hotels etc.

The bus service for both the tours starts from Panthanivas at 8.00 am and continues till 8.30 pm. One Hop-On-Hop-Off bus passes through each of the stops at interval of around 30 minutes. Tickets are Rs.250/- adult;       Rs.125/- child and Rs.700/- for a family pack including two adults and two children.


The List below provides detail of the tour.
 
 City Tour Bus Stoppages:-
No.
Bus Stops
In-close Proximity
Last Departure Time
CT1
Panthanivas
BJB College, Bhanja Kala Mandap,
Paryatan Bhawan
5.30pm
CT2
Rajmahal Square
Jayadev Bhawan, Ashok Nagar Market, Bapuji Nagar Market, Daily Market (Unit-I), Market Building (Unit-II), Raj Bhawan, SBI, Standard Chartered Bank, Hotel Sishmo, Bhubaneswar Club, Capital Hospital
5.35pm (Up),
8.20pm (Dn)
CT3
Master Canteen
IG Park, Rabindra Mandap, Secretariat, State Assembly, Hotel Swosti, Citibank, HDFC Bank
5.40pm (Up)
8.15pm (Dn)
CT4
Ram Mandir
Forum Mart, Shriya Square, Gurudwara, Subham Market, Hotel Marion, Hotel HHI, UTI Bank, ICICI Bank, Neelachal Hospital
5.45pm (Up)
8.10 (Dn)
CT5
Ekamra Haat
Exhibition Ground, Orissa State Library
5.30pm
CT6
Nicco Park
Kalinga Stadium, The World, Madhuasudan Nagar
5.55pm
CT7
Regional Science Centre
Regional College of Education
6.00pm
CT8
Acharya Vihar
pathani Samanta Planetarium, Regional Museum of Natural History, Sainik School, Ayush Hospital
6.05pm
CT9
Jayadev Vihar
Sudarshan Crafts Village, Trident Hilton
6.10pm
CT10
ISKCON Temple
Indradhunu Market Complex
6.15pm
CT11
CRP Square
Priyadarshini Market, Tribal Museum
6.20pm
CT12
Fire Station Square
Baramunda Bus Stand
6.25pm
CT13
Khandagiri
Udayagiri, Biju Patanaik Energy Park, Sum Hospital, SOA University
6.30pm
CT14
Ekamra Kanan
Siridi Sai Temple (1)
6.50pm
CT15
May Fair Lagoon
ESI Hospital
7.00pm
CT16
Fortune Tower
Odissi Research Centre, XIMB
7.05pm
CT17
Nalco Square
Kalinga Hospital, Hemlata Hospital, Hotel Suryansh
7.10pm
CT18
Infocity Square
Shikharchandi, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Chandaka Industrial Estate, KIIT University, Golf Club
7.25pm
CT18A
Nandankanan*
Botanical Garden
5.10pm
CT19
Janata Maidan
Gandhi Park, Sandy’s Square, Hotel Swosti Plaza, Hotel Ginger
7.40pm
CT20
Saheed Nagar
Utkal University, Satsang Temple, Sanischhar Temple, Pantaloons
8.00pm
Timings are subjected to force majeure conditions


Heritage Tour Bus Stoppages:-

No.
Bus Stops
In-close Proximity
Last Departure Time
HT1
Panthanivas

5.30pm
HT2
Rajarani Temple
Nageswar Temple
5.35pm
HT3
Bhaskareswar Temple

5.40pm
HT4
Brahmeswar Temple
Sisupalgarh
5.45pm
HT5
Megheswar Temple
Siridi Sai Temple (2)
5.50pm
HT6
Kedargouri Temple
Mukteswar Temple
6.00pm
HT6A
Dhauligiri**
River Daya
6.30pm
HT7
Lingaraj Temple
Persurameswar Temple, Vaital Temple, Jambeswar Temple, Ananta Basudev Temple, Bindu Sagar
6.35pm
HT8
Mausima Temple
Rameswar Temple, Bharateswar Temple, Satrughneswar Temple, Lakshmaneswar Temple
6.45pm
HT9
State Museum

6.50 (Up)
6.55 (Dn)
Timings are subjecte to force majeure conditions

About Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa is popularly known as the Temple City of India. It boasts of temples like Lingaraj, Mukteswar, Rajarani etc. which date back to around 10th century AD. Jain caves like those at Udayagiri, known to be over 2000 years old add to its mysterious antiquities. The city forms the anchor of the famous Golden Triangle of Orissa, Puri and Konark being the other two destinations. Treasuring many architectural marvels and a rich cultural heritage, Bhubaneswar is now emerging as the IT destination of the country. It is also developing as the Knowledge Hub of Eastern India. Well-connected by air, rail and road, Bhubaneswar is one of the popular tourist destinations.

The city is the perfect blend of traditional charm and modern day pleasures. The Hop-On-Hop-Off bus service would provide the tourists with great convenience to explore and experience the best of both these ancient and modern worlds offered by Bhubaneswar.

Special Facilities:
  • Kiosk at every bus stoppages.
  • Information Booklet with ticket to every tourist on Tourism and
Heritage Points.
      and bus stoppages.


Department of Tourism, Govt. of Orissa, Paryatan Bhaban,
Lewis Road, Bhubaneswar – 14.

Orissa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
Ph: 0674-2431515

Tour Operated and Managed By:
Kalinga Trade And Travels
Ph: 0674-2532567
Control Room: Mob. 9937025155

Brand Partner:
Air Tel

Courtesy: OTDC

Saturday, May 17, 2008

ODISHA AT A GLANCE




Profile
ODISHA, bounded on the west by the thickly forested hills of the Eastern Ghats and on the east by nearly 500 km coastline of the Bay of Bengal, is a beautiful state covering an area of 156, 000 sq. kms. It is surrounded by Jharkhand on the north, West Bengal on the north-east Andhra Pradesh on the south and Chhattisgarh on the west.

Odisha is one of the prosperous states of India owing to its fertile land and rich mineral resources viz. coal, iron and bauxite. The state is booming towards a big industrial growth in the near future. Odisha is also emerging as a player in outsourcing IT and IT services.

Odisha, referred to as “The Soul of India”, is a mystical land where the past and the modern today form a harmonious blend. The state is filled with awe inspiring monuments, thousands of master craftsmen and artists, numerous wildlife sanctuaries, stunning natural landscapes and many more…

Facts and Figures

Date of formation
1st April 1936
State Capital
Bhubaneswar
Area
155,707 square kms
Area under forest (total)
58,136.23 Sq. Kms
Latitude
between 17.49' N and 22.34' N
Longitude
between 81.27' E and 87.29' E
Population (2001)
36,706,920
Population Density
202 per sq. km
Male population
18,612,340
Female population
18,094,580
Sex Ratio
972 females per 1000 males
Literacy rate
63.61%
Per Capita Income (03-04)
Rs.6, 487.00
No. of Districts
30
Urbanization Ratio
14.97%
Religion
Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Buddhist
Official Language
Oriya
Time zone
IST (UTC+5:30)
Temperature
Max 400 C (summer); Min 70 C (winter)
Annual average rainfall
150 cm

Odisha Tourist Spots

The land is famous for its temples, monuments, beaches, lakes, hills etc. Odisha’s famous sights are clustered together in a compact triangle. In the eastern coast are the 13th century Konark temple, a UNESCO world heritage site and other magnificent temples at Puri and Bhubaneswar.

The beautiful temples and Boudh caves near Bhubaneswar are silent witnesses to the indigenous culture of Odihsa. People from the whole world come to the pristine beaches and lakes and also to have the divine blessing of the Lord Jagannath.

Odisha is gifted by the nature with long and beautiful coastline, dotted with golden sand beaches and gentle sunshine. It provides excellent opportunities for easy relaxation. The beaches of Puri and Gopalpur are fringed by coconut groves and fishing villages. There are numerous natural sites which are quite enchanting. The chirping of birds, flowing of streams and meandering paddy fields all add to the natures charm.

Geography

Odisha, located in the eastern coast of India is a state with immense potential in natural resources. It is located between 17.49'N and 22.34'N latitudes and between 81.27'E and 87.29'E longitudes. The state is touched by the Bay of Bengal on the east; Madhya Pradesh on the west and Andhra Pradesh on the south. It has a coast line of about 500 kms. It spreads over an area of 155,707 square kms.

Economy

Odisha’s economy has a contrasting scenario. Despite of vast land, forest and mineral resources it hasn’t made significant stride.About 75% of the total population lives on farming and cultivation. Hence agriculture is the backbone of Odisha’s economy.

Apart from that, Industries play a crucial role in the economic development of the state. Because of its mineral wealth and strategic location it attracts foreign investment in steel, aluminum, power, refineries, and infrastructure. Odisha is also emerging as a player in the outsourcing IT (Information Technology) and IT services industry. The total planned investment in the state is projected to be 90 billion U.S. dollars. India’s gross state domestic product in 1980 was just Rs.37, 080 million which reached a whopping figure of Rs.387, 280 million in 2000.

Recently, the Central Government has agreed to accord SEZ (Special Economic Zone) status to eight sites in Odisha among which are Infocity at Bhubaneswar and Paradip. With various initiatives taken by the state as well as the central government, the state is marching ahead to become a major player in the Indian economy.

economy of Odisha is advancing rapidly and is witnessing an amazing transformation from a predominantly agriculture based to a manufacturing hub of the country The. The state has managed to attract lot of foreign investment for the setting up of various industries especially steel manufacturing units.

Districts of Odisha

The total number of districts in Odisha is 30. The district as elsewhere is headed by a District Magistrate (DM) or Collector, who is over all in-charge of the administration in that particular district. He has to perform triple functions as he holds three positions: that of the Deputy Commissioner, the district Magistrate and the Collector. As a Deputy Commissioner he is the executive head of the district with multifarious responsibilities. As the District Magistrate he is responsible for maintaining the law and order situation in the district. As the Collector he is the Chief Revenue Officer of the district, responsible for revenue collection and recovery. The Police administration in the district is under the control of Superintendent of Police (SP).

To decentralize the authority in administrative set up a district is divided into one or more subdivisions, further divided into Tehsils and Blocks. Here is a list of 30 districts.
 
List of Districts

 DEMOGRAPHY (ORISSA)

The population of Orissa which was 316.60 lakh in 1991 increased to 368.05 lakh in 2001. This accounted for a decennial growth rate of 16.25% against 20.06% in the previous decade, which is lower than the corresponding growth rates of 21.34% and 23.86% at the national level. The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) in Orissa in 2002 was 23.2 which is lower than the All-India figure of 25 but the Crude Death Rate (CDR) in the State (9.8) is much higher than the All-India figure (8.1).    
   
The density of population which was 203 per sq. km. in 1991 has increased to 236 per sq. km. in 2001, which is lower than the All India average of 313 per sq. km. Out of the total population, 85.01% live in rural areas and depends mostly on agriculture for their livelihood. Urban population constitutes 14.99%.

The sex-ratio (i.e number of females per thousand males) in Orissa has marginally increased from 971 in 1991 to 972 in 2001 and this is much higher than the All India average of 927 in 1991 and 933 in 2001.  In respect of SC and ST population also the State fared better sex ratio.  As per 2001 Census, the sex ratio among SC and ST was 979 and 1003 respectively as against 936 and 978 at the All India level.

As per the 2001 Census, the rural population in Orissa is 31,287,422 and urban population is 5,517,238. The percentage of urban population to total population in Orissa at 14.99% is much below the national average of 27.78%.  The projected population of Orissa for the year 2005, 2010 and 2015 will be in the order of 386.04 lakh 406.99 lakh and 425.70 lakh respectively.

As per the 2001 Census, the ST & SC population constitute 22.13% and 16.53% respectively of the total State population.  Together they constitute 38.66% of the State population.  This is comparatively higher than the All India figures 16.20% SC and 8.19% ST population.  However it is interesting to note that although the percentage of SC population in the State has been increasing since 1981, that of ST population though marginally has been declining.  The ST population which constituted 22.43% of the State population in 1981 fell to 22.21% in 1991 and further to 22.13% as per the latest 2001 Census.  Between the decades 1991-2001, while the SC population has increased by 0.33% the ST population has decreased by 0.08%.  Considering heavy concentration of ST and SC population in as many as 13 districts of the State a total 69613.80 sq. km area which constitutes 44.70% of the total State area have been declared as Scheduled Area as per 1991 Census.

As per NSSO Survey, against a 1.88 prevalence of disability in rural areas at national level in 1981, the prevalence was over 2% in Orissa. In 1991, the prevalence of disability in rural areas was close to 2-2.5% in Orissa. (National Human Development Report, Planning Commission, 2002)

Census 2001 data shows that 38.79% of the total State population constitutes workers.  The percentage of main workers and marginal workers are respectively 67.2% and 32.8% of the total workers.  Women still lag behind their male counterparts in respect of working population.  The proportion of male workers to male population and female workers to female population in 2001 Census stood at 53% and 25% respectively.  Pressure on agriculture still continues to be high in Orissa as revealed from the category-wise working population figures of 2001 Census.  Out of the total workers 24.1% are cultivators, 14.7% are agricultural labourers, 2.8% engaged in household industries and 25.6% were other workers.   However, there is wide disparity among the districts in the State in respect of major demographic sections.

The census results of 2001 reveals that the rank (ordered from highest value to lowest value) of Orissa among the 35 States and Union Territories of India is 11th in population size, 29th in decadal growth rate, 8th in sex ratio, 22nd in density of population, 26th in literacy and 16th in per cent of urban population.

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Population*
  • Male
  • Female
3,68,04,660
1,86,60,570 (50.70%)
1,81,44,090 (49.30%) 
  • Rural
  • Urban
3,12,87,422 (85.01%)
55,17,238 (14.99%)
Scheduled Caste
  • Male
  • Female
60,82,063 (16.53%)
30,37,278 (08.25%)
30,08,785 (08.18%)
Scheduled Tribe
  • Male
  •  Female
81,45,081 (22.13%)
40,66,783 (11.05%)
40,78,298 (11.08%)

   
Sex Ratio
972
Decadal Growth Rate
15.94%
Density of Population
236 per Sq. Km.
District Population
  • Highest (Ganjam)
  • Lowest (Deogarh)

31,60,635
2,74,108
Total Literacy Rate
  • Male
  • Female
63.61%
75.95%
50.97%
Highest Literacy Rate (Khurda)
81%
Lowest Literacy Rate (Malkangiri)
32%
No. of Districts
30
No. of C.D. Blocks
  • Tribal
  • Non Tribal
314
118
196
No. of Tehsils
171
No. of villages(inhabited)
47,529
No. of villages(un-inhabited)
3,820
No. of Towns
138
No. of Panchayat
6235

 Courtesy: Google