Vacations can easily be categorized as parts of our lives and are probably etched in our memories. They all play a significant role in shaping our mental scrapbook, from the one-day trips with schoolmates to family tours, college trips, romantic getaways, and family tours.
India is a beautiful country brimming with exotic places that lure thousands of visitors every year. The sheer number of architectural marvels, cultural diversity, festival extravaganza, rich history, drool-worthy cuisine, and numerous fascinating places to visit are the obvious reasons for the same. One such tourist destination in India is Odisha. This quaint state oozes charm, culture & breathtaking architecture, and stories woven through its social fabric since a thousand years ago.
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List of the Best Places to Visit in Odisha
Odisha, known previously as Orissa, is a state located on the eastern side of India next to the Bay of Bengal. Famous for its spectacular architecture, beaches, tribal culture and biodiversity, Odisha is home to dozens of beautiful Hindu temples with remarkable architectural intricacy.
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha. This mesmerizing city hosts hundreds of temples that are the pride of Hindu culture. Marvellous architecture that makes us question the modern man’s abilities, Bhubaneswar is one of the must-see places in Odisha. The once ancient city of kings and queens is now a lively metropolis where history and the modern dynamic are fused.
Bhubaneshwar is a historic city with many stunning medieval temples that draw pilgrims and travellers from everywhere. The capital’s title translates to ‘Lord of the Universe’, which is mirrored in the city’s temples and the religious fervour of its residents. Fun fact, it is also known as the Temple City of India.
Things to Do: Dhauli Hills, Bindu Sarovara, Nandan Kanan Zoological Park, Udayagiri & Khandagiri caves, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and temples of Lingaraj, Brahmeswara, Mukteswar, & Parasurameswara.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Puri
No Indian vacation is complete without including at least half a dozen-odd religious spots. There will be quite a few in Odisha, as it is a state known for its culture and heritage. Puri is one of the most-visited religious spots in the whole of Odisha. The famous temple Jagannath Temple located in Puri forms the part of Char Dham in India.
Oddly, this place is also the most visited by hippies, quite the contrast, right? The coastal town of Puri holds long stretches of beaches that attract people from across the globe. Also a fan-favourite among backpackers, Puri is a mix of paradoxes. It has sprawling beaches, famous temples, resorts and motels, high-class restaurants, and beach shacks.
Things to Do: Puri Beach, Puri Beach Festival, Puri Jagannath temple, Chilika Lake & Bird Sanctuary, and Gundicha Ghar Temple
Best Time To Visit: July to March
Cuttack
If your Odisha plans don’t include Cuttack, you miss out on something marvellous! The Silver City of Odisha, Cuttack, is known for its forts and ruins. Have you ever seen a once-grand and intimidating edifice in ruins now but no less beautiful?
Cuttack has several of those places. Also known as the state’s cultural capital, Cuttack was the former capital of Odisha and the second-largest city. Of course, then you would never run out of things to do here with museums, forts, temples, sanctuaries, and lakes.
Things To Do: Mahanadi Barrage, Fort of Barabati, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Ansupa Lake, and Temples of Singanatha & Bhattarika
Best Time To Visit: July to March
Konark
Ahh…this place has visitors coming across the planet; Konark is a marvel on its own. Another reason being it houses the celebrated Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Konark is among the big attractions in Odisha and a centre for ancient art and sculpture. The engravings of the Konark Sun Temple, one of India’s seven wonders, draw vast crowds of tourists all through the year. One of the main reasons to visit Odisha, especially for art lovers, is to see the most delicately crafted sculptures of the Konark Sun Temple.
In addition to the magnificent temple, the city offers a relaxing beach and a fascinating archaeological museum to visit.
Things To Do: Archeological Museum, the Konark Sun Temple & Ramchandi, Chandrabhaga Beach
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Chandipur
Chandipur is a picturesque beach village in the Baleshwar region of Odisha, nestled safely along the shore. Chandipur is also known as Chandipur-on-Sea in the area. Chandipur Beach is a fantastic destination to visit if natural wonders intrigue you. If beaches are your thing, then this is the place to be. The ebb tides that retreat roughly 1 to 4 km fade rhythmically and are a unique feature of this coastline. This coastline provides a beautiful view of the rising sun, a feast for your eyes. You can even take a jeep trip on the seashore when the water subsides.
Things To Do: Chandipur Beach, where the sea recedes up to 5 km, and one can stroll on the seashore & collect seashells and see red crabs, turtles, & other marine life.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Paradeep
Paradip or Paradeep is yet another famous tourist location. This is one of the famous seaports found on this side of the coast of India. The Paradeep port is located on the Bay of Bengal and Mahanadi confluence. The Pradeep is a visual pleasure with pretty beaches that bring out the inner romantic with the sights of the mighty ships as a backdrop.
Things To Do: Gahirmatha Sanctuary & beach, lighthouse, Paradip Port, and Jhankad
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Jeypore
Touted as the City of Victory, Jeypore is one of the largest cities in Odisha. This serene place is located at the southside boundary of the state. Jeypore, also known as Jayepore, is just above the Andhra Pradesh border and close to Vishakhapatnam. The place begs to be admired, filled with valleys, waterfalls, and freshwater lakes. If you ever need a quiet place filled with lush greenery and sprawling roads that make you feel like you are the protagonist of a fifteenth-century novel, Jeypore is the one for you.
It is also an excellent example of diversity, with over sixty-two different affiliated communities inhabiting its soil; this includes Dhruba, Koya, Gond, Paraja, etc. With a rich history spanning ages, it is also called Joypur and home to Deomali, the state’s highest peak.
Things To Do: Gupteshwar caves, Duduma Falls, Jagannath Sagar, Sunabeda, Deomali, Hatipathar, and Kolab Falls
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Brahmapur
Known as the home to Lord Brahma, the creator of everything, Brahmapur is yet another tourist spot in Odisha that holds some of the most beautiful beaches you could ever see. The silk industry of this place is famous across the city, with people travelling specifically to purchase the lustrous Ikkat silk spun and woven in this city. Tourists visit Bomokei Patta, which is termed after the town of Bomokei, which produces exceptional brass and metalwork.
This city is known for its artistic talents, playing home to stunning handicrafts, handlooms, and jewellery. It is also well coveted for its delicious papads (popadum), pickles, and fruits, particularly mangoes. Yum!!! The people in this city are passionate about art, with their theatrical displays bending modern conventions.
Things To Do: Bhairabi Temple, Thakurani Temple, Kedareswar Temple, and Biju Patnaik Park Brahmapur
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Barbil
One of those spots that you never realized could look so beautiful, Barbil will draw you in slow like a love song and linger long after. This serene piece of getaway is situated by the bank of the Karo River that is in Keonjhar. The setting, encircled by lush forests, offers spectacular serenity and a respite from the hectic daily life.
Things To Do:Hawa Mahal, Gonasika, Uliburu Reserved Forest, Thakurani Hills, Murga Mahadev Waterfalls, and temples of Hanuman & Shiva
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Sambalpur
Sambalpur is a popular tourist destination in Odisha, renowned for its natural beauty and cultural monuments. Some magnificent waterfalls and luxuriant green forests populate the area, enticing photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
Sambalpur is the entryway to Orissa’s western zone with abundant rivers, luscious hills, forests, and fauna. Sambalpur is known for its textile and handloom industries, including the famous Sambalpuri Sarees.
A lovely fusion of contemporary and traditional places and people, Sambalpur is a popular tourist spot in our itinerary. In addition to its historical significance, the area has a thriving textile and handloom industry known for its distinctive designs and style.
Baripada
Baripada, in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, is a cultural centre. It is one of Odisha’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its art and culture. Many film personalities have been credited as coming from the Odisha town of Baripada. The town also boasts of the practice of a well-known dance form, the Chhau dance.
Things To Do: Shri Jagannath Temple, Maa Ambika Temple, Mayurbhanj Palace, The Belgadia Palace
Best Time To Visit:October to June
Rourkela
Rourkela is a city in the state of Odisha, surrounded by mountains and rivers. Often known as the ‘Steel City of Odisha’, it is one of the first places in the nation to become industrialized for steel making. Rourkela’s natural setting in the middle of nowhere makes it an unconventional tourist destination for locals. Rourkela is rich in naturally occurring minerals and boasts a variety of relief characteristics and natural tourism spots. Rourkela, located in Odisha’s Sundergarh district, is a popular layover place for those planning to explore other local attractions. It also has some religious significance because it features in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Things To Do: Darjeeling, Nehru Traffic Park, Hanuman Vatika, temples of Vedavyas & Vaishno Devi, Mandira Dam, Badaghagra Falls, Pitamahal Dam, and Khandadhar Falls
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Best Way to Book a Tourist Package in Odisha
Considering that Odisha is one of the foremost tourist destinations in our country, it should come as no surprise that there exist several different platforms that promise you a wonderful tour of this spectacular state. Touted as a cultural, industrial, and serene location, Odisha has a list of must-visit places if you plan to take a vacation here. Aertrip bears one of the most comprehensive holiday packages for visiting Odisha with reasonable prices, an extensive itinerary, and a rich experience; that will not disappoint.
With Aertrip you can even book flights & hotel rooms online and also get customized holiday packages curated to your needs. We’ve got you covered if you are planning a solo trip, a weekend away with the special one, that one trip you have been planning since high school, a reunion, or a good old-fashioned family tour.
Travel safe and have fun!
FAQs
What is the best way of reaching Odisha, by air, rail, and road?
The state of Odisha has a network of roads, railways, and airports to choose from. There is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneshwar and other domestic airports in a few cities of Odisha. The state’s major cities are connected to other big cities of India via an extended railway. All Odisha tourist destination spots are accessible easily via rail or road.
What time is the best to visit Odisha?
Honestly, Odisha is a beautiful place with no specific time that can elevate its appeal. But, it depends more on the site you want to visit. We have mentioned the best time to visit the places on our list. Depending on your destinations, pick a date!
Which is the most visited place in Odisha?
The top attractions in Odisha include the Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Dhauli Giri Hills, Harishankar, Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts, Lingaraja Temple, Emami Jagannath Temple, and Udayagiri Caves.
