This article will highlight best places to visit in Odisha. Unique cultural ethos, varied historical backdrops and multifaceted natural beauty of the state itself make it a must visit.
Odisha is famous for the temples at Puri and Bhubaneswar, the architecture of Konark, and the Chilika lake.
Exciting Odisha is the blend of spirituality, wonderful adventure integrating the varied natural beauty for an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Key Points & Best Place To Visit In Odissa
| Place | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Puri | Famous for Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach, and the annual Rath Yatra. |
| Konark | Home to the Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architecture. |
| Bhubaneswar | Known as the Temple City with sites like Lingaraj Temple and Rajarani Temple. |
| Chilika Lake | Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, ideal for bird watching and dolphin spotting. |
| Cuttack | Historic city with Barabati Fort, Netaji Birthplace Museum, and silver filigree work. |
| Raghurajpur | Heritage crafts village known for Pattachitra paintings and traditional art. |
| Gopalpur | Serene beach town perfect for relaxation and water sports. |
| Bhitarkanika National Park | Rich in mangrove forests, crocodiles, and diverse wildlife. |
| Simlipal National Park | A tiger reserve with waterfalls, dense forests, and tribal culture. |
| Dhauli Hills | Site of the Kalinga War, featuring peace pagoda and Buddhist heritage. |
10 Best Place To Visit In Odissa
1. Puri
Puri is a city of great reverence among Indian coastal cities thanks to the Jagannath Temple, which draws countless attendees each year for the Rath Yatra festival.
In Puri, the beaches provide a great serene area to enjoy the sunrise of the Bay of Bengal, and the town caters to spirituality too.
Puri is a great relaxing area and it serves traditional Odia culture and cuisine, sweets and seafood included.
Puri is a delightful rest stop for culture-seeking pilgrims or travelers, as it is a wonderful area to enjoy with family, Puri possesses natural loveliness and is a great cultural area to enjoy.
| Famous Things in Puri |
|---|
| Jagannath Temple |
| Puri Beach |
| Rath Yatra Festival |
| Chilika dolphin tours nearby |
| Local handicrafts and souvenirs |
2. Konark
Konark is renowned for the Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sun Temple is famous for its detailed stone carvings and its architecture resembling a giant chariot.
The masons and artists of the temple worked towards the temple’s construction in the 13th century. It is a part of the cultural heritage of Odisha.
The Konark Dance Festival is hosted annually and attracts performers all over the country to display classical Odissi.
Besides the temple, visitors to Konark will enjoy the coastal scene and the vibrant markets selling traditional wood carvings and textiles. The combination of all of this makes Konark a required visit.
| Famous Things in Konark |
|---|
| Sun Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) |
| Stone carvings and sculptures |
| Chariot-shaped temple architecture |
| Konark Dance Festival |
| Local handicrafts |
3. Bhubaneswar
As the capital of the Indian state of Odisha, Bhubaneswar is sometimes referred to as the ‘Temple City of India’ owing to the concentration of ancient temples in the city, such as the Lingaraj, Mukteshwar, and Rajarani temples.
The city has a harmonious and captivating blend of old and new. Markets, museums, and educational institutions, combined with the country’s the transport, and the hospitality, makes it a good destination for longer trips.
The city is also a good place to start a visit to surrounding heritage sites, such as the Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves with their ancient Jain rock sculptures.
During the stay, the planned culture, cuisine and urban Bhubaneswar provide a wide variety of experiences.
| Famous Things in Bhubaneswar |
|---|
| Lingaraj Temple |
| Mukteshwar Temple |
| Rajarani Temple |
| Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves |
| Odisha State Museum |
| Temples with ancient Odia architecture |
4. Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is classified as brackish, and as the largest lagoon of its kind in all of Asia, it is truly a gift to those who enjoy the beauty of nature as well as to enthusiasts of ornithology.
While it spans the length of the coastline of the state of Odisha in India, it is also the habitat of migratory birds like flamingos, pelicans, and herons.
Chilika Lake is also home to the rare eco-tourism marvel, the Irrawaddy dolphins. Saving the best for last, the lake also offers boat rides where tourists can sail to picturesque islands.
Those are the Nalaban and Kalijai islands, the former of which and the latter of which are home to quaint villages as well as places of religious importance.
Added to all of this, the fishing communities that surround the lake offer their patrons fresh and delightful seafood.
In all of Asia, the Chilika Lake offers the most serene waters as well, which is why it is recommended for all eco-tourists.
| Famous Things in Chilika Lake |
|---|
| Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon |
| Migratory birds (flamingos, pelicans, herons) |
| Irrawaddy dolphins |
| Boat rides to Nalaban and Kalijai Islands |
| Fishing villages and fresh seafood |
5. Cuttack
Cuttack, Odisha’s first capital, showcases beauty in varied forms. Cuttack boasts Barabati Fort, an architectural delight from the 14th century, along with an amazing collection of old temples that portray medieval Odia fine arts.
Cuttack is also known for its silver necklaces, ornaments of Cuttack Tarakasi, silver filigree work.
Cuttack is for sale during its festivals, particularly the Durga Puja and the Bali Jatra, which are celebrated with immense grandeur and bring in an audience of thousands.
Pulsating Cuttack, with its silver work and vintage Tarakasi, is a blend of culinary heritage, astounding temples, and vibrant festivals. Cuttack is a paradise for shopping, culture, and heritage.
| Famous Things in Cuttack |
|---|
| Barabati Fort |
| Silver filigree work (Tarakasi) |
| Durga Puja festival |
| Bali Jatra festival |
| Ancient temples |
6. Raghurajpur
Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village famous for its Pattachitra paintings and traditional Gotipua dance performances.
Recognized as a “Heritage Village of India,” it offers a glimpse into Odisha’s artistic traditions preserved over centuries.
Skilled artisans here create exquisite paintings depicting mythological stories, particularly of Lord Jagannath, using natural dyes and handmade paper.
Visitors can watch artisans at work, participate in workshops, and purchase authentic handicrafts directly from them.
The village also hosts cultural shows that showcase local music and dance. Raghurajpur provides an immersive experience for art enthusiasts and travelers seeking authentic cultural interactions in a serene rural setting.
| Famous Things in Raghurajpur |
|---|
| Pattachitra paintings |
| Gotipua dance |
| Heritage crafts village |
| Artisan workshops |
| Traditional Odia art and culture |
7. Gopalpur
Gopalpur on the coastline of Odisha, with its swaths of golden sandy beaches, warm weather, and relaxed environment, is an ideal location for peace-seeking tourists.
Known for being one of the most prominent sea ports of Odisha, Gopalpur attracts tourists looking for sun, sand, and seafood.
The waves are calm and protect the cove, and the natural environment of Gopalpur is ideal for swimming, leisurely beach walks, and photography.
Gopalpur is historically significant, with its colonial-era buildings and lighthouses. A Gopalpur experience is incomplete without visiting one of the beach shacks
Exploring neighbouring fishing villages, and partaking of the local seafood, and given its moderate waves, the town is ideal for water sports.
The unique combination of history and various coatside and leisure activities makes Gopalpur an ideal destination for families, couples, and the solo traveler and traveler.
| Famous Things in Gopalpur |
|---|
| Golden sandy beaches |
| Historic sea port |
| Lighthouse |
| Seafood cuisine |
| Water sports and beach activities |
8. Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park has a unique combination of biodiversity, wildlife, and mangrove forests.
This wildlife park hosts a varied range of wildlife, including unique birds, reptiles, and saltwater crocodiles.
Wildlife experiences are complemented with boat safaris that allow you to see mesmerizing birds and nesting turtles, and navigate the park’s freshwater and mangrove-lined estuarine waterways.
In addition to wildlife, Bhitarkanika has historical forts and temples to explore. Dense mangroves, unique biodiversity, and the park’s rivers provide the ideal conditions for researchers, photographers, and eco-tourists.
For adventure and ecological exploration, the park’s enriching experiences, wildlife encounters, and peaceful setting, complemented with educational opportunities, make it a perfect place for nature lovers.
| Famous Things in Bhitarkanika National Park |
|---|
| Saltwater crocodiles |
| Mangrove forests |
| Birdwatching (pelicans, kingfishers, herons) |
| Boat safaris |
| Estuarine ecosystem |
9. Simlipal National Park
Simlipal National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Park is admired for its monumental wildlife, magnificent forests, and cascading waterfalls.
It is home to a variety of wildlife, such as tigers, elephants, and leopards. Activities such as trekking, safaris, and birdwatching offer varied ways to appreciate the Simlipal jungle.
Nature lovers also visit for the park’s scenic waterfalls, such as Barehipani and Joranda, as well as the wonderful photographs.
For a different perspective, visitors can appreciate the local crafts created by the nearby tribal communities.
The Raw beauty of Simlipal rich wildlife, topography, and varied tribal communities contributes to its increasing adventure tourism and wildlife photography. For eco-tourists, Simlipal offers a different experience of Odisha.
| Famous Things in Simlipal National Park |
|---|
| Tigers |
| Elephants |
| Leopards |
| Waterfalls (Barehipani & Joranda) |
| Trekking and jungle safari |
| Tribal culture and local handicrafts |
10. Dhauli Hills
For the dramatic and well-known view of the Daya and the sacred Daya riverbed where the famous Stupa sits, relax your eyes and mind at the Dhowli Hills.
Have a glimpse of the Dhowli Hills between your spiritual juncture of exploration with Indian history and the Buddhist trail.
You will be at the Dhowli Hills where the famous Stupa of Ashoka sits and where a glimpse of the famous Kalinga Ashoka once ruled.
Let the Daya riverbed rest while you rest your mind and soul at the view and the white Dhowli Stupa where peace sits and watch the serene Daya riverbed along with the countless rocks of history.
Enjoy the peace and culture while you prepare your spiritual soul in the Stupa to the famous Ashoka.
| Famous Things in Dhauli Hills |
|---|
| Dhauli Shanti Stupa |
| Site of Kalinga War |
| Buddhist rock inscriptions |
| Panoramic views of Daya River |
| Peaceful and spiritual environment |
Cocnlsuion
Lastly, Odisha is an extraordinary fusion of culture, history, and natural beauty. From Puri and Dhauli Hills’ spiritual ambiance to Konark’s architectural wonders, and Bhitarkanika and Simlipal’s wildlife sanctuaries
as well as the tranquil Chilika Lake and the beaches of Gopalpur, there are varied experiences and attractions to soak in.
For every kind of tourist, the state is an ideal combination of adventure, heritage, and picturesque natural beauty.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Odisha?
October to March is ideal due to pleasant weather and festivals.
Which temple is most famous in Odisha?
Jagannath Temple in Puri is the most iconic.
Is Chilika Lake worth visiting?
Yes, it’s Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and great for birdwatching and dolphin spotting.
What can I see in Konark?
The Sun Temple, stone carvings, and the Konark Dance Festival.
Are there wildlife parks in Odisha?
Yes, Bhitarkanika and Simlipal National Parks are top destinations for wildlife.