Orissa, 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.

Climate

Orissa, owing to its proximity towards the sea experience a typical tropical climate which is characterized by very hot climate during summer and maximum rainfall during monsoon season. The winter season is ideal for visitors and tourists.

There are three main seasons experienced in Orissa – summer, monsoon and winter. The summer season starts from March to June, Rainy season from July to September and winter season from October to February. However, locally there are six seasons: Grishma, Varsha, Sharata, Hemanta, Sisira, Vasanta. Every season has its own charm.

Rainy season starts from mid June and lasts till October. Monsoon rains have very much importance for crop production. But excessive rains create flood and damage crops and houses. The coastal areas of the state experience cyclone and tornado during monsoon season. The cyclonic storms originate in the Bay of Bengal often cross the east coast between Paradeep and Chandbali.

Orissa can be visited round the year. However, the best season is the winter from September to March. Tourists visiting to Orissa are advised to bring light weight cotton clothing which is ideal for hot and humid summer as well as rainy seasons. Where as Warm clothings like jackets, sweaters and coats can take care of the warm winters.

Natural Resources

Orissa is endowed with plenty of natural resources including forests, rivers and minerals.
Rivers
There are four groups of rivers flowing through Orissa into the Bay of Bengal. These are:

1. Rivers having source outside the state – the Subarnarekha, the Brahmani and the Mahanadi
2. Rivers having source inside the state – the Budhabalanga, the Baitarini, the Salandi, and the Rushikulya
3. Rivers having source inside the state but flow through other states – Bahudu, the Vansadhara, and the Nagavali
4. Rivers having a source inside Orissa, but tributary to rivers which flow through other states – the Machkund, the Sileru, the Kolab, and the Indravati.

Apart from these important rivers, there are so many small rivers flowing through the state. The two lakes i.e. Chilka and Ansupa and several waterfalls are sources of attractions for numerous visitors.


Minerals
The State of Orissa is endowed with vast mineral deposits like coal, iron-ore, manganese-ore, bauxite, chromites, etc. According to All India Mineral Resources Estimates, the mineral deposits of Orissa in respect of chromites, nickel, cobalt, bauxite, and iron-ore were about 98.4%, 95.1%, 77.5%, 52.7% and 33.4% respectively of the total deposits of India. The total deposit of minerals is given below.

Mineral Reserves in Orissa (in million tonne)

Bauxite 1733 Base Metal 9 Chromite 183 Chinaclay 311 Coal 49406 Dolomite 889 Fireclay 178

Graphite 2.2 Iron ore 4200 Vanadiferrous 4 Kyanite & Sillimanite 1.4 Limestone 1609 Manganese ore 119

Mineral sands 82 Pyrophyllite 8.6 Nickel ore 270 Quartz & Quartzite 93 Tale / Steatite 0.8 Tin ore 0.01