What’s Special About Odisha Tourist Attractions?
Firstly, the most famous aspect of Odisha tourism is its temples. Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the four Dhams of India. Even more, the Sun Temple of Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Secondly, Odisha has an approximately 450 km coastline forming golden sandy beaches. Thirdly, dozens of tribal villages are scattered around Odisha to learn and grow to a whole new level. Indeed, Odisha in India is one of the best places to foster physical, emotional, intellectual, social, or spiritual connections.Top 10 Places to Visit in Odisha to Manifest Transformative Travel Experiences
Stop sweating as we break down the 10 places to visit in Odisha that will help you score Experiential travel:- Golden Beach in Puri
- Chandipur Beach
- Puri
- Bhubaneshwar
- Konark
- Cuttack
- Simlipal National Park
- Rourkela
- Jagannath Temple in Puri District
- Gopalpur in Ganjam District
1. Golden Beach in Puri
After seeking blessing from Lord Jagannath, plan a trip to the newly crowned Blue Flag tag beach. Yes! Golden Beach in Puri is one of the best tourist places in Odisha for many other reasons. Firstly, golden Beach sand is magnificently golden in color. Secondly, there are attentive lifeguards available for the rescue. Thirdly, there are beach shacks that serve toothsome seafood. Furthermore, there is a Lighthouse also which remains open from 4 PM – 6 PM only! Camel and horse rides are the highlight for kids and adults alike to enjoy along the golden sands. An added bonus, jet skiing, boat rides, and photography seasons are fondly enjoyed at Golden Beach (Puri Beach).- Best Time to Visit: November to February, March to April (in the evening)
- Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 7 PM (approx.)
- Nearby Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport from 211 km (approx.)
- Closest Railway Station: Balasore Railway Station, 15 km (approx.)
- Best Time to Visit: November to February (Peak Season), early summer
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
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2. Chandipur Beach
Ever witnessed the seawater periodically disappear in front of your eyes for a while and then get back to its normal state? If not, then you should experience this strange phenomenon in Chandipur town near Balasore Village. Visit Chandipur Beach to bask under the canopy of casuarina trees amidst the lush coastal vegetation. Coming to the strange phenomenon, Chandipur Beach is India’s hide-and-seek beach where seawater recedes twice a day. When you are at Chandipur Beach, witness the horseshoe crabs and red crabs that are rare to find anywhere else. Moreover, sunrise and sunset at Chandipur Beach invite couples, and thus, it is one of the best places in Odisha for couples. Also, a part of the beach is under the DRDO research umbrella. More surprisingly, the reserved part of Chandipur Beach was the launchpad of the Agni, and Prithvi, ballistic missiles. Best Time to Visit: November to February, March to April (in the evening) Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 7 PM (approx.) Key Attractions Around the Beach: Souvenir shops, beach shacks Ideal Duration: 2 hours (approx.)Book the Odisha Golden Triangle package to fulfill your travel dream.
3. Puri
This coastal city on the banks of the Mahanadi River has an assortment of temples, each of which features a distinctive architectural style. But most importantly, the Jagannath Temple in the city is a pious Hindu pilgrimage site as it constitutes one of the four Char Dhams Yatra. Legends of the temple say that it has been in existence since the Mahabharatha era. Mythologically, Puri is known to be the final resting place of Lord Vishnu. Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport from 59 km away from City Center Closest Railway Station: Puri Railway Station, 1 km away from City Centre Nearby Towns: Bhubaneshwar (58 km), Cuttack (82 km), Rourkela (390 km) Best Time to Visit: November to February (Peak Season), early summer Ideal Duration: 2 days (approx.) Read more about Puri Beach (Golden Beach) Moreover, the annual Chariot Festival (Rath Yatra is the highlight). Temples of Puri display excellent craftsmanship in the form of Kalinga, and Deula architecture. Even more, some temples of Puri celebrate the annual festival concerning their reigning deity. If you are coming from Bhubaneswar, it is supposed to cover a distance of approximately 60 kilometers. [sc name=”slider-api-385″][ Browse through Puri Pilgrimage Tour Packages ]
Must-Visit Attractions in Puri
Sri Jagannath Temple: Get enamored with the excellent carvings, and it is a fine specimen of the Kalinga style of architecture. Seek blessing from Lord Vishnu between 5 AM – 1 PM & 6 PM – 12 AM. Sudarshan Craft Museum: Show your penchant for art at this museum between 8 AM – 12 PM & 2 PM – 8 PM, except on Saturdays & Sundays. Additionally, the entry fee for Indians is ₹ 5 (approx.) per person, whereas foreigners have to pay around ₹ 50 (approx.) per person. Narendra Tank/Narendra Pokhari: Between 6 AM – 9 PM, pay a visit to the surroundings of the small and big temple the tank.4. Bhubaneshwar
Touted as the capital town of Odisha, Bhubaneshwar is also famous for its temples. Additionally, Konark, Bhubaneshwar, and Puri form the Golden Triangle of Odisha. Hence, Bhubaneshwar is a major tourist place in Odisha. The majority of the ancient temples here are dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the top attractions of Bhubaneswar is the 10th-century Lingaraja Temple. Also, this city of Odisha was amongst the first planned cities of India, along with Chandigarh and Jamshedpur.- Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport from 5 km away from the City Center
- Closest Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 1.5 km away from City Centre
- Nearby Towns: Puri (61 km), Cuttack (16 km), Vizag (439 km)
- Best Time to Visit: November to February (Peak Season)
- Ideal Duration: 2 days (approx.)
Soul-Stirring Attractions in Bhubaneshwar
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: Explore the two ancient Jain rock-cut caves in Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills. Cave entry is distinct for Indians (₹ 15) and foreigners (₹ 200) approximately 9 AM – 5 PM, every day! Regional Museum Natural History: Get amazed by the vibrant geology of Odisha between 10 AM: 5 PM without any entry, except on Monday when it is closed. Nandankanan Zoological Park: Spot the rare white tigers except for Monday between 8 AM – 5 PM for just ₹ 40 for adults, ₹ 10 for children, and ₹ 100 for foreigners.Must Read: Chilka Lake in Puri Lingaraj Mandir Dhauli Giri Hills
5. Konark
Konark is one of three popular attractions of the Golden Triangle Odisha tourist circuit. Lying 61 kilometers (approx.) from Bhubaneshwar, Konark is famous for its 13th-century Sun Temple, dedicated to Sun God. As a result, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Sun Temple. A visit to this sacred coastal town will reward visitors with the stunning sunrise over the beach.- Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport from 62 km (approx.) away
- Closest Railway Station: Puri Junction Railway Station, 35 km (approx.) away
- Nearby Towns: Bhubaneswar (62 km), Ratnapura (111 km), Puri (36 km)
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (Peak Season)
- Ideal Duration: 1 day (approx.)
Top Attractions in Konark
Konark Sun Temple: Get amazed by the profound carvings of the Nat Mandapa’ or Dancing Hall and 24 Chariot Wheels. Enter into the temple from 9 AM – 5 PM every day. The entry fee is supposed to be distinct for Indians (₹ 30) and foreigners (₹ 500). Consequently, the guide charges are around ₹ 200 (approx.) for a few minutes. Konark Museum: Explore the 4 galleries of Konark Museum to sneak peek into ancient sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts of Sun Temple. Entry timings and days are from 10 AM – 5 PM, except Friday for just ₹ 5 (approx.) per person. Chandrabhaga Beach: Enjoy surfing, sunbathing, and sunset at Chandrabhaga Beach. If traveling in January/February, attend the Magha Saptami Mela to pray to the Sun God.6. Cuttack
Cuttack is also amongst the Golden Triangle Tourist attractions of Odisha. But most importantly, it is known as the millennium city of Odisha. Also, Cuttack is crowned with the title of Silver City because of its history of 1,000 years of silver filigree works. This second-largest city of Odisha is nestled at the junction of the Kathajodi and Mahanadi Rivers.- Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport from 30 km (approx.) away
- Closest Railway Station: Cuttack Junction Railway Station, 2 km (approx.) away
- Nearby Towns: Raipur (449 km), Ranchi (325 km), Puri (31 km)
- Best Time to Visit: November to February (Peak Season)
- Ideal Duration: 2 days (approx.)
Must-Visit Attractions of Cuttack
Barabati Fort: Dive deep into the historical reminiscence of Barabati Fort Kataki Chandi Temple: Admire the Gajapati Dynasty architecture at Cuttack Chandi Temple Kadam Rasul Mosque: Feel your jaws drop when you admire the Indo-Persian architecture7. Simlipal National Park
Put on your binoculars to uncover the elusive flora and fauna at Simlipal National Park in Northern Odisha. This foremost wildlife sanctuary of Odisha is one of the best places for winter travel for wildlife encounters on guided safaris. Simlipal National Park sprawls over 2,750 sq KM and features shorter trekking trails. Alternatively, migratory bird watching in Simlipal National Park is one of the mesmerizing experiences for nature lovers.- Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport from 195 km (approx.) away
- Closest Railway Station: Baripada Junction Railway Station, 106 km (approx.) away
- Nearby Towns: Kolkata (328 km), Balasore (110 km), Puri (246 km)
- Opening Months: November till mid-June
- Visiting Hours: 9 PM – 5 PM (approx.)
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8. Rourkela
Nearest Airport: Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, 166 km (approx.) away Closest Railway Station: Rourkela Junction Railway Station, 2 km (approx.) away Nearby Towns: Ranchi (168 km), Jharkhand (211 km), Kolkata (476 km) Best Time to Visit: Winters, early summer, post-monsoon Ideal Duration: 2 days (approx.) One of the developed towns of Odisha, Rourkela, is synonymous with the commercial capital of this Eastern Indian State. It was 1955 when Rourkela rose into prominence as a public sector steel plant. Since then, Rourkela has managed to become the leading iron and steel manufacturing base. Upon looking from the touristy lens, you will find shopping malls, swanky restaurants, lush green gardens, and parks for couples and kids.Must-Visit Attractions in Rourkela
Hanuman Vatika: Bow down at the 75-foot-tall statue of Lord Hanuman at Hanuman Vatika. Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir: As the name suggests, this temple is the replica of the bigger one in Jammu. Indira Gandhi Park: Enjoy a toy train ride, and boating at Indira Gandhi Park. That’s it, fellow tourists! Which of these tourist places to visit in Odisha caught your attention and why? We would like to hear from you![ Plan a Short Trip to Bhubaneswar and Puri with IHPL ]
9. Jagannath Temple in Puri District
Jagannath Temple is dedicated to Lord Odisha – Lord Krishna (main deity) and Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Most importantly, Jagannath Temple is one of the Bada Char Dhams of India and hence, one of the must-visit places in Odisha’s Puri district. Unlike the other temples, Jagannath Temple’s main deities’ statues are carved and sculpted from wood. The temple authority replaces the deities made from wood every year as a ritual. You must visit Jagannath Temple during the annual famous Rath Yatra Chariot Festival held in June/July. When you enter Jagannath Temple through any of its four gates, witness the 65 m high spire that dominates Puri’s skyline. At the same time, only Hindu devotees are allowed to enter the temple. The classic duel style of Kalinga architecture is impressive and is a crowd-puller (but remember, the temple is no photography zone). Surprise to many, there are around 24 different festivals held at the Jagannath Temple that are celebrated by local people and tourists alike with full fervor. If you have time in hand, make sure to visit each of the small (sub) shrines scattered around the temple’s main complex. Temples Four Chambers: Bada Deula, Jagamohan, Nata Mandir, Bhoga Mandap 4 Gates of the Temple: Lion Gate, Elephant Gate, Horse Gate, Tiger Gate Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik Airport, 58 kilometers (approx.) Closest Railway Station: Puri Junction Railway Station, 3 kilometers (approx.) Best Time to Visit: June/July for Rath Yatra Festival or any time of the year Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours (approx.)10. Gopalpur in Ganjam District
Wanna have a slice of Goa in Odisha? You can if you choose to visit the seaside town of Gopalpur at the cusp of the Bay of Bengal on the southern boundary lines of Odisha. If you are looking to manifest some sunshine and relaxation with your beloved one, Gopalpur is one of the best places in Odisha for couples. The catch of Gopalpur is its beaches that become the famous nesting sites of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Even more, the sand is sand-nationally golden, and the water is azure. Also called the erstwhile commercial hub of Odisha, Gopalpur is a natural place in Odisha drenched in history. Literary of yore, Gopalpur beacons the remnant of the colonial past as East India Company fondly uses this site as a trading center. Thanks to its proximity with Andhra Pradesh, which still helps the trade unit to facilitate the trade. Consequently, the nearby town of Berhampur (15 km) is perfect for shopping for handmade pickles and silk textiles on a day trip. From hot springs to religious shrines, attractions to visit in Gopalpur are more than beaches. [sc name=”places-in-odisha-faq”]Tell Me More About Odisha Tourism That I Had No Clue About
Odisha is called the ‘Soul of Incredible India.’ For now, Puri’s Golden Beach has received the prestigious Blue Flag Certification. Moreover, there are five more beaches Odisha Government is planning to label with Blue Flag Certification. 450+ km (approx.) The coastline along the Bay of Bengal is the region known as ‘Utkala,’ which is a spell in India’s national anthem. The Eastern state of India, Odisha, houses tribal people like Kondh tribes, Santal, Bonda, Bumia, etc. As a result, each tribal community has its own customs and traditions, folk dance, and music. Also, Odisha is divided into two parts; the Northeastern region and the Southeastern region. The principal attractions of the former ones are Puri, Konark, and Cuttack. Most importantly, Odisha people boast a rich and distinctive cultural heritage. The coastal plains of the state have a good concentration of religious and historical monuments. Although the Puri is a well-acclaimed Hindu religious site, the hype of ancient rock-cut caves and ornate temples of Bhubaneswar must not be ignored.Plan Your 7 Days Odish itinerary for Unforgettable Holiday
