Orissa (Odisha) is the land of paddy fields and palm-fringed silver beaches, temples, rivers, waterfalls, and tribal people. It is packed with major attractions such as the Bhubaneshwar and Puri temples, miles of clean beaches, and the magnificent Konark Sun Temple.
The state with a glorious past, Odisha, is packed with nature and adventure. Odisha’s not-so-developed state must be visited to provide the experience for all of the countless wonders it has in store. Also known as the Indian soul, Odisha is a place where you can relax on the beaches. You can visit the famous temples and explore nature and wildlife’s beauty and bounty.
List of the Top 20 Attractions and Places You Must Visit in Odisha:
1. Puri Beach
The best beach with numerous dining stalls offering the finest seafood in Puri. Puri beach is renowned for its fine golden sand and crashing waves. It gives brave souls the ability to test the waves at sea. It’s one of the places to see in Puri, so you can’t miss the sunrise and sunset views.
It is on the Bay of Bengal coast. Puri beach can be reached by taking the train, which is 2kms from the beach, or by air from the nearby airport, which is 60kms away. It is the country’s largest and spans up to seven kilometers.
2. Khandagiri Caves
The caves are situated in the temple of Khandagiri Digamber Jain and are one of the places in Puri to see. It is six kilometers west of the city and overlooked by a temple. It is considered to be more than 2000 years old and inhabited by Jain scholars. Khandagiri has 15 other caves like; Bough Gumpha is curved to the entrance as a tiger mouth, and Sarpa Gumpha and Pavana Gumpha are to the tiny side.
Visiting the place is paid no tax. From its peak, Khandagiri offers excellent views of Bhubaneswar. The best time to visit is from 9 am or 10 am, and it takes about 4 hours to see the caves in Udayagiri and Khandagiri.
3. Bhubaneswar
Known as the “Capital of Temples”, Bhubaneswar has a powerful foothold in India’s past. Better known as the capital city of Odisha’s state, for a long time, this place was under King Sisupala’s control. Sisupalgarh’s remains found near the city of Bhubaneswar suggest they predate even the Mauryan empire.
This place offers the perfect amalgamation of a rustic world featuring grand temples and brilliant architecture, and a modern age featuring thriving business and trade. Read More: Top Things to Do In Bhubaneswar
4. Udayagiri and Khandagiri
The name of the two caves, with their respective names, comes primarily from their location on the hills. The two caves practically stand lying across a road facing each other. During King Kharavela ‘s rule, they are thought to have been built out as a residential lodging for Jain monks.
Popular as a sunrise hill, Udaygiri has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15. These caves mingle in their time between religious and historical relevance, with many representing deities and idols of various gods.
5. Lingaraj Temple
Perpetually, one of Bhubaneshwar’s most famous temples, the Lingaraj temple, happens to be one of the city’s largest temples. In the 7th century, the temple was religiously dedicated to Lord Shiva and was the only one to exhibit Lord Shiva’s phallic shape, which appeared naturally at this location.
Unlike any other Lingas known to exist in India’s temples, the linga stands as high as 8 inches.
6. Konark
One of Orissa’s best places to visit this historic city lies on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal in the Puri District. Konark is an important cultural and heritage landmark in India, making it one of East India’s most-visited places.
Konark’s beauty lies in its rich countryside. Dotted with several temples, museums, and beaches, with the Eastern Ghats silhouettes in the background, make it is one of the country’s best places for a deeply spiritual and unconventional getaway.
Read Also:
- Top 10 facts about the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
- Konark Dance and Music Festival: Dates, Ticket, Schedule, History
7. Chandipur
One of the country’s most popular beaches, Chandipur, is situated in the Baleswar District, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Chandipur Beach’s beauty is regarded as unparalleled, and very rightly so.
The yellow-golden sands and the blue waters produce beautiful postcard-like images. Dotted with rocky outcrops, dunes, and thickets of Casuarina trees, savoring a stunning sunset is one of Orissa’s best and most scenic vantage points.
8. Paradeep
One of the country’s most important and oldest seaports, the historic Paradeep is located in the district Jagatsinghpur. During the British regime and the famine of 1886, this maritime transport area of the 17th century, initially, a harbor, played an important part.
Paradeep ‘s coastal landscape is dotted with scenic beaches, miles of thick woodland, waterfalls, and forts. One of the world’s best destinations for an offbeat beachside getaway, Paradeep, is being visited by nature lovers worldwide.
9. Jeypore
Known as the ‘victory city,’ Jeypore city was founded by the Suryavanshi dynasty in the 16th century. Located in the district of Koraput, the ancient city frequently changed hands between empires. It leaves an unmissable imprint on its architecture and its history.
Located among the Eastern Ghats ranges, Jeypore is one of Orissa’s most famous places to visit. It features thick forests, beautiful nebulous valleys, and waterfalls that attract travelers from worldwide. There are also limestone caves, temples, palaces, and age-old bridges in the rich landscape.
10. Cuttack
Located at the tip of the Mahanadi River Delta, this former capital and Odisha’s second-largest city. It is one of Orissa’s most beautiful places to visit. Cuttack traces its history back more than 1000 years to the Keshari dynasty in 989 BC.
Now is counted among the country’s most well-planned ‘Millennium’ towns. Cuttack’s majestic waterside scenery is interspersed with small rivers such as Kathajodi, Kuakhai, Birupa, and Mahanadi. Nestled among the eastern hills and wooded areas are the many beautiful Pokhara (ponds), temples, forts, and lakes.
11. Sambalpur
One of the country’s oldest cities, Sambalpur, is the largest district of Western Orissa. It rims along the banks of the Mahanadi River. This historically important position, in existence since the 4th century. It finds its name in the struggle for independence of the country.
And has changed hands between the Koshalas, Sarbapriya, Somvanshiya, Marathas, and finally, the British dynasties. It is an important commercial hub and houses ancient temples, and forts. It is one of the state’s largest railway junctions known as the Sambalpur Junction.
12. Rourkela
Situated in Western Orissa’s Sundergarh District, Rourkela is one of the country’s most important industrial centers housing India’s first integrated steel plant. Rourkela has breathtaking natural beauty and a planned city and is one of India’s most famous tribal hinterlands. Rourkela’s scenic and varied landscape is dotted with waterfalls, temples, parks, and wildlife sanctuaries; this is one of the best places to enjoy an offbeat holiday amongst nature.
Switch away from the city’s noise to spend a day in the countryside of Darjeeling amongst fresh air and rustic village ambiance. Here you can enjoy great local cuisine and spend a relaxing time at the riverside. Save views of the country’s highest Hanuman structure standing at Hanuman Vatika at 75 ft. The magnificent gardens surrounding the Vatika are ideal for long, quiet sightseeing.
13. Chilika Lake
Indian saltwater lake and coastal lagoon with the most abundance. Situated 44kms away from Puri. For migratory birds, this is the most important area.
It is filled with all bird species, such as; heroines, sea eagles, jacana, flamingos, and grey lay geese. It makes the lake a treat for bird watchers. It is also the site of the largest flamingo breeding colonies.
14. Talasari Beach
Travel to this peaceful, pristine beach in the distance known for its breathtaking views of the mountains. It’s one of Digha’s most sought-after places to explore. Talasari is a virgin beach with dunes, and palm, coconut, and cashew trees. It also has gentle sea waves to immerse your feet in.
A day spent at this peaceful beach is ideal for those wishing to take a break from the city’s noise. Here you can also satiate your taste buds with cooked fresh crab and chicken, among other local delicacies.
15. Mukteswara Temple
Revered as one of the famous places to be seen in Bhubaneshwar. The temple is, in theory, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Constructed in the architectural theme of Kalinga, the exquisite carvings around the temple.
The sheer magnitude of its sculptural work is a beauty to witness while you are here. The temple dates back to the 10th century and has the designation to be Odisha’s ‘star.’
Read Also: Odisha government eyeing to develop Chandrabhaga and Talsari beaches
16. Baripada
Baripada is a city at a distance of 248 kilometers from Kolkata and 256 kilometers from Bhubaneshwar. It is known for its beautiful culture and the essence of natural purity. Its Rath Yatra is considered after Puri to be the largest and the oldest. Thus, Baripada is also known as the Dwitiya Srikhetra.
Baripada is also known for its “tusser” fabric in Bangripori, which can be found anywhere in their local markets. Also, don’t miss Simlipal Nature Park, which has a tiger reserve, sparkling waterfalls, and numerous animal and bird species. It also has Semul or red silk cotton trees and countless other things to leave you amazed.
17. Sambalpur
Sambalpur is the gateway to Orissa’s westerly region. It abounds in fertile rivers, sumptuous hills, lush green forests, and abundant wildlife. It is a perfect combination of modernity and tradition. The site also has a thriving textile and hand-held industry famous for its distinctive patterns and style.
There are also many temples of great importance. People come from all over with a deep sense of confidence and the holy lord grants the devotee peace and riches. Sambalpur is the largest city in western Odisha. It is famous for the number of freedom fights that have taken place here, making this place also historically significant.
18. Hirakud Dam
Odisha, the Hirakud Dam, constructed in Sambalpur across the Mahanadi River, is hailed as India’s longest human-made dam. Amazingly, it is over 56 km long and is the top pick for both locals and tourists to enjoy a refreshing day out.
Another striking characteristic of the dam is, of course, the wide expanse of view. It provides from the Gandhi and Nehru Minarets situated in the direction of the dam’s Northern Facade. It is also a fantastic birdwatching site because it is surrounded by abundant water and trees.
Read Also: 100 Best Places to Visit in India
19. Simlipal National Park
Simlipal National Park is located in a beautiful and scenic town in Odisha, representing the natural beauty of an age gone by. Located in Mayurbhanj, it once acted as a hunting ground for provincial rulers. Simlipal is India’s largest wildlife sanctuary and is also considered one of India’s most important tiger ventures.
Reach Simlipal National Park and check inside the house forest rest. Hire a safari jeep and set out into the woods to enjoy nature’s beauty and explore it. Return to the rest house after the safari and go to a nearby restaurant to taste the place’s local cuisine. The best combination for a trip to the park is Khichling or any other nearby town such as Chandipur, Bhubaneshwar, Puri, Konark, etc.
20. Berhampur
Berhampur, also known as Berhampur, is known as Lord Brahma’s home and is usually referred to as the silk city. The city is famous for its lustrous ikkat silk sarees in various colors and patterns.
There’s a lot more to this town than you can list. You can choose to flop around beaches and let those sands kiss your feet as the breeze enters your soul gently to whisper ecstasy chants.
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