Erstwhile Kalinga of the famous Mauryan emporer Ashoka, the maritime state of Orissa has a varied and fascinating history represented by the famous Sun temple at Konark and the revered Jagannath temple at Puri. Home to sixty-two tribes, the state also boasts of many wild life sanctuaries with denizens including the graceful white tiger. The state’s odissi dance, handlooms and exquisite handicrafts give it a unique and favorable identity.