Amazing KBK Region and Lord Ram’s Trail (A BOOK ON ODISHA'S RELIGIOUS TOURISM AND CULTURE)

This book, Amazing KBK Region and Lord Ram’s Trail , is an attempt by the author to give an idea about the beautiful places of Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Balangir, Subarnapur, Nuapada and Kalahandi districts. It describes in details about the Sacred temples of the area including 12 th Jyotirlinga at Bhimpur, some of the important personalities like- Padmasambhava (i.e. 2 nd Buddha), waterfalls, forests/sanctuaries, many sculptures/ruins like -32- steps throne (Batrish Singhasan) and Archaeological remains of Asurgarh and Maraguda along with cave paintings of Gudahandi, Puja Dongri and Yogimath which are unique in the country. Through this book, one will know about distinctive food specialties, get an insight in to tribes including primitive tribes like Dongaria Kandhas, tribal dances, festivals, tantra (esoteric power), the art and craft, history, culture and legends of the region along with many important fairs/ melas being observed. The empowered and effective labour co-operatives (i.e. ANSIR) to provide labourers for major works amongst Lanjia Sauras which are one of the earliest in the country, Sarnas/sacred grooves to maintain forests and youth dormitories of some tribes which is the oldest living university and where the deep knowledge is gained from the university of life without any book and test, will be a learning experience for any visitor. Although it may not be a glamorous journey for a traveller, but this journey will be a kind of discovery and the more one will come to know, the more one will be fascinated. Visit to the spots through which the mythical and epic journey of Lord Ram passed will enchant any visitor. As no one can replicate the beauty of these places without visit and seeing the places in one’s own eyes, the author requests, one and all, to visit at least once, to these lesser known beautiful places described in the book, to have a feel of the place, have a life time experience and be a part of the development process of these areas.