If the mention of a chariot-shaped Hindu monument (Konark Sun Temple), an ancient cave with exquisite rock carvings (Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves), immediately brings to mind popular tourist attractions in Odisha, raise your hands and ears.
Additionally, you may also picture a wetland lagoon (Chilika Lake) teeming with various bird species, family-friendly picnic spots (Nandankanan Zoological Park), museums dating back centuries, and centers celebrating art and culture.
And if the stunning coastline, which includes a renowned beach and a holy site for pilgrims, also comes to your mind, hats off to you.
Imagine being able to discover the most unique and life-changing travel opportunities in Eastern India.
Simply add Odisha to your list of must-visit destinations. Located near Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal, this state is easily accessible from all parts of India.
It’s no surprise that tourists from around the world are drawn to the charming tourist attractions in Odisha. Curious as to why. Because Odisha offers the perfect blend of immersive experiences for all types of travelers.
When you think of the popular tourist places in Odisha, a variety of options come to mind.
This diverse land has something for every type of visitor. From intriguing ancient caves with detailed rock carvings and enjoyable picnic spots to unique zoological parks, there are plenty of fascinating tourist attractions in Odisha.
Additionally, the land is renowned for its temples, drawing people from all around the world seeking spiritual experiences.
Odisha is a vibrant destination known for its colourful temples, scenic hill stations, lush national parks, picturesque beaches, charming valleys and much more.
Tourist places in Odisha
1. Bhubaneshwar
Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Odisha, is widely known for its stunning temples. As the renowned temple city, it certainly ranks as a must-visit destination in Odisha. This city boasts a rich history and heritage, offering a plethora of fascinating sights and activities.
The majority of the ancient temples found here are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Among them, the Lingaraja Temple, dating back to the 10th century, stands out as a top attraction.
Interestingly, Bhubaneshwar was one of the first planned cities in India along with Jamshedpur and Chandigarh. Additionally, this place offers abundant options for dining, shopping, and accommodation – making your trip to Odisha truly memorable when you visit Bhubaneshwar.
2. Puri
Puri is the best destination in Odisha if you’re thinking of taking a leisurely seaside vacation. One of the most popular places to visit in Odisha is Puri. You can visit its temples, beaches that receive plenty of sunlight, and year-round local markets. This is one of the original Char Dhams, so Hinduism says.
3. Konark
Konark, located in the state of Orissa, is a renowned destination known worldwide for its stunning sandy beaches and the magnificent Sun Temple. This temple, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of India’s most impressive architectural feats.
It is undeniably the top tourist attractions to visit in Odisha! The Annual Dance Festival held here is a five-day cultural extravaganza that showcases exceptional talent from all corners of the country.
This celebration pays tribute to the diverse dance styles of our nation and serves as a spectacular display of our rich cultural and artistic heritage. The backdrop of the Sun Temple adds to the grandeur and beauty of this event.
Additionally, Konark hosts the Sun Festival where devotees come to seek blessings by taking an ocean dip in honor of the Sun God.
And if that’s not enough, there’s also a Handicrafts Mela held during the Dance Festival where you can find unique and intricately crafted items that beautifully represent Oriya art.
Without a doubt, Konark should be at the top of your list when looking for famous places to visit in Odisha.
4. Cuttack
Odisha’s cultural capital Cuttack is home to a number of tourist attractions. Although it is the cultural capital, it is also a commercial city. Due to the abundance of silver works taking place in this city, it is referred to as the Silver City.
Further, if you visit in January, you will have the opportunity to attend a number of festivals that are exclusively held in this city.
5. Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the most sacred temples in India and is dedicated to Jagannath, a manifestation of Hindu deity Vishnu.
6. Chilika Lake, Odisha
The lagoon is located on the east coast of India and is a salty-sweet water lagoon. India has the biggest coastal lagoon in its country and the second largest in the world. It is an isolated ecosystem whose vent to the Bay of Bengal is a thin sandbar that makes it stand out. Thus, it is ecologically important.
7. Chandipur Beach
Have you ever seen the sea vanish before your eyes and then return to its normal state? If not, make sure to witness this unusual occurrence in Chandipur, near Balasore Village.
Take a trip to Chandipur Beach, where you can relax under the shade of casuarina trees and among lush coastal vegetation. This unique beach is known for its disappearing seawater phenomenon that happens twice a day.
While you’re there, keep an eye out for rare horseshoe crabs and red crabs that can only be found at Chandipur Beach. Couples will also love watching the stunning sunrise and sunset here, making it one of the top romantic tourist attractions in Odisha.
8. Bargarh
Odisha’s Bargarh is not a particularly popular tourist attractions. However, the amazing century-old temples and the scenic beauty make it a must-visit place. Gandhamadan Parvat, mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana, is located in this region, so it has mythological significance.
9. Udayagiri and Kandagiri Caves
These are the locations where religion, art, and rock-cut buildings abound. A pleasant location to take your family is the two hills, which rise sharply from the coastal plain and are separated by a highway around six kilometers west of Bhubaneswar.
Among the tourists, this is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Odisha. The caves are very historical and resemble Ajanta Ellora caves in many ways.
Udayagiri:
The hill on the right is called Udayagiri, and a set of steps leads up to its eighteen caves. Rani Gumpha, also known as Queen’s Cave, Hathigumpha (cave 14), and Ganeshagumpha (cave 10), are particularly well-known because of their historical significance and sculptures and reliefs.
Khandagiri:
The Ananta cave (cave 3) is famous for its carvings of ladies, athletes, elephants, and geese with flowers. The Digambara Jaina Temple resides at the summit of Khandagiri Hills on the other side of Udayagiri.
10. Simlipal National Park
Embrace the elusive flora and fauna at Simlipal National Park in Northern Odisha with binoculars. One of the best tourist attractions in Odisha for wildlife encounters on guided safaris is Simlipal National Park.
This wildlife sanctuary sprawls over 2,750 square kilometers and boasts shorter trekking trails. The Simlipal National Park is also a mesmerizing place for nature lovers to watch migratory birds.
11. Rourkela
Rourkela stands at the top of the list for the best destinations to visit in Odisha. The city is renowned for its steel plant and serves as a prominent hub for steel and iron manufacturing.
In addition, it boasts numerous shopping centers, parks, temples, waterfalls, upscale dining options, trekking trails, and ideal spots for both shopping and picnicking, adding to the appeal of your trip to Odisha.
This popular location draws visitors from across the country seeking an exhilarating experience. Rourkela consistently features on various Odisha tour packages due to its diverse offerings that cater to all types of travelers.
For an unforgettable family vacation in Odisha, Rourkela is undoubtedly the go-to destination.
12. Jeypore
For nature lovers, Jeypore is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Odisha. It is renowned for its rocky outcrops, picturesque waterfalls, and lush green biospheres. A popular picnic tourist attractions in Odisha, Deomali, is not far from Jeypore and is the state’s highest peak.
13. Barbil
Located in the Odisha district of Kendujhar/Keonjhar, Barbil is a popular tourist attractions and honeymoon spot known for its unique blend of history, mythology, and natural beauty.
Situated on the bank of the Karo River, this town is renowned for its abundant iron ore and manganese deposits, which are primarily exported to China. As a result, Barbil has earned the title of being the “capital of mining” in northern Odisha.
However, due to the mining activities, the atmosphere here can be quite dusty. Despite this, Barbil continues to thrive as a corporate and industrial hub.
Visitors can also witness some of the oldest rocks in the world here, estimated to be 38,000 million years old. One of the must-see attractions is Kiriburu’s enchanting sunset scene, accompanied by the sweet melodies of birds returning to their nests.
Tourists also flock to Maa Tarini temple daily to seek blessings from all over Odisha as it holds significant historical importance. Additionally, there are several other nearby tourist attractions that one can explore while visiting Barbil.
14. Gopalpur
Gopalpur, a quaint beach town in Odisha, offers a Goan-like feel. Both visitors and locals who are looking for relaxation or a break from the hectic daily life frequent this well-liked location.
The town is home to stunning beaches that serve as Olive Ridley Sea Turtle nesting sites. Known for its golden sands and pristine waters, Gopalpur is unquestionably one of the best destinations in Odisha for a peaceful beach vacation.
Gopalpur is renowned for being a bustling commercial hub with an intriguing past in addition to its stunning seaside setting. Don’t pass up the opportunity to visit the adjacent town of Berhampur to purchase silk fabrics and handcrafted pickles to take home as mementos.
Gopalpur has a plethora of attractions, including temples and hot springs, that are guaranteed to make your journey very memorable!
15. Sambalpur
Sambalpur is home to a profusion of rivers, verdant hills, forests, and wildlife. It also boasts a thriving handloom and textile industry, and it is the gateway to Odisha’s western zone.
Sambalpur holds significant historical value as the location of multiple battles during the Indian independence movement. It is a fantastic blend of modernity and culture as a result.
