Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten
Odisha is known for its historical heritage and natural beauty. Numerous tourist spots dot the land accentuating its overall appeal. Here are some prominent allures.
Let Us Check Top 15 Best Places to Visit in Odisha
Table of Contents
Konark
Konark is one of the points of the Golden Triangle tour others being Puri and Bhubaneswar.
The Sun temple here is the high point of architecture of the Odisha tradition. The temple dedicated to the sun is built like a chariot with 24 wheels pulled by 12 rock horses. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit in your Odisha tour.
Puri
The most famous landmark here is the Lord Jagannath temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Millions of Hindus visit this temple every day. The car festival of the temple is so magnificent that a new word Juggernaut, describing the grandeur of the festival, has entered the English dictionary. In Puri, you can also visit…
- Narendra tank
- Sudarshan crafts museum
- Beach
- Raghurajpur artist village – can see artisans at work and buy souvenirs
- Markandeswara temple
Chilika Lake
It is the largest saltwater lagoon in Asia. Many migratory birds from Central Asia and South East Asia visit this lake in winter. You will see friendly Irrawaddy dolphins on boating trips in the lake.
Bhubaneswar
This is a city of 500 temples and the capital city of Odisha. Do not miss the following ancient temples…
- Linga raja Temple
- Rajarani temple
- Baitala Deula temple
- Ananta Vasudeva temple
- Bhaskareshwar temple
- Chausathi Jogini temple
- Brahmeshwar temple
- Mukteshwar temple
- Parashurameshwar temple
Udayagiri Dhauli Giri Caves
Close to Bhubaneshwar are the Udayagiri and Dhauligiri caves. About 20 rock-cut caves of which 18 are Hindu and 2 Jain sculpted rocks, built between the 4th and 5th centuries AD are of great historical interest.
Hirakud Dam
This is the Longest Dam in India built across the Mahanadi River. Attractions nearby are…
- Cattle Island
- Gandhi Minar
- Ghateshwari temple
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary consists of Mangrove forests, creaks and tidal deltas. It is home to the saltwater crocodiles. Take a 2nights 3 days trip to cover
- Homestay in a village on the banks of Bramhani river
- Mangroves and sighting of Bramhani kites, storks, kingfishers, eagles, egrets and more birds
- Dangmal crocodile breeding centre.
- Pentha beach
- Gahirmantha Marine Sanctuary to spot Olive Riddles
Satkosia Tiger Reserve
This reserve with narrow valleys and slopes and amazing deciduous forest, is home to tigers, Nilgai, leopards, spotted deer, sloth bear, sambar and wild dog
Mangalajodi
Found north of Chilka Lake, it is a village known for the unique birds that visit here such as the Bronze-winged Jacana, Palm Swift, Knob-billed Duck, Gadwall, Ruddy Shelduck and Northern Sholver.
Chandipur beach
At low tide about a 5 kms beach is visible and at high tide it is submerged in the sea. Due to this unique animals like the Horseshoe crab thrive. This spot is great for picnics. Water is shallow here and safe for swimming during low tide
Gopalpur
Come to Gopalpur to watch Ridley Turtles nest and also enjoy aqua sports.
The Gopalpur Beach festival attracts lots of tourists and locals. Live concerts of celebrities and dance numbers keep the audience on their feet. Lots of shops selling jewellery and local art have a busy day while camel rides keep the children engaged.
Cuttack
Cuttack is an important city in Odisha also known as Millennium City as it was founded some 1000 years ago.
Some of the spots you should visit in this city are
- Netaji Birthplace
- Barabati Fort
- Dhabaleswar Island
- Ma Chandi temple
- Mahanandi Barrage
- Odisha Maritime Museum
- Paradeep museum
Cuttack is also known for its silver filigree work; don’t forget to buy some to augment your home decor collections.
Daringbadi
It is named after a young Britisher. This hill station is brim-filled with fresh pine forests, flowers, coffee and pepper gardens and waterfalls, an apt choice for your honeymoon or summer holidays.
Sambalpur
Sambalpur is the cultural capital of Odisha. The Samaleswari temple is the presiding deity here and the temple dedicated to this Goddess was built in the 16th century. Check out the following spots if you are visiting this city
- Wild Animal Conservation Centre
- Art gallery
- Watchtower at the top of Budharaja Hill
Food in Odisha
Some of the local specialities are Aloo dum, Machha Jholo (fish-based dish), Cuttack based chaat, badi choora, Santula, Dalma, Pithas, Rasabali, Rosagolla, Chenna Gaja, Chenna Poda, Khora Khhaii and Macha Jhola
The top restaurants to relish this local fare are:
- Truptee Restaurant
- Dalma
- Narulas
- Kanika
- Hare Krishna restaurant
- Odisha Hotel
When to visit
The best time to visit Odisha is between the months of October and March. The climate is moderate and you can visit all the above place with ease.
How to reach
By Air
The Biju Patnaik International Airport operates domestic and international flights to major cities across the country and the world
By Road
The National Highway 16 connects the Western states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu connecting all the major cities in these states along the way. The state is also connected to other major cities of India by road.
By Train
Odisha is connected to the other parts of the country via major trains such as Rajdhani, Coromandel Express and Konark Express via the Bhubaneshwar Railway station.
