21 Best Tourist Places in Odisha

Odisha is a beautiful state in India, renowned for its stunning beaches, scenic temples, and tourist attractions. Earlier, Odisha was named Orissa. Odisha is also known for India's wealth and India's glory. The Jagannath Puri Temple and the Konark Sun Temple are two of Odisha's world-famous tourist attractions. If you're looking for other locations to visit in Odisha than these, we'll tell you about some of the best places to visit in this article.

Places to Visit in Odisha

1. Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, also known as the "City of Temples," is one of the amazing tourist destinations in Odisha. From the ancient period, this area was known as the capital of the state of Odisha, and King Shishupala ruled it. It is a classic example of urbanization, history, and legacy. Many magnificent things, such as amazing temples, artwork, sculptures, wildlife sanctuaries, caves, and so on, are found here. The main attractions here are the Dhauli Hills, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation, Bindu Sarovar, and Nandan Kanan Zoological Park.

2. Konark Temple

Konark Temple is the most renowned site in Odisha and the center of ancient art and sculpture. Tourists visit this place every year to witness the incredible art of carvings of the Konark Sun Temple, one of India's Seven Wonders. The city also has an interesting archaeological museum, a seaside view, and magnificent temples. This temple has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lord Suryanarayan is the presiding deity of the Konark Sun Temple. The main attractions here include the Archaeological Museum, the Temple of the Sun God, and Ramchandi, Chandrabhaga Beach.

3. Puri

Puri is a lovely city in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, around 60 kilometers from the capital. Puri has numerous exquisite temples. The primary attractions here are Puri Beach, Puri Beach Festival, Puri Jagannath Temple, Chilka Lake and Bird Sanctuary, and Gundicha Ghar Temple. If you plan a marine vacation, you must visit Puri at least once. This location is also significant in the Char Dham Yatra.

4. Paradeep

The historic Paradeep is located in the Jagatsinghpur district and is one of the country's most important and oldest ports. Paradeep's coastal scenery includes beautiful beaches, lush woods, waterfalls, and forts. People travel from all over the world to visit Paradeep, one of the country's top beach spots. Huge ships and other marine activities can be seen at this spectacular confluence of the Paradeep, Mahanadi, at the Bay of Bengal. The main attractions here include the Paradeep harbor, Gahirmatha Sanctuary and beach, lighthouse, and Jhankadi.

5. Jeypore

For nature enthusiasts, Jeypore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Odisha. The Suryavanshi Dynasty founded Jeypore city in the 16th century. Jeypore, nestled in the Eastern Ghats Mountains, is one of Orissa's most popular tourist destinations, with deep woods, mist-covered valleys, and spectacular waterfalls attracting visitors from all over the country. The prominent attractions here are Gupteshwar Caves, Sunabeda, Devmali, Duduma Falls, Jagannath Sagar, Hathipathar, and Kolab Falls.

6. Jagannath Temple

The ruler of the Ganga Dynasty constructed it in the 12th century. Rath-yatra, one of the world's most famous festivals, is hosted here. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are the primary deities worshipped here. People travel to Odisha to seek Lord Jagannath's blessings. Puri, Dwarka, Rameshwaram, and Badrinath are all included in the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is located on a high platform in the city's heart. This temple, surrounded by seven-meter-high walls, is a sight to behold. According to the temple's laws, foreigners and non-Hindus are not permitted within the shrine.

7. Pipli

This little village in Odisha is known worldwide for its arts and crafts. This city's applique handicrafts are particularly well-known. Embroidery designs are a specialty of the local artisans. If you visit Odisha, stop by this city for handicrafts and sculptures. It is one of the most visited attractions in Odisha.

8. Cuttack

It is the capital of the East, the second-largest city in Odisha, and one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in Orissa, located near the Mahanadi river delta. Cuttack's history can be traced over 1000 years to the Keshari Dynasty in 989 BC, and it is currently considered one of India's best-planned 'Millennium' towns. Popular tourist destinations are Mahanadi Barrage, Barabati Fort, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Ansupa Lake, Singnath, and Bhattarika temples.

9. Raurkela

Rourkela is the capital of Odisha's Sundargarh district. Rourkela is known throughout India as Ispat Sahar because SAIL has a steel plant in this city. Rourkela is known as Mini India because it is a city where people from all over India live. After Bhubaneshwar, Rourkela in Odisha's second smart city. Despite being an industrial area, Rourkela city has a pleasant temperature and is a lovely spot to visit.

Rourkela's history reveals that it was once covered in deep forests, which served as a hunting place for the royal kings. Rourkela was the second-largest German habitation after Germany after the inauguration of the steel mill in 1955 with West German participation.

During your trip to Rourkela, try native Odia dishes like Chungdi Malai, Dahi Matka, and Bhindi Bhun. These dishes have mixed flavors of South Indian and Bengali tastes. You will fall in love with the Kerala Style Fish Fry.

10. Goddess Patharasini of Arjunda

Arjunda is a region on the banks of the Mahanadi River at the northern end of the Barapahar forest area.

It is located in the district's block Ambabhona. It is located between the Bandijharia and Kedarnath fountains, surrounded by a deep forest. A temple dedicated to Goddess Patharasini may be found here. According to mythology, the Chandrasini of Chandrapur, Padmasini of Padampur, and Patharasini of Arjunda are sisters. It is a well-known tourist destination. It has a boating facility, which is a bonus.

11. Baseikela Gada

Bheden Block is home to Baseikela Gada. This location had been fortified by Bheden Jamindar Raja Manohar Singh, a close friend of Veer Surendra Sai. It receives thousands of visitors each year due to its location on the bank of the Jeera River. Visitors are mesmerized by the natural splendor of this location. The fort's remains serve as a reminder of the Jamindars' previous greatness and suffering, enhancing the significance of this location. This location is known for its Ghitghiti Pathar, which made a noise as British forces approached the native combatants.

12. Bindhyabasini of Sankrida

Sankrida is a community in the Bheden block district. The Bindhyabasini Mountain is found near the settlement of Sankrida. The Goddess Bindhyabasini is worshipped here, and the peak of the mountain is named after her. The Goddess has a huge religious impact on the inhabitants of this region. The mountain is 200 acres in size, with 50 acres of pastureland at its base. Sankrida's residents have contributed 27 acres of land for the Goddess's ceremonies and rituals to be managed.

13. Daringbadi

Locals consider this quiet mountainous station the "Kashmir of Odisha". Daringbadi is a fantastic getaway from the hustle and bustle, with pine forests, milky white waterfalls, colorful meadows, and rolling hills. The Putudi and Badangia Waterfalls, the Coffee Garden, and the Belghar Sanctuary are popular tourist destinations.

14. Chandipur

Chandipur Beach is a lovely beach in Odisha. It is bordered on the east by the Bay of Bengal, on the west by Mayurbhanj, and on the north by the Bengal district of Medinipur. Balasore is 100 kilometers away from Digha, Bengal's most popular beach. This beach, which runs from Digha to Balasore along the Bay of Bengal, is relatively shallow.

You walk in the sea for many kilometers, yet the water does not reach the level of your knees. Its uniqueness separates it from other beaches. It attracts visitors from all around the world. Chandipur is well known for its Missile Launch Center. It was founded in 1989. Most Indian missiles were launched, such as the Trishul, Akash, and Nag surface-to-surface missiles and the Prithvi and Agni anti-ship missiles.

15. Sambalpur

The Sambalpuri saree, preferred by the women of Sambalpur, is quite famous. There are main rivers, beautiful hills, beautiful green woods, and a diverse range of wildlife. In the second century, the city was known as the Land of Diamonds since it was once the world's diamond capital.

The handloom and textile industries are well-known in Sambalpur. The main retail center is Gol Bazaar. There are many shops in the city, but Gole Bazar is home to the most well-known. On Modipara Road, the City Center Mall includes a developing market and an entire campus.

16. Talsari Beach

Talasari Beach, located 10 kilometers from Digha in the Balasore district of Odisha, is one of the unexplored beaches of the Eastern Ghats and is renowned as the final beach on India's North East Coast. Talsari beach is free of pollution due to its low traffic, and it gives tourists natural beauty and a calm setting that satisfies our senses.

At Talsari Beach, there are several sand dunes with palm, coconut, and cashew trees. Aside from the beach, there is also a bank of the Suvarnorkha River, which flows into the Bay of Bengal.

17. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary

Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, around 142 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, is known for its crocodile sanctuaries. The Satkosia Rock Formation surrounds the sanctuary. Alligators reproduce at the Gharwale Sanctuary, which is located nearby.

The Tikarpada Crocodile Sanctuary is located to the left of Satkosia and is famous for its beautiful natural surroundings and animals. It is also home to a variety of snakes and tortoises. A conservation facility has also been established to protect the current Alligators population.

18. Udayagiri and Khandgiri Caves

The historical significance of the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves is well-known across India. This cave had roughly 33 caverns, which had fallen into disrepair. In these caves, there are several Jain temples.

The most notable characteristic of this cave is that once you view its sculptures, you will be unable to forget them for many months. Some of the best stone sculptures by Kalinga artists may be found in the cave.

19. Keonjhar Lake

Keonjhar is one of the state's major lakes, located 220 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. This lake is unique in that it is located in Jharkhand to the north, Jaipur to the south, Dhenkanal to the west, and Mayurbhanj to the east. The famous Keonjhar highland, from which the Baitarani river originates, is located here.

Keonjhar is one of the state's lakes with a rich range of natural resources. Every year, thousands of people visit to wonder at the beauty of this location, which also boasts gorgeous flowing waterfalls. Tourists may visit Kandahar Waterfall, Sangahara Waterfall, Bada Ghaghara Waterfall, and other waterfalls.

20. Bhitarkanika National Park

One of the most beautiful locations to visit in Odisha is Bhitarkanika National Park. In history, it was famous for hunting among the rulers of the Kanika area. The peaceful atmosphere of this location and the beautiful green and colorful birds and sea turtles make it a popular place to visit. At this location, tourists may also view crocodiles. If you enjoy animals and the natural world, here is your place.

21. Nandan Kanha Zoological Park

Nandan Kanha Zoo is a well-known bird sanctuary in Odisha and throughout India, and it draws a large number of visitors. Nandan Kanha Zoo is around 20 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. Nandan Kanha's zoo is a lovely place for children and the elderly to visit. In Nandan Kanha Zoological Park, you may see lions, white lions, pythons, and crocodiles.

Famous Food of Odisha

The more beautiful Odisha is tastier is the meal that is mouth-watering. Dahi-Bada Aloo-Dum, which is featured among the most delicious food in Odisha, is well-known and can be found on the state's street food vendors. Favorite meals include Sel Pudi and Ras Gulla. If you're visiting Odisha, don't miss out on the Dalma. It would be best if you also tried the pani puri and delicious cuisine while you are here. Non-vegetarian travelers will find a wide variety of foods here.

Best Time to Visit Odisha

If you're planning a trip to Odisha, keep in mind that the best time to visit is from October to February. Because the weather is perfect for tourism during this period, you may easily travel to Orissa and its major tourist destinations.