This book 151 Weekend Gateways and Offbeat Places near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, which covers around 250 places, is an attempt by the author to give an idea about the beauty of these lesser known places. It gives a complete view, about the details of the nearby tourist places of Bhubaneswar (i.e., other than Golden Triangle), history and legends associated with them, and culture of these places.

The book describes in details about the places like Satkoshia, the surviving biosphere and where some Amazonian forests are still left. The epoch yearly journey of endangered Olive Ridley Turtles at Gahirmatha and Rushikulya mouth for mass nesting, like annual migration of animals in Misamari in Africa will charm any visitor. Mangala jodi and Nalavana of scenic Chilika will evoke the birder in you.

Diamond triangle along with the earliest Kesha Stupa at Tarapur and old Puspagiri university will enthral the visitor with it’s old world charm.

The pristine beaches of Astaranga, Siali, Beleswar, Balighai, Hukitolaand Bali Harichandietc will give the tourists an opportunity to explore and experience the enchanting beauty, where time seems to stand still.

 The book also describes, inter- alia, in details, about the places and legends linked with Sacred temples of Sarala, Digabaruni, Uttareswari, Olasuni, Mangala, Kapilash, Joranda, Hingula, Dhangda hills with Nilamadhab, and jugleipatna etc for religious and historical tourists.

Through this book, one will get an insight in to the art and culture of the area along with many important fairs/ Melas being observed.

The book covers the salient features of the teachings of Mahima Dharma, youngest religion of world having it’s origin from Joranda, Odisha.

 As no one can replicate the beauty of these off-beat 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, to have a feel of the place, have a life time experience and be a part of the development process of these areas. Unless we promote some of them, take steps to save these spots (ie. which plays/played an important part in the lives and minds of the people) and bring them to life, whatever is left, the same may be lost in oblivion with passage of time.

The author was General Manager of PNB, director of Everest Bank Ltd., Nepal, Ex. Director in the boards of many companies and was a financial advisor, in REC Power Distribution Company Ltd. (fully owned subsidiary of REC Ltd., A Govt. of India Enterprise).

For professional requirement, the author had the opportunity to visit different parts of the country and outside. The author had written four travel books on Chhattisgarh, i.e., Beautiful Bastar, Uncharted Surguja, Captivating Bilaspur Division and  Unique Raipur and Durg Divisions which gives a complete view about the tourist places, legends, crafts and culture of entire state of Chhattisgarh.

The author who is a passionate traveller, during his visit to many places in Odisha, observed that, most of the inland and international travellers to the state visit the Golden Triangle of Puri-Konark-Bhubaneswar, several times. However, there are many potential places, even near the capital of the state, which needed the required attention, promotion and development.

The author has researched a lot about these fascinating places which are rich with glorious history, architecture, wild life, sea and sands.

The present book 151 Weekend Gateways and Offbeat Places near Bhubaneswar, Odisha which covers around 250places, is the outcome of said efforts. It is a part of other books of the author about the state of Odisha which are in the process of completion.