6 Best Places to visit in Odisha (Orissa)

Odisha, earlier known as Orissa, is a place with architectural heritage wonders. Odisha is famous for its beaches and pilgrimage sites; states offer some amazing sightseeing opportunities to every traveller who visit here from any part of the planet.

The world famous Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra attracts thousands and thousands of tourists to Odisha every year during the month of June. Odisha (Orissa) is a must visit state in India, you will find some beautiful museums, sea beaches, temples, and much more.

Puri

Puri is popular for its temples, it is lying along the coastline of the Bay of Bengal; it is one of the best tourist destinations of Odisha. You will find some of the famous religious and historical sights in the city. The world famous Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra starts here every year.

You can also enjoy on the beaches of Puri, and get your body relaxed after a long day of touring around. The famous Sun Konark Temple is here, which is included in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also included in the seven wonders of India.

The Chilka lake, India’s largest salt water lake is situated here. If you are a religious guy, make sure you visit during the month of June and July, since the Rath Yatra takes place in these months.

You can also plan to visit here anywhere between November to February, as temperature is quite calming during these months, which gives you good opportunities to move around the city along with other places to in Odisha.

Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneshwar is also famous for the temple, there are more than 700 temples in the city. It is a capital city of Odisha though. This capital city is a classic example of urbanization interspersed with history and heritage.

Caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, Lingaraj Temple, Raja Rani Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Parasurameshwara Temple, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations and Dhauli Hills are just some examples to visit. Needless to say, you would definitely have the time of your life, indulging in the cultural beauty of the place. You can also find plenty of good accommodation choices in Bhubaneswar.

The sheer beauty of the temples is enough to excite every tourist who visit Bhubaneshwar.

If you think that only Temples are here, make a trip to the Nandankanan Zoological Park, which is one of the largest Zoos in India, a must visit place for every nature lover. Apart from that, you can also make a visit to The Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts; the Odisha State Museum will provide rich insight into the tribal culture and history of the state.

Cuttack

Cuttack is also known as cultural capital of Odisha, it is the second largest city of the state.

The city comprises of temples, ancient forts, some amazing museums and lakes. The cluster of islands off its bay is simply amazing.

The Fort of Barabati, Ansupa Lake, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Mahanadi Barrage are some must visit venues. The perfect example of an ancient architecture, i.e. Bhattarika Temple is also situated here.

The famous Bali Yatra held here, another notable festival is the Kite Festival held in the month of January every year. The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahanadi Barrage, and the temples of Singanatha and Bhattarika are famous too.

Paradip, the most famous and a busy international seaport of India is situated in this city, Cuttack has also some other amazing beaches as well, which offer spectacular views.

Sambalpur

It is the western part of Odisha, the city is quite rich in culture and natural beauty, Sambalpur is among the must visit place of Odisha, the lush forest along with picturesque waterfalls are treat to watch.

The famous Hirakund Dam is here, you can also visit Cattle island, Samaleswari Temple and Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sambalpur is also famous for its Sambalpuri Saree, textile bounded patterns and fabrics locally known as Baandha, Hand loom textile works. The city has earned international fame for its unique pattern, design and texture.

Rourkela

Rourkela is also known as the “Steel City” and “Ispat Nagar”, it is an industrial city of the state. The city become much popular because of the famous steel plant and industrial sector.

Apart from the above, there are many sights as well that have nothing to do with steel. Khandadhar Waterfalls, Darjing and Deoghaar and Ved Vyas, the three rivers Sankha, Koel and underground Saraswati are meeting here, which attracts lots and lots of visitors. Anytime in between October to March is the best time to visit Rourkela.

The city gives you enough opportunities of pilgrimage, trekking and shopping, and much more to explore.

Chandipur

Chandipur is a seaside town, having a lovely sea resort along with charming beaches. There are few temples as well, the seafood of Chandipur is quite delicious.

The highlight of Chandipur’s beach is its ‘disappearing sea’, the tides are quite exceptional, you will notice extreme high tides and lower to the low tides as well within just couple of minutes.

Do make a visit at Chandipur Beach and be a witness for yourself within just few minutes. You will notice that sea goes almost 4-5 kms away and come back again. Visitors love to collect the bounties that are left by the sea, likewise shells, oysters, crabs etc.