Last Updated on 27/12/2024
Odisha, or Orissa, is one of the most diverse lands in the country, offering both religious and geographical sites for tourists. It is rich in culture and has welcoming locals who will impress any visitor. The following lines will guide you in finding the best tourist spots in this region.
Odisha, which was earlier called Orissa, is an interesting holiday destination offering a complete package of spiritual experiences and natural panoramic views of a typical coastal area. This state is also known for sheltering tribal groups that have survived from ages past. There is something for everyone in this state, from wildlife to historical and religious monuments, as well as exotic beaches for your enjoyment. Read on to find out about the intriguing places in Odisha that you can add to your travel list when you visit this state.
List of Most Famous Tourist Places in Orissa
01. Bhubaneswar
- Nickname: Temple City of India
- Famous for: Historical temples (e.g., Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple)
- Known for: Ancient monuments, modern city infrastructure
- Best time to visit: October to March
Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha and represents a perfect balance of both the past and the present. You will find ancient monuments and temples alongside modern accommodation and entertainment options. Tourists often find it difficult to leave this place once they visit for a vacation.
02. Konark
- Famous for: Sun Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Architecture: Built in the shape of a chariot with intricately carved wheels
- Nearby attraction: Chandrabhaga Beach
- Best time to visit: October to March
This place is famous for the Sun Temple, which attracts tourists from around the world due to its intricate architectural design and excellence in sculpture work. The nearby Chandrabhaga Beach adds to the overall pleasure of visiting this temple.
03. Puri
- Nickname: Abode of Lord Jagannath
- Famous for: Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach
- Pilgrimage: Major destination for Hindu pilgrims
- Best time to visit: October to March
Puri is also known as the ‘abode of Jagannath’ because of the presence of the Jagannath Temple, and the magnificent beach is an added attraction for visitors. Pilgrims and holidaymakers alike find this place appealing due to its amazing scenic beauty and seaside views.
04. Chilika Lake
- Location: Ganjam, Khurda, and Gajapati districts
- Size: Largest brackish water lake in Asia
- Famous for: Migratory birds, Irrawaddy dolphins
- Best time to visit: November to February (for bird watching)
This is the largest ‘brackish water’ lake in Asia which is popular for the migratory birds and the Irrawaddy dolphins that you may chance upon while you are enjoying boat ride on this lake.
05. Simlipal National Park
- Location: Mayurbhanj district
- Area: 2,750 square kilometers
- Famous for: Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards
- Best time to visit: November to June (closed during the monsoon season)
This national park is located in Mayurbhanj district and ranks among the most important tiger reserves in India. Covering 2.750 sq.km areas, this park has been specifically chosen for ‘Project Tiger’ to conserve the depleting population of tigers in India. Other than the 95 ‘Royal Bengal’ tigers, you will also come across elephants, leopards, muggers (crocodiles) and more than 230 bird species. You will not be disappointed in the wildlife population that you get to see out here.
Here is a list of some other places of interest in Odisha:
- The Millennium City of Cuttack: – Visit for Jajpur, Ansupa, Chhatia, Bhattarika, Udayagiri, Paradeep, Chandikhole, Madhava, Choudwar, Kendrapara, Dhabaleswar, Naraj, Ratnagiri, Patharajpur and Lalitgiri.
- Baripara: – Visit for Chhau Dance and Khiching
- Rourkela: – ‘The Steel City of Odisha’- Visit for Khandadhar, Vedavyas, Rajgangpur, Junagarh, Ushakothi, Darjeeng, Pitamahal, Ghogar and Mandira Dam.
- Sambalpur: – Visit for Ushakothi, Pradhanpat, Vikramkhol, Chiplima, Huma, Nrusinghanath and Hirakud Dam.
- Jeypore: – Visit for tribal lands including Nandapur, Bagra, Hatipathar, Gupteswar, Minna Jhola, Duduma, Papadahandi and Sunabeda.
- Berhampur: – Visit for Taratarini, Taptapani, Gopalpur, Mahendragiri and Aryapalli.
- Bhawanipatna: – Visit for Phurli Jharan and Karlapat.
- Dhenkanal: – Visit for Tikarpada, Kapilas, Saptasajya and Joranda.
With all the information given above, you will be able to decide which places to visit while touring Odisha. Owing to the versatile nature of the state’s geography and tourist attractions, you will not fall short of activities as you step into this amazing land of east India.