Top 10 stunning places to visit in Odisha 2023
Visit Odisha, a land of natural wonders and rich history! Located on the eastern coast of India, this beautiful state boasts vibrant colours, majestic temples, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes that will leave a lasting impression on you!
Odisha is a mesmerizing place that offers a variety of wonders. It boasts stunning natural landscapes, ancient temples with history secrets, and a rich culture that coexists harmoniously. Once you visit, you’ll be left with unforgettable memories of its soul-stirring vistas and captivating heritage.
Odisha: Enriching and Fulfilling Experience!
Odisha is an excellent destination for travellers due to its fantastic temples, beautiful handicrafts, traditional dance forms, and lively festivals. Visiting the temples, admiring the intricate paintings, or enjoying the graceful Odissi art can provide a deep understanding of the state’s diverse cultural heritage. Take our Itinerary and explore Odisha!
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is known as the “Temple City of India”. It features numerous ancient temples with exceptional architectural styles and intricate carvings. The Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a prominent landmark and a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture. Other notable temples include Mukteshwar, Rajarani, and Ananta Vasudeva. Bhubaneswar is the cultural hub of Odisha. Visitors can enjoy captivating Odissi, one of India’s classical dance forms, showcasing graceful movements and expressions. The Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar are must-visit places. Bhubaneswar tourism offers a blend of spirituality, history, art, and culture, making it a fascinating and enriching destination!
Puri
Puri is a popular tourist destination located on the eastern coast of Odisha, known for its sacred temples and beautiful beaches. The Jagannath Temple is the most famous attraction and draws millions of visitors annually for the grand Rath Yatra procession. Another nearby must-see is the Konark Sun Temple, which boasts ancient architecture in a colossal chariot adorned with intricate carvings. For those seeking natural beauty, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake, is also nearby and offers boat cruises to visit the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary and Kalijai Temple on the islands within the lake. Finally, don’t miss the annual Puri Sea Beach Festival, which showcases cultural performances, sand art exhibitions, sports competitions, and traditional folk dances.
Konark
Konark, located on the eastern coast of Odisha, India, is famous for its remarkable Sun Temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Konark’s tourism centres around the temple’s stunning architecture and the surrounding area’s natural beauty. The temple is a remarkable example of Kalinga architecture, resembling a grand chariot with intricately carved stone wheels, pillars, and sculptures, all dedicated to the Sun God. The yearly Konark Dance Festival in the Natya Mandap attracts art enthusiasts and provides a chance to witness the elegant Odissi dance and other classical dance forms. The unspoiled Chandrabhaga Beach is only a short distance from the Sun Temple. A trip to Konark guarantees an enriching journey into the cultural heritage of Odisha.
Cuttack
Cuttack, a city in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, is known as the “Millennium City” for its ancient temples, intricate silver filigree work, historic sites, and vibrant festivals. The Barabati Fort is a medieval fort that offers amzing panoramic views of the surrounding area and the river. The magnificent Cuttack Chandi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chandi, the city’s presiding deity, boasts intricate carvings and stunning architecture. The annual Durga Puja festival, celebrated enthusiastically, attracts many devotees. The city is also famous for the Baliyatra festival featuring a massive fair. Qadam Rasool Mosque is a revered Islamic shrine that houses the footprint of the Prophet Muhammad on a stone and attracts devotees from different parts of the country.
Explore all!
Dhauli
Dhauli, located outside Bhubaneswar in Odisha, is well-known for its rock edicts. Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire inscribed these in the 3rd century BCE. You can explore the edicts! Dhauli is home to the Dhauli Peace Pagoda, also known as the Shanti Stupa, a prominent landmark. The Dhauli Giri Hills offer a picturesque view of the surrounding landscapes, including the river, lush greenery, and nearby villages. Nature enthusiasts and photographers flock to this popular spot, which provides breathtaking views and a peaceful environment. Remember to visit the Dhabaleswar Temple, a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is on an island in the Mahanadi River and offers a serene scenic setting. The Daya River flowing through Dhauli is an excellent spot for families and friends to picnic.
Have a good family time!
Simlipal National Park
Simlipal National Park is a well-known wildlife sanctuary and national park located in Odisha, India. It covers an area of around 2,750 square kilometres in the northern part of Odisha. The park has over 1,000 flowering plants, including 96 different orchid species. Visitors can enjoy various activities and attractions, including the impressive Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls, the second-highest in India. Nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers will appreciate the opportunity to explore the unspoiled beauty of Odisha’s wilderness. The best time to visit Simlipal National Park is from November to June when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
Gopalpur
Gopalpur is known for its magnificent beach stretching miles alongside the Bay of Bengal. With smooth golden sand, tranquil waters, and a serene environment, it’s a perfect spot for beach enthusiasts. You can also visit the historic lighthouse with a stunning beach view. Visit the Kalijai Temple, and take in the scenic views of the surroundings. Another attraction close to Gopalpur is the Taratarini Temple on the Kumari hills in Ganjam district. Surrounded by lush greenery, it provides a peaceful and spiritual ambience. As one of the Shakti Peethas in Odisha, the temple attracts many devotees. If you’re planning a trip to Gopalpur, it’s best to visit between October and March when the weather is pleasant.
Shree Jagannath Temple
The Shree Jagannath Temple is a well-known and revered Hindu temple in Puri, Odisha, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and brother Balabhadra, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. For Vaishnavites, the temple holds great religious significance and is one of the four sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu. The temple’s most famous festival is the Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival of Puri, where the deities are taken out of the temple in elaborately decorated chariots and pulled through the streets of Puri by devoted followers. Worldwide devotees visit the temple during this annual festival. If planning a visit, it is advisable to check the temple’s official website regarding entry requirements or timings.
Lingaraja Temple
The Lingaraja Temple is a significant religious landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, India. Dedicated to Lord Lingaraja, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, it is an ancient and one of the largest temples in Bhubaneswar. Its Kalinga style of architecture exemplifies the traditional Odishan temple architecture. Made of red sandstone, the temple boasts a towering spire or shikhara at 55 meters (180 feet). The temple complex houses numerous smaller shrines, assembly halls, and a large courtyard, making it a true masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture. The Mahashivaratri festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated enthusiastically, attracting many devotees. Seek blessings!
Chilika Lake
Odisha, India, boasts another popular tourist destination, the Chilika Lake. This brackish water lagoon lies on the state’s east coast and covers Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts. With an area of over 1,100 square kilometres (424 square miles), it is India’s largest brackish water lagoon and the second largest globally. Separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow sandbar, it is a designated Ramsar Site, highlighting its importance as a wetland ecosystem. The Irrawaddy dolphins of Chilika Lake are famous worldwide, and Satpada, found in the southeastern region of the lake, is a famous tourist destination. It offers breathtaking sunset views and the opportunity to see these marine mammals up close during boat rides and tours!
Epilogue
Discover the hidden gems of Odisha and make unforgettable memories. Join the vibrant Rath Yatra festival in Puri, go on an adventure exploring the ancient caves in Khandagiri and Udayagiri, or witness the excellent mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles. Experience Odisha’s warm hospitality and natural beauty, making it an authentic and immersive destination for travellers seeking unique experiences!