Odisha is an Indian state famous for its ancient temples, beaches, and natural beauty. The most popular places to visit in Odisha include the Sun Temple in Konark, the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and Lingaraj Temple, and the beaches of Puri and Gopalpur. The Odisha tour packages are there to help you with booking.
1. Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is also known as the Temple City of India. Bhubaneswar is one of the best tourist places in Orissa. Here you can visit Dhauligiri Hills, Khandagiri Caves, Udayagiri Caves, Bindu Sarovar, World Famous Lingaraj Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Kedar Gauri Temple, and Ram-Mandir, Brahmeshwar Temple, Raja-Rani temple, Nandankanan Park, Nicco Park, Science Park, Indira Gandhi Park, Museums and many more historical places.
If you come to Bhubaneswar, do not forget to shop. The people of Bhubaneswar are very fond of shopping, so you will get to see a shopping mall between every one to two kilometers. You will not have any problem with eating and living here as Bhubaneswar is the capital of Orissa.
2. Sambalpur
Sambalpur is an important tourist place in Orissa. It is around 275km from Bhubaneswar. If you are a nature lover, then you must visit this place. Lots of waterfalls and green forests surround Sambalpur. Most people come to Sambalpur to see the Hirakud Dam.
3. Hirakud Dam
The Hirakud Dam is the largest dam in the world. This dam is built over Mahanadi. Its length is 27 kilometers, and also the oldest dam in India. You can enjoy bike riding in the left dyke and right dyke of Hirakud Dam. You can also enjoy the ropeway here. Gandhi Minar and Nehru Minar are located near the Hirakud Dam. By climbing on these two Minar, you can see the fantastic view of Hirakud Dam.
Apart from Hirakud Dam, there are many more places to visit in Sambalpur, including cattle island, Maa Ghanteswari Temple, Huma Temple, Samaleswari Temple, Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary, Gudguda Waterfall, Deer Park, and Budharaja Temple.
4. Daringbadi
Daringbadi has located 250 km from the capital Bhubaneswar. It is located in Kandhamal district at 3000 feet from sea level. Daringbadi is a hill station known for its beautiful weather and hill attraction. It is also called the Kashmir of Orissa due to the cold climate and high altitude.
Many people visit Daringbadi to see its scenic feature and beautiful waterfalls. The history of this place is associated with the Indian colonial period. During British time, English officer daring used to be In charge of this place. Hence this place was named Daringbadi.
The weather here is pleasant throughout the year, and sometimes the temperature drops below zero degrees due to the cold. It is the only place in the state where snowfall occurs. You can enjoy places like Doluri River, Putudi waterfall, Belghar sanctuary, Kotagarh wildlife sanctuary, Rushikulya River, etc.
5. Berhampur
Berhampur is a beautiful city of Orissa, which is also familiar by the name Silk City. Silk Saree made here is famous in India. Most people here take breakfast outside in the morning because it is delicious. It includes Idli, Upma, Puri Aloo Dum, and Dosa. Brahmapur is famous for pickles and Papads because People here make this by themselves.
It is the city where the first cinema hall of Orissa, Sri Sitaram Vilas Talkies, was built in 1927. Brahmapur has given many leaders to India like former President of India Sri VV Giri, Freedom Fighter Ram Lingam, and Former Prime Minister of the country. PV Narasimha Rao, Scientist Sri Kota Harinarayana, Odissi Dancer Sanjukta Panigrahi, Former Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Biju Patnaik.
Here you can enjoy by roaming places like Gopalpur Beach, Tara Tarini Temple, Narayani Temple, Salia Dam, Buddha Khol, Bhagabati Temple, and many more tourist places.
6. Koraput
It is around 500 km from Bhubaneswar. Koraput is famous for its forests, waterfalls, green valleys, and high towering mountains. Let us now talk about some famous tourist destinations places of Koraput.
Gupteswar Temple: It is an important tourist place in Koraput. Gupteswar means hidden God; this temple is inside a cave, so it is called Gupteswar.
Kolab Dam: Kolab dam is built on the river Kolab. It is located about 3000 feet from sea level. Kolab Dam is a beautiful place surrounded by forests and mountains. This place attracts a lot of picnickers.
Sabara Srikhetra: The most beautiful Jagannath Temple of Orissa Sabara Srikhetra is located at a height of 3280 feet from sea level. The Sabara people also worship Jagannath Mahaprabhu. Hence the name of this temple is Sabara Srikhetra. It tells the world that apart from religion, color, and caste, Jagannath is the God of the world.
Duduma waterfall: This huge waterfall divides Orissa and Andhra states. Duduma waterfall is the fourth-largest waterfall in Odisha.
Deomali: Deomali Mountain is the largest mountain in Odisha. It is also called the Himalayas of Orissa. This mountain is 1672 meters tall.
7. Gajapati
Chandragiri is most famous in the Gajapati district, famous for the Buddhist monastery Jiranga. This monastery is designed like North East India’s temples, which looks very beautiful indeed. If you go to Jiranga don’t forget to roam Khasada Waterfall.
Khasada waterfall is located at a distance of about 10 km from Jiranga. Khasada means slippery. So be careful here. Tourist Place in the Gajapati district includes BN palace, Gandahati Waterfall, and Mahendragiri Mountain (the second largest mountain of Odisha, situated in the Gajapati district, whose height is about 1520 meters).
8. Panchalingeswar Temple
It is a prominent picnic spot in Orissa. Panchalingeswar is located in the Baleshwar district of Odisha. Devagiri Mountain is located around 10 kilometers from Baleshwar, Panchalingeswar falls on top of this mountain. This place is dedicated to Lord Bhole Shankar.
Here 5 Lingam of Lord Shiva, which is inside a waterfall. You can feel the Lingam of God by putting your hand inside the water. You don’t need to be afraid because the waterfall flow is significantly less and support also exists. Many festivals are celebrated here in years, among all festivals, Mahashivratri is the main festival. Many people come from far and wide to see their Lord here.
9. Chandipur Sea Beach
Chandipur beach is located in the Baleshwar district of Odisha. This beach is also known as Hyde and Seek beach because no one knows when water comes and when it disappears from here. This beach is also considered to be a unique beach in the world. Let me tell you why it is called this. On this beach, you can easily walk for one to two kilometers. Looking at it from a distance, you will feel that you are walking on sand. In the evening, the whole sea will disappear in front of you till 2 to 3 km approx. at the time of low tide.
10. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a crocodile conservation center. This park is spread over about 650 square kilometers. Bhitarkanika Park is built on the Mahanadi River banks, the largest river in Odisha. Apart from crocodiles, you will see lots of Deer, birds, and different types of reptiles in Bhitarkanika National Park.
All animals here roam in the open, so on the board; it is written that, beware of crocodiles. Inside this park, is a Crocodile Hatchery Center where crocodiles of different ages are kept. You can book a boat here and go to the river to see crocodiles.
In my opinion, if you are planning to visit Bhitarkanika, then the winter season will be best for you because the water is less in the river in wintertime, so you will quickly see crocodiles along the river.
Entry fee: 40 rupees per person, extra 50 rupees for DSLR users. Don’t forget to take identity proof.
11. Paradip Port and Beach
Paradip is the largest port in India. Paradip beach is much quieter than the rest of Orissa’s coast, and its wave is also tiny. This beach is a bit far from the parking; I mean you have to walk around 400 to 500 meters in the sand, and after that you will see the beach. There is a lighthouse near the beach; the beach view from the top of the lighthouse is very unusual to see. If you are going to Paradip, you will not forget to watch its sunset; it is stunning.
12. Chitrakoot Waterfall
Chitrakoot waterfall is located on the River Indravati. This waterfall is also known as the Niagara Waterfall of India. It is the widest waterfall in the country. It falls from a height of 90 feet, and its width is about 200 feet in the rainy season. Many people come from India and outside India to see this fantastic waterfall. This place is very crowded at Monsoon if you want to visit this place then choose Monsoon. You can also enjoy boating here.
13. Dhenkanal
Kapilash Temple and Saptasajya is the most popular tourist place in Dhenkanal. It is around 65 km from Bhubaneswar.
Kapilash temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is situated on the top of the mountain; you can reach this temple by driving your car or if you want to enjoy nature, then climb the 1352 steps to reach the temple, which is built by cutting the mountain.
Saptasajya is also known as the name of the seven hills. This place is surrounded by seven mountains. According to the Purana Texts, it is said that the Pandavas spent a few days here so this place is very famous. Apart from these places, you can also visit Joranda Temple, Kanakeshwar Temple, and Kualo in Dhenkanal.
14. Jharsuguda
Jharsuguda is called the Power House of Orissa. There is a large number of thermal power plants that provide power to Orissa. Hence it is called the powerhouse of Orissa. Here is the second largest airport in Odisha, Veer Surendra Sai Airport. Let us now talk about some famous tourist destinations places of Jharsuguda.
Jhadeswar Temple, Koilighugar waterfall (Here is a lingam of Shiva, which is underwater), Bikramkhol (This place is the oldest in Orissa. Many people visit this place every day). Apart from these places, you can also visit Chandi and Chandi Temple in Jharsuguda.
15. Cuttack
Cuttack is the largest and busiest city in Odisha after Bhubaneswar. Before Bhubaneswar, Cuttack used to be the capital of Orissa. Bali Jatra, which is a big festival in this city, is celebrated here with great pomp.
Dahibara Aloo Dum is a street food of Orissa that is easily found in every town. But Cuttack’s Dahibara Aloo Dum is something else. Dahibara Aloo Dum here is famous all over Odisha. So if you ever visit Cuttack, then make sure to taste it once. Like Kolkata, Dussehra is also celebrated here with great pomp.
There are many tourist places in Cuttack that you can visit; it includes Cuttack Chandi Temple, Dhabaleswar Temple, Odisha’s largest river, Mahanadi barrage, Barabati Stadium, Deer Park, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum, and Odisha Maritime Museum.
16. Rourkela
Rourkela is a big city in Orissa. It is known for its steel plant. It attracts tourists due to its beautiful temples, dams, waterfalls, and parks. Here you can enjoy roaming Hanuman Vatika, Vaishno Devi Temple, Mandira Dam, Vedyas Temple, Indira Gandhi Park, Pitamahal Dam, Harishankar Waterfall, Darjeeng Park, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and many more places.
17. Sanaghagara Waterfall
Mountains and deep green forest surround Sanaghagara waterfall. It is a prominent picnic spot for Orissa; most people come here for a picnic. This place is spotless and well-maintained. There is a small lake near the waterfall in which you can enjoy paddle boating.
Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Odisha:
Q: Which Is The Best Picnic Spot In Odisha?
A: There are many picnic spots in Odisha where you can enjoy a picnic. Now I will tell you the name of the five best picnic spots in Odisha Daringbadi (the hill town)
· Duduma waterfalls, Jeypore
· Barunei Hills.
· Khandadhar Falls.
· Ramchandi, Konark.
Q: What Is The Famous Food In Odisha?
A: So, here is our selected list of Odisha’s foods:
· Dalma.
· Pakhala Bhata.
· Badi-Chura.
· Macha Ghanta.
· Santula.
· Dahibara Aloo Dum.
· Gupchup.
· Chat.
· Chhena Poda.
Q: What Is Famous In Odisha For Shopping?
A: here is our selected list for shopping in Odisha:
· The Market Building, Ashoknagar.
· Esplanade mall, Rasulgarh – biggest shopping mall of Odisha.
· The Pal heights, Jaydev Vihar – a luxurious shopping mall.
· Saheed Nagar Electronics Market.
· Bapuji Nagar Market.
Q: What Are Some Famous Sweets In Odisha?
A: So, here is our selected list of Odisha’s famous sweets:
· Rasogolla.
· Gulab Jamun.
· Chhena Jalebi.
· Chhena Poda.
· Sandesh.
Q: What Is The Best Time To Visit Odisha?
A: October to March (winter season) is the best time to visit Odisha. During these months, the weather is pleasant and very amiable for visiting Odisha.
