Odisha is a state in India that is rich in cultural heritage and has some of the most beautiful spots to visit. The ancient temples in the state are among the most visited tourist places in Odisha, with over a million visitors annually. The temples in this area are adorned with beautiful architectural elements that bear witness to the different kingdoms that have ruled throughout the state’s history. Today the remnants of Odisha’s glorious past can be explored across its cities like Puri, Konark, Cuttack, Rourkela, and Bhubaneswar.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are among the most intriguing locations to visit in Odisha. They provide you with an excellent opportunity to learn more about the state’s history. The beaches that adorn the coastline of Odisha are among the most beautiful spots to visit in the state. Puri Beach, Swargadwar Beach, and the beach at Paradeep are just a few of the most beautiful beaches you will find in this region. So, now let’s have a look at some of the best places to visit in Odisha.
Puri
Puri is a picturesque city in the state of Odisha in Eastern India, and it is just 60 kilometers away from the capital, Bhubaneswar. Located along the Bay of Bengal, it provides magnificent sunny scenery with palm trees and glistening waves on the coastline, making it a popular tourist destination. The city is also home to Asia’s largest saltwater lake, Chilika Lake.
Tourists of various kinds flock to the city, including pilgrims to the temples and sunbathers on the beach. This makes it one of the most appreciated destinations to visit not only in India but also across the globe, according to many travel and leisure magazines.
It is home to several world-renowned temples, including the Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Vimala Temple, Loknath Temple, and others. Puri is often referred to as the “beach city” and has become a popular destination for short weekend getaways among people from all over the globe. Tourists like sitting on the shores of beaches and participating in a variety of activities such as water sports, boating, and even fishing from the coastline. The city has a nice seaside climate throughout the year.
Bhubaneswar
Popular as the “City of Temples,” Bhubaneswar has a long and distinguished history in the development of India’s civilization. Holding a rich history dating back over 2000 years, this location represents the ideal fusion of a rural past characterized by huge temples and spectacular architecture, and a contemporary period characterized by bustling industry and trade. Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Parasurameswara Temple, Mukteswara Temple, and Brahmeshwara Temple are must-visit places in Bhubaneswar.
The city of Bhubaneswar, with its historic structures going back more than 3000 years, exemplifies eternal beauty. You can visit the colorful temples, tranquil dams, magnificent parks, old caverns, attractive lakes, and famous museums. Nature lovers can explore the flora and fauna of the region at Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary and Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Konark
Konark is located on the Bay of Bengal coastline in the District of Puri and is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Odisha. Konark is a significant cultural and historical site in India and is greatly popular for the Sun Temple and beautiful coastline. The architectural marvel is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site in India and one of the best places to visit in Odisha. History buffs can explore the Oriya culture at ASI Museum.
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Konark is to participate in water sports at the stunning Chandrabhaga Beach. You may spend hours surfing, snorkeling, and swimming, and then finish the day with a campfire on this beach. The Astaranga Beach is a great spot to watch the sun setting over the Bay of Bengal with your loved ones.
You can enjoy the surrealism and beauty of the Konark Dance Festival, which features classical dance performances, traditional music, and the beauty of stunning handicrafts on display with the Sun Temple in the background.
Cuttack
Cuttack has a history that dates back more than 1000 years to the Keshari dynasty in 989 BC. It is considered to be one of the most well-planned ‘Millennium’ towns in the nation, according to the World Bank. While in Cuttack, you can go on a street food tour to get a taste of the region’s distinctive Oriya cuisine. You may sample dishes like bamboo biryani, prawn malai curry, Macher Kalia, Dalma, and others.
Barabati Fort is a charming monument that offers astounding views of the city. You can also visit the Stone Revetment situated on the banks of the Kathjuri River. The lovely Bhitarkanika National Park & Sanctuary is a great place to see unusual flora and animals. Even while it is mostly renowned for its crocodiles, the area is also home to a variety of other wildlife. Paradeep Beach is a quick getaway from the city offering a pristine environment to the vacationers.
Sambalpur
Sambalpur, the biggest district in Western Odisha and along the banks of the Mahanadi River, is one of the country’s oldest cities. It is an important commercial center and is home to old temples, forts.
Sambalpur’s diverse and beautiful scenery draws visitors from all over the country to seek an out-of-the-way holiday destination. Throughout the area, you will find lush woods, hills, and valleys, all of which are lined with gorgeous streams and waterfalls.
Sambalpur has a fascinating tribal heritage, which is reflected in the city’s varied monuments and customs to this day. You can shop for the renowned Sambalpuri sarees when in Sambalpur. The Ikat cloth is notable for its elaborate stitched design, exclusive to this region. The Samaleswari Temple, built in the 16th century and from which the district gets its name, is one of the most popular sites in the area.
One of the most popular attractions in this area is the Hirakud Dam, which is the world’s longest earthen dam and generates the biggest man-made lake in Asia. It is also the home to various migrating birds as well as exotic plants.