Get under the skin of India’s experiential travel destination - Odisha with Indian Holiday on a compact journey. With us, you are taken care of from inquiry until your reluctant homecoming. Our Odisha destination experts will design you an Odisha tour package with generous inclusions. Moreover, customization with extra flexibility promise is what makes Indian Holiday stand out. Submit your inquiry regarding the Odisha tour from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur. Indulge in a healthy discussion with our specialists who know your destination firsthand. Book with confidence after browsing the vast range of Odisha tour packages.
Listen to the chants of the devotees in the temples towns of Odisha like Puri, Bhubaneswar. Then, spend time with Raghurajpur Art & Craft Village skilled craftsmen to take a sneak peek into their daily rituals. Next, level up your spiritual vibrations in the Eastern Dham of India, Puri followed with a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage, Konark Sun Temple. Later, hit the coast of Puri to laze at the Blue Flag converted, Golden Beach (Puri Beach). All the while, embrace warm hospitality of notch level while you take a glimpse into the ancient history and culture and art of the eastern region of India at best.
Here’s everything you must know about Odisha if you are planning a trip to this state:
How to Reach Odisha
Reaching Odisha via all three major modes of transportation is a safe experience. Bhubaneswar is the capital town, and hence, it has an international airport named Biju Patnaik and the major railway station, Bhubaneswar Junction. Once you reach the capital town via air from within or outside India, venturing anywhere in Odisha would open up options for domestic air travel and railway travel as well. This is possible because Odisha has 3 domestic airports and 10+ major railway stations in Puri, Cuttack, etc.
Although, the popular tourist attractions in Puri are within 70 kilometers of Bhubaneswar Airport. Even more, road travel to Odisha is a perfect weekend getaway from the Bengali holidaymakers. Kolkata and Chattisgarh are located within 500 kilometers, Visakhapatnam is within 600 kilometers. This clearly signifies a road trip to Odisha from these towns is a legit experience. Road travel to Odisha is a wonderful experience because of the excellent pavement of National and State Highways. However, road travel is for the novice one and is not suggested with family members.
Best Time to Visit Odisha
Winter (November to February) is undoubtedly the best time to visit Odisha. Although hotel rates are higher because of its peak tourism season, booking in advance provides relief. Another good time to fly to or reach by train is March to May (summers and shoulder season) with oppressive heat. On the flip side, June to September is the monsoon phase, and coastal towns and their beach shacks remain shut due to high tide. At the same time, the popular Car Festival or Chariot Festival (Rath Yatra) is celebrated with full fervor in July/August.
Even from the temperature and climate point of view, November to February is still the ideal time to book the Odisha tour package. The sun above the head is not hot because the average low and high hovers around 16°C to 28°C - perfect for beach activities. Additionally, summers are hot in Odisha, with an average high and low of 24°C to 37°C, but tourists influx still creates the hype. As a result, monsoon is good in Odisha, and greenery is sprawled across the state with less humidity. But there is always a risk of high tides in Odisha.
Places to Visit in Odisha
You would be stunned to browse the places to visit in Odisha because, unlike other destinations of India, Odisha is a little different. It’s a mix of Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan, and the tribal regions of India. Therefore, Odisha is called the soul of Incredible India. The principal reason behind Odisha’s resemblance with various regions of India is that this state in India's eastern region is the bowl of spirituality, impeccable architecture, warm hospitality, and rich art and craft culture. When you arrive at Bhubaneswar Airport, it itself is the city of temples with the Lingaraja Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Next, you can visit the Eastern Dham of India, Puri, approximately 58 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. Pay a visit to the Sri Jagannath Temple dedicated to the famous Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival). Spend the evening at the Blue Flag Certified, Golden Beach of Puri. Also, drive on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive Road to get amazed with the UNESCO World Heritage Konark Sun Temple, just 36 kilometers (approx.) from Puri. Undoubtedly, a visit to the craft village of Odisha, Raghurajpur, is a must when you are in town.
Shopping in Odisha
You will be bowled over after knowing Odisha is the lesser-known cultural hub of India. This eastern Indian state is known for its handicrafts history. Therefore, Odisha is often compared with Rajasthan when it comes to shopping for native souvenirs of the touristy region. From Bhubaneswar to Puri, along with the art and craft village of Odisha - Raghurajpur places for shopping in Odisha are many. Most importantly, the USP of shopping in Odisha is the traditional painting called ‘PATACHITRA,’ Palm Leaf Etching Painting, made by talented craftsmen. Return home after buying Pipli Work and the Filigree Work items.
Famous Festivals of Odisha
There are around 24 festivals celebrated in Puri and Bhubaneswar. Out of which the most famous one is Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival). However, Odisha has plenty more other festivals to celebrate by the locals and tourists alike. The advent of January in Odisha marks the Makar Mela celebration on the Chilika Lake island. Next, the mid-January and initial February days are about Adivasis Mela, an agricultural festival wrapped with music and dance. Sitalsasthi in May/June commemorates the marriage of Shiv Parvati. Even more, Konark Festival in December and Puri Beach Festival bill themselves as must-attend festivals in Odisha.
Famous Cuisine of Odisha
Odisha has oodles of the flavorful traditional options to binge on when you are in the state. Taste out of the box and extremely delectable Odia dishes when you are in the different towns. Nosh on the main course dish with plain rice - Dalma. Or relish Chhena Poda if you have an appetite for the baked dishes. The other famous cuisine in Odisha includes Poda Pitha made from jaggery, coconut, bay leaves, rice flour, dry fruits, and milk; Kakera Pitha, Korakhai, Manda are must-taste dishes of Odisha.
Nightlife in Odisha
You would be amazed to know that Odisha does not lag much in the race of excellent nightlife destinations. Some of the great bars and pubs are located in the capital town, Bhubaneswar. Stylish rooftop bars and indoor eating places are redefining tourism in Odisha for the party seekers. Even more, the Puri Beach Festival in January is no more short of an exuberant nightlife. But do remember that consuming alcohol in the temple towns is strictly not suggested. Don’t land yourself in any trouble and respect the customs and beliefs. In conclusion, Bhubaneswar is the best place to enjoy the nightlife in Odisha.
