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10 Great Places to Vacation in December

December family vacations can be cheaper than vacations at any other time of the year. But there’s a reason for that: Much of the Northern Hemisphere gets pretty cold in the winter months. Still, there are some great vacations to be found — including some in places you might not ordinarily think of.

New York City

There’s nothing like Christmas in New York. You’ve seen it in numerous movies. Ice skating by the Rockefeller Center, extravagant Fifth Avenue shopping, warming cocktails and world-class restaurants all await the winter Big Apple explorer.

Death Valley

Death Valley may be one of the hottest places on Earth for much of the year, but in December temperatures drop to a comfortable 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. That makes this otherwise prohibitive destination ideal for great hiking vacations in the winter.

If you just want to beat the winter blues, why not take the family to Miami? You can celebrate Christmas at the beach. The Magic City is also home to the world’s largest holiday theme park: Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Tropical Park. Then there’s the Miami Lantern Light Festival and plenty of art and culture.

Not too far from Miami is Orlando and its assortment of unforgettable theme parks. Of course, it’s always pretty crowded — even in the winter. But the first two weeks of December tend to be less busy than once the schools have closed for Christmas.

Maybe you want to get out of the country entirely. If so, December is a great time of year to visit Rome. You’ll avoid the summertime crowds (and prices) and experience a deeply religious approach to Christmas. Of course, you’ll also get to sample the many culinary delights of the Eternal City, including winter comfort foods like pasta, hot chocolate and panettone Christmas cake.

There’s nothing quite like the Christmas markets of Europe’s ancient capitals. In Vienna, Austria, the City Hall market boasts ice skating, reindeer and a giant Christmas tree. Elsewhere, you’ll get to try mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread. If nothing else, it’s a great place to do some quirky Christmas shopping for friends and family back home.

Speaking of ancient, the city of Dresden is home to the oldest Christmas market in Germany. The Striezelmarkt, as it’s called, has been going for roughly 600 years. Located in the east of Germany, Dresden’s also well-placed for excursions to the Czech Republic.

Or perhaps it’s Christmas that you want to escape. The island of Phuket in Thailand is a popular destination for some of the best warm vacations you’ll ever have. The beaches are beautiful, the people are welcoming and the weather in December is ideal.

St. Bart’s

Another paradise island is St. Bart’s in the French West Indies. Being much closer to the United States in the Caribbean, it’s a good choice for mini family vacations in December. There’s plenty to do, from sun bathing to water sports to shopping.

The best time to visit Kolkata (or Calcutta) in India may be December, when the air is cooler and less humid. Although it’s not a popular destination any time of the year, it’s a wonderfully authentic part of the country. Visitors enjoy taking in daily life on the banks of the Ganges and sampling local street food like panipuri (fried balls of pastry with fillings). The neoclassical Marble Palace is also well worth a visit.

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The Best Places to Go for First-Time Solo Travelers

tourist places near khiching

Going on your first solo trip is scary, but the countries on this list make the experience easy and worthwhile. Many travelers prioritize safety, breezy navigation and friendly locals. If you’re one of those travelers, this list is perfect for you.

Here are the best places to go for first-time solo travelers. After visiting these countries, you’ll be thinking, “I should’ve done this a long time ago!”

Famous for its good wine, sandy beaches and football, Portugal is a great place for first-time solo travel. It’s hard to resist the historic cities, rich culture and beautiful, sunny weather.

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Portugal is safe and comfortable for tourists to get lost in. The approachable locals are known to help or chat with tourists. Plus, the Portuguese love learning about other groups of people, which shows in the variety of their museums.

Voted one of the world’s friendliest places for visitors, Lisbon is where everyone goes. Wander the hills or cobblestone streets. Check out the dazzling architecture and growing arts scene. Some notable points of interest include the Baixa district, the medieval Belém Tower, Alfama’s rooftops and St. George’s Castle. The Lisbon experience would not be complete without riding on a tram or eating a freshly baked “pastel de nata” (custard tart).

Porto is another charming city with plenty to offer. Harry Potter fans flock here to visit the magical Livraria Lello bookstore that inspired the Hogwarts Library in J.K. Rowling’s books. Tourists also go to admire the 12th-century Porto Cathedral, the 1800s São Bento railway station and the historic Bolsa Palace.

Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most popular destination with a long history of welcoming international tourists. Solo travelers will love that the country is budget-friendly and easy to navigate. Its street food scene is world-famous. Even better, the locals are warm and inviting.

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Many travelers highly recommend stopping in Bangkok to fall in love with the city. Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn).

Want to get away from city life? Hop to one of Thailand’s islands. Check out Koh Tao and lie back in a hotel room that costs $20 a night or less. With miles of clear waters and white sand, the island is a beach-lover’s dream.

Many travelers can’t stop talking about how safe, clean, organized and technologically advanced Japan is. Plus, the locals are very respectful and friendly. These aspects make the country an ideal destination for those flying alone for the first time, especially when you don’t know the language or where you’re going. Any time is the best time to visit, but many travelers strongly suggest going in the springtime, when it’s blooming season for cherry blossoms.

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The “golden triangle” is a popular journey for travelers that features three of Japan’s major destinations. First stop? Tokyo, a big modern city with bright lights and towering skyscrapers. Must-see attractions in the city include Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Market, the temple Sensō-ji and Shinjuku’s entertainment district.

After exploring Tokyo, hop on Japan’s impressive high-speed bullet train to Kyoto or Osaka. Full of peaceful temples, old neighborhoods and real geisha, Kyoto is much more traditional and relaxing than Tokyo. Popular attractions in Kyoto include Arashiyama (a bamboo forest), Fushimi Inari Taisha (a Shinto shrine with famed gates) and Kinkaku-ji (the iconic golden-colored temple).

Osaka, another big city, often gets compared to Tokyo. However, once visitors step into Osaka, they see that it has its own unique vibe. Check out Japan’s Universal Studios and Dōtonbori, a.k.a. the bright heart of the city.

New Zealand

Widely known as the filming location of The Lord of the Rings , New Zealand is one of the top destinations for solo travelers. The country provides a welcoming and laid-back environment to keep residents and tourists happy.

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New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world, giving solo travelers who prioritize safety peace of mind. The country is also great for outdoorsy travelers. Two islands make up New Zealand — North Island and South Island.

On North Island, go on a tour at the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Check out the powerful Huka Falls. Of course, the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour is also a must-do.

Behold the natural beauty of Milford Sound on South Island. Many mountains, lakes and parks are waiting to be explored there, like Abel Tasman National Park and Mount Cook.

Hawaii isn’t just for lovers; Hawaii is actually an extraordinary destination for travelers flying solo for the first time. Cue the fireworks! Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure or a lesson on history, there’s plenty of fun things to do in Hawaii. The state has four major islands that travelers can visit — Kauai, Maui, the Big Island (also named Hawaii) and Oahu.

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Dubbed the “the Garden Isle,” Kauai is best for travelers who want to get away from the crowds. Kauai is home to miles of lush foliage and dramatic cliffs. See the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Maui is a great destination for beach bums and adventure seekers. Catch the sunrise at 10,023 feet in Haleakala National Park. Take a long scenic ride on the Road to Hana, which is also famous for its twists and turns. Some travelers argue that Maui has some of the best beaches in the world.

Animal lovers and outdoorsy visitors will appreciate the Big Island the most. It has all sorts of landscapes and climates, from snow-capped mountains to humid rainforests. Some popular attractions include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waipi’o Valley and the Kohala Coast (to spot green sea turtles).

Oahu is best for foodies, shoppers and travelers who love city life. Although it seems as if the island is all about action, travelers can still find time to unwind. Check out the iconic Waikiki Beach or learn about history at Pearl Harbor museums and memorials.

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Top Things to Do in Khiching, Odisha

Places to visit in khiching.

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  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Viratgarh Fort

2. khiching museum.

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  • Temples & Monuments

khiching

  • Attractions

A Perfect Example of Temple Renovation

The present day temple of Goddess Kichakeswari a form of Chamunda is a tale of a perseverance of a king and the dedication of a supervisor from Archaeological Survey of India. The beautiful district of Mayurbhanj was once the citadel of the Bhanja Kings from 950 AD to 1250 AD. Being patrons of art and culture they encouraged a cosmopolitan culture which allowed art and culture to flourish in the region.

The Khiching temple was a watershed moment in during the rule of the Bhanja dynasty. After the rule of Bhanja’s ended, the region suffered from neglect and its heritage gathered dust and ultimately was lost in the ruins. The anointed successor of Bhanja dynasty Maharaja Purna Chandra Bhanja Deo took up the task of restoring the temple of Goddess Kichikeswari the family deity between 1922-1924. After painstaking excavation work and finalizing of the design, the Maharaja met a tragic death in 1928.

After the death of the Maharaja, Shri. Sailendra Prasad Bose then a supervisor with ASI stepped in. The work of the temple started in 1934 and completed in 1941, costing a princely sum of Rs.80, 000/- then. The renovated temple conforms to the Odisha Style of Temple Architecture however, there is no Jagamohana (porch).

The idol of the presiding deity Goddess Kichakeswari is Goddess Chamunda in an emaciated form and of fearful disposition. The legend of the goddess and the beauty of the temple occupies pride of place amongst the people of Mayurbhanj.

The museum located in the temple premises is a storehouse of exquisite pieces of sculptures, which were recovered during the excavation work.

See to Believe

Below is a visual treat of Khiching. Enjoy the immersive experience and experience the 360 degree views and virtual tours which are soon going to enhance your visual journey!

Khiching

Trails/ Packages Covering Khiching

Like what you see? Looking to have a well-rounded experience in Odisha? Presenting a list of some curated, pre-packaged tours covering some of the most coveted destinations in Odisha. Browse and see details of the trail/package which interests you the most. Reach out to the Department of Tourism (DoT) recognized travel agents, who are here to provide you with some memorable experiences and moments.

There's a variety of options for you to stay at. From Star Rated Hotels, Eco Tour Nature Camps equipped with state of the art swiss tents and facilities to OTDC Government Hotels, Bed Breakfasts and Homestays to choose from. Browse the list below to choose your preferred accomodation.

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Eco Retreat Konark

Ramachandi Beach,Konark

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Eco Retreat Daringbadi

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Essentials Cheat Sheet

  • 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM – afternoon reccess
  • Bhadrak has branches of all the major banks & ATM’s.
  • Bhadrak has limited hotels. Alternately one can stay at Balasore. Check the list of accredited hotels.
  • If you are staying at Balasore, check out the Boyanika showroom at Cinema Bazar, Motiganj is a good option to collect souvenirs.

Nearby Destinations

Wish to make the best of your trip to Khiching ? Make sure your itinerary covers these below must-see destinations close to Khiching.Most of these are highly coveted on every tourists bucket list and can be reached from Khiching in a matter of hours.  We have found 2 such places close to Khiching that will maximize your Experience-Odisha!

tourist places near khiching

The Divinity Attached Just Accentuates Its Magnificence

tourist places near khiching

The call of wilderness

Similipal Nature Camps

Getting there.

  • Nearest Railway Station - Bhadrak
  • Nearest Airport - Bhubaneswar
  • Distance from Bhubaneswar - 242 KM 
  • Road Transport Bhadrak is well connected by road services from major cities of Odisha

Weather & Climate

Find a travel agency / tour operator.

Below is a list of travel agents/tour operators who are our trusted local specialists. Contact them today to plan a well-rounded trip to Odisha, and for getting the best deals. Their packages cover everything - from the most visited to the off-beat, from ancient to urbane, from mountains to beaches, from city life to stargazing nights. Click on the contact button and get a call back!

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Ananta Basudeva Temple

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Biraja Temple

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Chausathi Yogini

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Jagannath Temple

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Lingaraj Temple

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Mukteswar Temple

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Parasurameswar Temple

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Rajarani Temple

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Samaleswari Temple

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Tara Tarini

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Udaygiri & Khandagiri Caves

Odisha beckons.

tourist places near khiching

Did You Know?

Odisha is home to 2 of the 4 Adi Shakti Peetha’s of the Country, they are The Tara Tarini temple at Ganjam and Bimala Temple located inside the Jagannath Temple premises at Puri.

tourist places near khiching

Marine Drive Eco Retreat, Konark is the first ever glamping experience in eastern India.

tourist places near khiching

Barehipani Falls at Similipal is one of the highest waterfalls in India with a height of 399 meters.

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States › Odisha › Heritage › Khiching

Khiching Odisha

Comes under the district of Mayurbhanj, Khiching is a historical village that was once the capital of Bhanja rules. The star attraction of this beautiful place is a Maa Kichakeswari Temple which dates back to the 7th or 8th century. Kichakeswari Temple is made up of chlorite slabs and boasts an impressive Kalinga architectural design. However, the temple is believed to be the first temple of Odisha and because of this Khiching is known as the town with a rich heritage history. But, the architectural ruins recovered from this place said that the temple traces its history from the 8th to 12th century. It is also said that, once the town was a house of eight Shiva temples out of which seven can still be traced. At present, there are just three ancient temples left that worship Chandrasekhar, Kutaitundi, and Kichakeswari. In order to lure more tourists to the village, a museum has been also installed that boasts life-size images of numerous deities like Ganesha, Durga, Tara, Parvati, Parsvanatha, Vaishnavi, Avalokitesvara, Kartikeya, Dhyani Buddha, Uma-Maheswara, Nandi, and more. On display, there are also sculpted parts of various ancient temples to promote the heritage tourism in the region.

  • Best Time to Visit

The secluded land of Khiching can be visited anything during the year. However, the best time to visit Khiching is from the month of October to March, i.e., the winter season.

How to Reach?

Jamshedpur Airport in Ranchi is the nearest airhead from Khiching which is located at a distance of 147 km from Khiching. Whereas, the nearest railway station from Khiching is Badampahar at a distance of 43 km. Besides, tourists travelling from nearby villages and towns can also prefer the imposing network of roads and highways to reach Khiching.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

  • Sanaghagara Waterfall: Located at a distance of 51 km from Khiching, Sanaghagara is a 100 ft high waterfall in Keonjhar district. Engirdled by serene nature and scenic beauty, this waterfall is surely a worth visiting place while exploring Khiching.
  • Baladevjew Temple: Another place of tourist interest in Keonjhar district is Baladevjew Temple. A historical Hindu shrine which is known for its unique culture and highly religious significance.
  • Khiching Museum: The museum of Khiching is one of the perfect places to sharpen your knowledge about the local culture and heritage. The museum boasts a great assortment which includes relics of ancient temples, artefacts, copper plate inscriptions, ancient coins, idols, and more.
  • Kichakeswari Temple: The star attraction of Khichling town, Kichakeswari Temple dates back from 7th or 8th century. Inside the present temple, one can see the large ten-armed skeletal idol of Chamunda with wearing a skull garland.

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Eastern Golden Triangle of Odisha

05 NIGHTS/06 DAYS

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Gems of East India

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Tranquility at its Best

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12 NIGHTS/13 DAYS

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09 NIGHTS/10 DAYS

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06 NIGHTS/07 DAYS

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Bhitarkanika & Simlipal Tour

04 NIGHTS/05 DAYS

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Bhitarkanika National Park with Puri and Bhubaneshwar Tour

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Odisha Tribal Village Photography Tour

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Odisha Tribal Tour

11 NIGHTS/12 DAYS

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Odisha Travel Information at a Glance

Get authentic information on how to plan an incredible trip to Odisha. Tour My India brings to you all the important details on how to reach Odisha by different means of transport along with information on where to visit and what to do on your Odisha tour. Find information on best time to visit Odisha and a comprehensible travel guide to varied destinations in the state that are worth visiting.

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Tourism in Khiching

On the eastern seaboard of India, Orissa occupies a significant place in the cultural history of India as a center of art and architecture. Filled with exquisite temples and extraordinary monuments, it possesses sandy beaches with tall palms and swaying casuarina trees, wildlife sanctuaries and natural landscape of enchanting beauty. The famous Sun Temple at Konark, the Jagannath temple at Puri and the Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar are some of the architectural marvels of this ancient state. In addition to these famous temples, there are endless monuments and shrines, all waiting to be visited and explored. One such place is Khiching in the Mayurbhanj district in northern Orissa. The architectural and sculptural ruins recovered from this site indicate that it must have been a major center of civilization around the 8th to 12th centuries AD.

Khiching is situated in the eastern Indian state of Orissa and is a famous heritage site. This place is the most important historical and tourist site in Mayurbhanj district. It is situated in the Karanjia sub-division, 150 km from Baripada and 320 kilometers from Bhubaneswar.

The name Khiching is a corruption of Khijjinga or Khijjinga-kota, the capital of the early Bhaja rulers. The ruins of this ancient magnificent town extend far beyond the limits of the present village from the bank of the Khairabandhan river in the north to that of the Kantakhair river in the south. Due to its geographical situation and political role, it experienced varied cultural influences and contacts. Such influences and contacts guided the course of development of the art of Khiching. Despite the influences, the art of Khiching lived with vitality for centuries and expressed the aesthetic experience and religious sensibilities with an individuality of its own.

Best Time to Visit Khiching

The quaint town of Khiching is located in Orissa, one of the coastal states of India, that can be visited all throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Khiching is between the months of October and March. These are the winter months when the weather is very pleasant and one can enjoy sightseeing. Along with this, during this time you can also spot numerous colorful migratory birds who land up at the forests and lakes of Orissa.

There are three main seasons in Khiching- Summer, Rain and Winter. The summer months are from March to June and the temperatures are extremely high at this time. The month of July brings lots of rains that continue till August end. Winters enter Khiching from October and continue till March.

How to Reach Khiching

Tourist attractions in khiching.

Legend has it that once upon a time, Khiching had eight Shiva temples of which seven lingams can still be traced. But now the place primarily has three ancient temples dedicated to Kutaitundi, Chandrasekhar and Kichakeswari, fortified ruins of Viratgarh, Kichakagarh, many stupas, and sculptures.

The large temple of the town is dedicated to Kichakeswari, the family goddess of the ruling chiefs of Mayurbhanj. Rich in architectural splendor and exquisite beauty chiseled on its outer surface, it is the most impressive monument of Khiching.

The present Kichakeswari temple, originally dating back to the seventh or eighth century AD, was reconstructed from the ruins of an earlier temple in the early 20th century. It is not known how the king of Khiching got his ideas for such an unfortunate restoration, since the old photographs of the site indicate that there were merely enormous masses of fallen stones lying in mounds in different parts of site. The restoration seems to be incorrect in several details. The present shrine preserves a large ten-armed skeletal image of Chamunda with prominent veins, ribs and sunken belly, wearing a garland of skulls and seated on a dead body. In brief, the Parasvadevatas, the Chaitya arches, the amorous couples, the scroll works and the arabesques still to be found in the original parts of the temple clearly indicate that it may be a close contemporary of the Brahmesvara and the Lingaraj temples of Bhubaneswar.

The shrine of Chandrasekhar is still standing intact in the compound. The plinth and the walls of the cell are almost intact of the shikhara, the mastaka portion, which had fallen, has been restored with great care in the first quarter of the present century. The decorations of the lintel and the jambs of the doorway and the figures of the doorkeepers, Chanda and Prachanda, are well executed.

There are ruins of two fortified palaces of Khiching. The more extensive one on the river Khairabandhan is now known as Viratgarh, and the other, Kichakagarh, named after the well-known character in the Mahabharat. They were apparently the royal residences of the ancient Bhanja rulers. The site of Viratgarh was excavated and the brick remains unearthed along with a number of antiquities such as pottery, terracotta figurines, stone images, beads, pieces of gold and seals. The discovery of a Kushan coin pushes the history of place to the second century AD.

To the southwest of the present Khiching temple is a place called Chaula Kunji where there are 14 pillars, four large and ten small, all monoliths. These pillars were brought to their present position sometime during 1932. It is also called the Natya-Mandir. This site is in a dilapidated condition. Unless proper care is taken immediately, the pillars may fall down any time. The vast ruins of Kichakagarh lie to the southwest of this site.

On the southeast of the Kichakeswari temple complex is a brick mound called Itamundia. This site has a huge image of the Buddha. One doorjamb of this site contains an image of Mahisha-Durga.

Chandisal is another important place situated to the south of Itamundia. This has been excavated and conserved. The most noteworthy discovery from this place is the carved bricks, which formed the wall of the main temple. An image of the Buddha enshrined in the lower part of the temple was found during the excavation.

From a place called Bhaibohu Dedhasura, on the bank of the river Kantakhair, two images of Uma-Maheswara were recovered. The doorjambs and lintel of the temple located at this site were unearthed and found to be in good condition. The stones used in this temple excluding the jambs, lintel and kalasa are laterite. The large number of laterite bricks lying around this spot are now being used by the local people for their construction requirements.

By far the most exciting aspect of Khiching town is a museum housed in the temple compound. The museum contains a large number of life-size images of Durga, Ganesh, Parsvanatha, Tara, Parvati, Ardhanageswar, Vaishnavi, Nandi, Kartikeya, Avalokiteswar, Dhyani Buddha, Mahishasuramardini, Uma-Maheswara and female devotees. In addition, it has copper and iron implements, terracotta figurines, seals, ornaments, potteries, coins, stone tools and various fragments of the temples. In the courtyard of the museum, several sculpted parts of ancient temples of the site have been displayed in the open.

The monuments of Khiching represent one of the highest points of the Orissan sculpture tradition. It combined a highly original aesthetic sense with extraordinary craftsmanship. The temple and sculptures of the place are all found in blue fine-grained chlorite, which is more enduring in nature and conducive for receiving fine ornamentation. The iconographical evidences suggest that under the early Bhaja rulers, Khiching was a prosperous town where Brahmanism, Buddhism, and Jainism flourished side by side.

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Kichakeswari Temple, Khiching, Mayurbhanj

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Khiching temple

Kichakeswari Temple is situated at Khiching village in Mayurbhanj and is 145 km distance from Baripada town. Previously it was the capital of the Bhanja dynasty of  Mayurbhanja . Goddess Kichakeswari is the presiding deity of the  temple . The temple has an archaeological remains dating back to the Middle Ages that look beautiful and is built entirely of granite. Nilakanthaswar temple is located beside the Kichakeswari. Khiching Mandir is a famous ancient temple in Mayurbhanj.

History of Maa kichakeswari temple

Khiching temple

The temple’s height is around 100 feet. During the Mahabharata, Khichka’s deity was Khichkeswari, named after him. The height of the khichakeswari temple is 100 feet. The temple was built in the 9th to 10th centuries. It is believed that Panchupandava stayed here during Mahabharata. Ganesha, Kartika, Dasbhuja Durga and Chandrasekhar Mahadev are worshipped in the Khichkeswari temple premises.

tourist places near khiching

Basantika Durgapuja and Mahashiva Ratri are the main festival of this temple. A large number of devotees come here to observe the festival. There is an archaeological Museum where images of Ancient Gods. On the whole, Khiching is a beautiful place of archaeological remains. The museum was built in 1922 by Maharaja Purna Chandra Bhanjdeo and is the first museum in Odisha. Khiching temple is the best tourist place in Mayurbhanj, Odisha.

Khiching temple

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The ancient capital of the Bhanja rules, Khiching lies about 205 Km away from Balasore and 150 km from Baripada. Scores of temples dominate the place, some of which are still in active worship. The predominant deity of Khiching is Kichakeswari, the most scared Goddess of the Mayurbhanj chiefs. The temple dedicated to her is built entirely of chlorite slabs and unique of it kind in India. The sculptures are beautiful. A small museum here boasts of highly important historical specimens of sculpture and art.

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How to Reach :

Nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 kms) and Kolkata (240 km)

Nearest railhead is Balasore (60 km from Baripada), served by major trains running on the South-Eastern sector.

Regular bus services are available from Baripada and Keonjhar. Frequent trekker services are available too.

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Khiching village.

Khiching Village

Goddess Kichakeswari Temple

Temple in Khiching

Legends Associated with Goddess Kichakeswari Temple

Structure of goddess kichakeswari temple, timings of the temple, festivals celebrated at khiching village, tourist attraction near khiching village, how to reach khiching village, explore more about tourism in baripada.

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Mayurbhanj Tourist Destination Guide

Enquiry now, about mayurbhanj, planning a trip to mayurbhanj here's our list of 9 top tourist places to visit in mayurbhanj.

Mayurbhanj is a district in Odisha. The geographical area of the district is 10,418 Sq.Km. and situated in the Northern boundary of the state with district Headquarters at Baripada. The district lies between 22.0087° North and 86.4187° East. The district is bounded in the North by Medinipur district of West Bengal, Singbhum district of Jharkhand in the South, Balasore district in the west and by Keonjhar district in the East.

Mayurbhanj occupies a unique position being endowed with lush green vegetation, different Fauna and rich cultural heritage. The district has a rich mineral base and is home to the Similipal Biosphere. Iron-ore(Hematite), vanadiferous and titaniferous magnetic, China Clay, Galena(lead ore), Kyanite, Asbestos, Steatite(soapstone) and quartzite constitute the principal mineral resources of Mayurbhanj district, of these the iron-ore deposits of Gorumahisani, Badampahar and Suleipat, which have been exploited for a period of about half a century, deserve special mention.

The rulers of the Bhanja dynasty continued to rule over this State in unbroken succession since about the 9 th century AD. The name of the State under the early Bhanja rulers was Khijjinga Mandala named after the Capital Khijjinga Kotta.

The Mayurbhanj state got merged in the state of Odisha on 1 st January 1949. Since the date of its merger, Mayurbhanj has been organized and is administered as one of the districts of Odisha.

Top 9 Places to Visit in Mayurbhanj

Maa ambika temple.

Maa Ambika Temple

This temple is an ancient temple in Baripada and the Bijesthali of the presiding deity. People of Baripada strongly believe her as The Living Goddess , who as a mother showers her blessings to all mankind.

Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple Baripada

This is the third popular Jagannatha temple in Odisha after Puri and the Shabara Shreekshetra in Koraput. The annual unique Ratha Yatra is a major attraction in the town of Baripada. The annual Ratha Yatra in Baripada is observed during the Dwitiya of Shuklapakshya Ashadha or during the second week of July. The Yatra is celebrated a day after it is celebrated in Puri.

Similipal

Simlipal is located at a distance of 17 km from the district headquarter Baripada. The Simlipal wildlife sanctuary and the National Park is spread over a very big area. There is a tiger reserve at Simlipal. The deep forests of Simlipal and a lot of animals of different species are the biggest attraction of this place. The grassy lands and hundreds of birds sitting on trees are worth watching. Tourists can enjoy the amazing view of this place while walking inside the park. The Barehipani Waterfall and Joranda waterfall at Simlipal are other major attractions for tourists.

Devkund

Devkund is a beautiful place. There are forests, waterfall and hills which give a scenic and panoramic view of this place. There is a temple of Maa Ambika on the top of the hill.

Bhimkund

The pool Bhimkund in the Baitarani river is located near the Booking village of Mayurbhanj. Stone walls surround the pool from each side. Bhimkund has mythological importance as it is believed that the second Pandav Bhim took bath in Bhimkund during their exile. People visit this place to enjoy a picnic.

Bhimkund

Ramatirtha of Mayurbhanj is very famous in Odisha due to its natural beauties and temple of Sri Rama. As per the Indian mythological history, during the days of Tretaya Yuga, Lord Sri Rama along with Devi Sita and Brother Laxman passed through the forest of Similipal; where due to tiredness Sita sat on the plateau for a while and she washes her face and feet in the river that flows beneath. Then onwards, Ramatirtha of Mayurbhanj became a legendary place in the name of Sri Rama and Devi Sita. Every year on Makar Sankranti(Mid of January), Mahanta peoples celebrate the Tusumelana festival or Tusu Parab. Tusu is a type of tribal and local song, on which the people used to dance in a group.

Khiching

Khiching in Mayurbhanj is famous for the temple of Maa Kichakeswari. It is situated in the village of Khiching. There is also a museum near the temple where some old statuses, sculptures, arts etc are kept preserved.

Manatri

The Baidyanath(Lord Shiva) temple is situated at a distance of 40 km from Baripada at Manatri. The temple has beautiful architecture and on the walls of the temple, a description of the Mayurbhanj Royal Family is written in the Odia script. The river Gangahar and water channels surround the temple from three sides. Thousands of people gather at this temple during Shiv Ratri Festival.

Lulung

Lulung is located 30 km away from Baripada. This place attracts many visitors for its scenic view. This is an ideal place for peoples who love adventure and also for those who love nature. This place is also known for the stone utensils.

How to reach Mayurbhanj

Baripada city is the major city in the Mayurbhanj district. And the closest international Airport to Baripada is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport also known as the Dum Dum Airport of Kolkata; which is around 195 km. Another one shall be Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneshwar, which is some 207 km from Baripada.

You can easily get regular trains to Baripada from other major cities in the country.

There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Baripada.

Best Time to Visit Mayurbhanj

Between September to March is the best time to visit Mayurbhanj, as it is during this time that the temperature and humid atmosphere shall be under check and in your favor.

Weather of Mayurbhanj

Mayurbhanj, India visibility is going to be around 10 km i.e. 6 miles and an atmospheric pressure of 1014 mb. The daytime temperature is going to reach 26°C and the temperature is going to dip to 13°C at night. It will be dry with no precipitation and cloud covering 0% of the sky, the humidity will be around 38%.

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IMAGES

  1. Tourism in Khiching: Things to do in Khiching

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  2. Kichakeshwari Temple of Khiching

    tourist places near khiching

  3. Odisha Tourism : The Renovated temple

    tourist places near khiching

  4. Kichakeshwari Temple of Khiching

    tourist places near khiching

  5. Kichakeshwari Temple of Khiching

    tourist places near khiching

  6. Orissa Tourism Places : An Inside View: Kichakeswari Temple or Khiching

    tourist places near khiching

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