There are many beautiful Odisha tourist places that people don’t know much about. Odisha is a beautiful state located in eastern park of India and it is a perfect mixture of natural beauty, historic places, and interesting culture. Konark Sun Temple and Jagannath Temple in Puri are the topmost most visited attractions in Odisha which draws attention of thousand of visitors for their amazing architecture and religious importance.
If you love to see birds you can directly visit to Chileka Lake which is a home to many beautiful birds and the lake is also India’s largest coastal lake. Bhubaneswar also known as the “Temple City” has the most ancient temple such as Lingraj and Mukteshwar. Dhauli holds historical importance as it is the place where Kalinga War was happened. If you love nature and animals visiting Similipal National Park and Bhitarkanika National park is a must for you as it has a variety of animals.
Cuttack is a historical city and it is known for its fort and silver filgree work. On the other hand Gopalpur offers peaceful beach experiences and Raghurajpur is a arts and crafts village famous for its Pattachitra paintings. Lastly, Daringbadi which is often considered as “kashmir of Odisha” is a beautiful hill station with a lot of greenery, cool climate and offers amazing views of the surrounding area. All these amazing destinations make Odisha one of the most beautiful states present in India.
Here are the 11 most beautiful Odisha tourist places
Konark Sun Temple
Konark Sun Temple is the topmost most beautiful Odisha tourist places. The temple was build a really long ago during the 13th century and it is totally dedicated to the Sun God. The temple is build in a very impressive was like a giant Chariot and features 24 carved wheels pulled by seven horses. The temple’s complicated stone carvings beautifully portrays various aspects of life, mythology and nature.
The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many tourists because of its architectural beauty. Presently the temple is partially destroyed but despite of it remains a perfect example of the amazing ancient Indian architecture. It is a highly popular tourist attraction of Odisha and locals as well as visitors from all over the world specially visit the temple just to experience its architectural beauty.
Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is another popular Odisha tourist places. The amazing thing about the lake is that it is the largest coastal lake present in India and the second largest in the entire world. If love to see birds and love to enjoy in nature then the lake might be a perfect destination for you. Every year birds from different parts of the country visit the lake which make it a perfect place for birdwatching. Another amazing thing about the lake is that rare and endangered dolphins live there. The lake’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty attracts visitors from all over the world.
Puri
Puri is an amazing place located in Odisha and amongst the best Odisha tourist places. The city is popular amongst people because of its Jagannath Temple, it is a very important temple for Hindu’s and one of the Char Dham destinations and thousands of devotees visit the temple every year. Keeping aside the city’s religious importance there are also beautiful beaches which are perfect enjoyment and spend your free time.
If you’re planning to visit these beaches you can enjoy the beautiful sea views, peaceful walking along the sore, and to know about the vibrant local culture of the city. Puri is a perfect combination of historical places and natural beauty which is why it is visited by tourists from all over the world.
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is one of my favorite Odisha tourist places. It is also known as the “Temple City” as it is filled with so many ancient temples. Lingaraj Temple, the Mukteshwar Temple and the Rajarani Temple are the topmost attraction of the city and many devotees visit these temple every year. Each temple is unique and beautifully showcases the amazing Indian ancient architecture and interesting history of India.
Bhubaneswar is not about history and old and ancient temples but also supports modernity and offers a perfect blend of old and new to its visitors. if you’re planning to visit Bhubaneswar you can explore the city’s ancient and beautiful temples along with modern facilities and things. No doubts in stating it is a must to visit destination in Odisha.
Dhauli
Dhauli in Odisha holds a great historical importance and it is the place where the famous Kalinga War occurred. Due to this war many people lost their life and caused a lot of suffering to people, after seeing all these outcomes emperor Ashoka felt a lot of regret and decided to follow Buddhism. Presently the city is also known for the Shanti Stupa which is a peaceful monument that symbolizes emperor Ashoka’s transformation to Buddhism and dedication to non-violence. Another amazing thing is that you can vuew ancient rules written on rocks by Ashoka to promote his Buddhist principals. All these great things combine make Dhauli one of the best Odisha tourist places.
Cuttack
Cuttack is also an ancient city located in Odisha and holds a great historical importance. The city is popular amongst tourist because of its Barabati Fort which is and old and beautiful fort and also for the Katak Chandi Temple a religious place to seek blessings from God. The city is situated along the beautiful Mahanadi river which is also a good reason to visit the city as it offers amazing scenic views and calm surrounding to its visitors and also enhances the charm of the city.
The city is also famous for its beautiful silver filigree work which is a traditional craft that involved shaping up high quality silver wires into beautiful and complicated designs. If you’re planning to visit Cuttack you can visit its amazing historical places and enjoy near the Mahanadi river.
Similipal National Park
Similipal National Park is a UNESCO recognized Biosphere reserve in Odisha. It is a beautiful national park filled with lot of greenery and animals. The national park is home to tigers, elephants and very rare orchids which ultimately make it a perfect place for all the wildlife enthusiast and nature lover. The park also has amazing waterfalls such as Barehipani and Jaronda which adds another charm to the it’s beauty and make it unique from rest of the park.
Visitors planning to visit the Similipak national Park can enjoy in it’s natural beauty, see different animals, and explore various beautiful spots present in the park. People who hold a keen interest in nature and animals should definitely visit the park.
Gopalpur
Gapoalpur is a amazing beach destination in Odisha and perfect for relaxing and have fun. The beach in Gopalpur are very less crowded and quiet which make it a perfect destination to enjoy sunset along with your family or friends. Visitors planning to visit the city can take slow and relaxing walk along the sandy shores of the beaches and feel calmness in its beautiful atmosphere. It offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of hectic city life which make it a perfect location for people seeking calm and relaxation. No doubts in stating it is one of the best Odisha tourist places.
Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park is located in Odisha and it is popular among tourists because of its mangrove forests and rivers and lakes. The greatest thing about the park is that it is constructed to support a diverse range of wildlife. If you hold a keen interest in wildlife and nature then this park might be a perfect destination for you. The national park is also home to saltwater crocodiles and various different species of birds ad other animals. Visitors can explore its wildlife and greenery along with learning and spotting variety of wild animals. It is a perfect location for those who love to enjoy around nature along with experiencing the amazing wildlife creatures.
Daringbadi
Daringbadi is often referred to as the “Kashmir of Odisha”. This statement is sufficient enough to let you know about the beauty of this place. It is a beautiful hill station and offers pine forests, coffee gardens, and incredibly beautiful landscapes which make it a ideal location for all tourist planning to explore Odisha. Daringbadi even gets more lovely during winters months when the surrounding views even get mor breathtaking.
The climate here is cool and pleasant which make it a perfect location for those who are living in warm cities like Delhi and Mumbai and want a peaceful escape from summers. It is a perfect location to enjoy in natural beauty along with amazing surrounding views filled with greenery. No doubts in stating, it is one of the best Odisha tourist places.
Raghurajpur
Raghurajpur is another one of the best Odisha tourist places. It is a traditional arts and crafts village in Odisha known for its Pattachitra paintings, traditional arts and crafts and historical importance. The greatest thing is that you can involve in the regional art community by watching talented artisans creating beautiful and difficult paintings and arts and crafts. The village is like a living museum that beautifully displays the state’s incrediabbly amazing artistic talent. It is a perfect place to to experience the city’s talent and for those who are interested in learning about Odisha’s artistic talent.
What are the must-visit Odisha tourist places?
Some of the must-visit places are the Konark Sun Temple, Jagannath Temple in Puri, Chilika Lake, Bhubaneswar’s ancient temples, and Similipal National Park.
How can I reach Puri from Bhubaneswar?
Puri is approximately 60 kilometers away from Bhubaneswar. You can travel by road via NH16 which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, there are frequent trains and buses available that can take you to Bhubaneswar.
What is the best time to visit Odisha?
According to me the best time to visit Odisha is during the winter months, from October to February. During these months weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring different tourist attractions and outdoor activities.
Are there any wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha?
Yes, Odisha has several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks which include Similipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, and Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Is it safe to visit Odisha during the monsoon season?
While heavy rainfall may occur during the monsoon season in Odisha from June to September, some areas may face challenges such as flood and road closures. It is always advisable to check weather forecasts before planning your trip.
What are the famous dishes to try in Odisha?
Some of the popular dishes to try in Odisha are Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice), Dalma (a lentil and vegetable stew), Chhena Poda (a type of sweet made from cottage cheese), and Macha Besara (fish cooked in mustard gravy).
What are some offbeat destinations in Odisha?
Some of the offbeat destinations in Odisha are Daringbadi (the “Kashmir of Odisha”), Satkosia Gorge, Koraput, and Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, all these destinations offers unique experiences away from the usual tourist crowds.
Know more such interesting Odisha tourist places from here.