Best Tourist places in Odisha

The state of Odisha in India’s East Coast is truly a cultural centre full of history and exciting places. It was known as Orissa and you can see stunning ancient buildings and temples everywhere. Although Odisha is famous for temples this state is full of vibrant beaches and bio reserves as well. Furthermore, this historical importance of Odisha makes it even more interesting. As a part of the ancient Kalinga Kingdom, Odisha has had an important part to play in India‘s history. Moreover, it has local handicrafts, heritage sights and national parks. All these comprise some of the most iconic tourist places in Odisha. A trip to Odisha will surely quench your taste for history, culture and spirituality. Here we present to you the best tourist places in Odisha.

Puri

Located on the coats of the Bay of Bengal, Puri is one of the major attractions in Odisha. Also, all year round they welcome a wide variety of tourists ranging from sunbathers to pilgrims. This little town has it all and it boasts some of the most famous temples in the country, the Jagannath Temple.

The attractions in Puri include:

The Jagannath Temple

Being one of the most iconic temples in India, the Jagannath temple is one of the “Char Dhams” which is a holy place a Hindu should visit in their lifetime. Built in the 12th century by the Ganga Dynasty, the temple is famous for its Rath yatra. It is a true architectural marvel and also it is said that no birds will fly over the temple.

Chilika Lake

This saltwater lake is famous for the flock of migratory birds. Boating around the lake is a great way to see the true beauty of this place. Sea Eagles, Flamingoes and Geese are regular visitors here. Also, you can see the Irrawaddy Dolphins swimming in the lake.

Puri Beach

This amazing golden sand beach is perfect for sunbathing and seafood. Also, its rotating waves invite surfers to catch a wave. This is one of the best places in India to surf and you can catch a breathtaking sunrise on the beach.

Sun Temple, Konark

Though it is located about an hour’s drive from Puri, the Sun temple is a true historical monument. Easily one of the must-see places in Puri, Sun Temple in Konark is one of the most visited places in India. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God and it is full of intricate sculptures and carvings in the stone. Built under the rule of King Narasimhadeva, the temple is a testament to the Kalinga Style architecture. Due to it’s location near to the Chandrabhaga Beach, sailors used it as a pointer in the 1600s. Also, this is the location for the Konark Dance Festival, a five-day celebration of traditional dance and music.

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Bhubaneshwar

The capital of Odisha is known as the “City of Temples”. It has a rich history that dates back to 2000 years. The stunning architecture of the temples is an identity of this city. Apart from temples, Bhubaneshwar has great museums, tribal artefact galleries and nature parks. Because of the temples, there is a huge rush of pilgrims all year round. Furthermore, this is a great place to get to know about the history of Odisha and understanding it’s contributions to Indian cultural heritage.

The attractions in Bhubaneshwar include:

Udayagiri Khandagiri

It is said that these caves were built for Jain monks during King Kharavela’s reign. Also, they are full of carvings and sculptures of deities and different Gods. It is incredible to think that theses caves are carved with such precision even in those times.

Lingaraj Temple

This Shiva temple from the 7th century is one of the largest and famous temples in Bhubaneshwar. It has intricate stone carvings and the temple is lighted up during the Mahashivarathri festival.

Mukteshwara Temple

Easily one of the most visited places in Bhubaneshwar, the temple is an ode to Kalinga style of architecture. Built somewhere in the 10th century the sheer grandeur of this temple is astonishing. Furthermore, this sandstone structure towers over 30 feet tall and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Hirakud Dam

Another feat of human architectural brilliance, the Hirakud Dam is the longest one in India. You can even drive on top of the dam and enjoy the sheer magnitude of the structure. Also, it is covered with lush greenery and is one of the best tourist places in Odisha.

Cuttack

Being the second-largest city in Odisha, Cuttack has its roots deep into the culture and tradition of Odisha. The Barbati fort is one of its famous attraction here along with Dhabaleshwar temple. Furthermore, the city’s history dates back to more than a thousand years and still stands as one of the well-planned cities. Also, it has other several forts, temples, lakes and rivers.

Talasari Beach

It is one of the best beaches in Odisha. It is known for its tranquil waters and pleasant landscape. Also, this is a perfect way to unwind and relax have a relaxing day at the beach, and spot a few fishing boats and check out their big catches. And don’t forget to explore the delicious seafood there. Talasari beach is surely one of the best tourist places in Odisha.

Chandipur

Chandipur is another wonderful beach destination in Odisha. The golden sand beaches are picturesque and totally worth a visit. Take a stroll along the beach bed and discover seashells and stones. The water recedes further deep during low tide and expands the sea beds even more. Also, you can ride your bicycles on the shores which is another fun activity.

Jeypore

Since the Suryavanshi Dynasty established this city in the 16th century, it has been a great cultural centre for different rulers. Also, there are valleys, thick forests due to its location in the Eastern Ghats. The Patraput Bridge here was built by the British is a perfect example of their architectural style. And if you are in the mood for a little adventure, head to the serene waterfalls like Shakti or Duduma where you can swim and go for a hike in the forests. Additionally, visit the Gupteshwar caves which are limestone caves with a Shiva temple inside.

Odisha is truly an amazing state and it has a rich cultural heritage, you will have so much to explore here. The tourist places in Odisha is a mixture of its past and present, which is the face of tourism here. Don’t just think of Odisha as just a temple destination, it is so much more. Head to the Pickyourtrail Website and check out the travel packages to India. Also, download the Pickyourtrail App and have your travel queries answered on the go. Reach out to us on Whatsapp and let our travel experts help you craft your perfect vacation.