When you think of the popular tourist places in Odisha, the first thing that comes to mind is ancient caves, religious places and century-old cultural centres and museums. Odisha is a land that has so much to offer all types of tourists. From exploring the ancient caves with fascinating rock carvings to fun picnic spots and zoological parks, there are so many interesting places to visit in Orissa. One of the most famous aspects of Odisha is its temple which attracts people from all around the globe who visit the land to experience spirituality. Odisha is a colourful and vibrant land known for its temples, hill stations, national parks, beaches, valleys and more.
If you’re looking for an exciting trip to Odisha, then here are the best places to visit in Odisha for a fun-filled vacation.
Read more Orissa Tourism Guide
Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Odisha is popular for its beautiful temples. Referred to as the temple city of the land, it is the best tourist place in Odisha that you must visit on your trip. Known for its rich history and heritage, there are so many interesting places to visit and things to do here. Most of the ancient temples situated in Bhubaneshwar are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The 10-century-old Lingaraja Temple is one of the top attractions of the town. It was also one of the first planned cities in the country along with Jamshedpur and Chandigarh. The place has no shortage of eating, shopping, and staying and you can have the best time of your life in Bhubaneshwar when you visit Odisha.
Things to do: Explore the popular ancient rock caves Khandagiri and Udayagiri, visit the Regional Museum of Natural History and spot the white tigers at the Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Best time to visit: November to February.
Ideal duration: Approximately 2 days.
Situated on the banks of River Mahanadi, Puri is another Odisha famous place to visit. Popular for its ancient temples that display a unique architectural style, Puri never fails to impress. Home to the famous Jagannath Temple, it’s a popular religious site that attracts a large number of pilgrims from across the country and the world. Apart from the temples, it’s also a great place for a relaxing beach vacation. It’s one of the best places to visit in Orissa to enjoy the sun-kissed beaches and the bustling markets to shop for a variety of unique products and souvenirs.
Things to do: Experience the popular annual Chariot Festival (Rath Yatra), and explore the various temples of the land that display the unique architecture. You can visit the famous Sri Jagannath Temple and get mesmerised by the excellent carvings. Sudarshan Craft Museum, Narendra Tank and Golden beach are some of the top attractions to visit in Puri.
Best time to visit: November to February.
Ideal duration: Approximately 2 days.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the main deity, Jagannath Temple is one of the top tourist places in Odisha when it comes to religious sites. The temple is also part of the Char Dhams of the country and hence it holds a lot of significance for Hindus. According to legends, this temple has existed since the ancient Mahabharatha era, making it a must-visit in Odisha. The temple’s main deities are sculpted and carved from wood, and these are replaced every year as part of a ritual. You must try and visit the temple during the popular annual Rath Yatra Festival that’s held in June/July for an exciting experience.
Things to do: Witness the impressive 65 metres sky-high spire, admire the classic Kalinga architecture and explore the temple’s four chambers – Bada Deula, Nata Mandir, Jagamohan and Bhoga Mandap.
Best time to visit: Any time of the year.
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours approximately.
Another Odisha famous place to visit is Golden Beach. This beach is an excellent attraction for tourists looking for some fun and enjoyment on their trip. Named after the golden colour of the sand, this beach is one of the best tourist places in Odisha to visit. Here, you could choose to relax on the sand and enjoy the beauty around you or enjoy some tasty local seafood that’s served in shacks nearby. There is also a lighthouse that you could check out while visiting this beach.
Things to do: Enjoy horse and camel rides or indulge in some exciting activities like boat rides, jet skiing and photography.
Best time to visit: November to February.
Ideal duration: 2 hours approximately.
Konark is the best tourist place in Odisha when it comes to temples. It is among the three famous attractions of the Golden Triangle of Odisha – Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Konark. Situated about 61 kilometres from Bhubaneshwar, this town is popular for the UNESCO World Heritage Sun Temple that’s dedicated to the Sun God. This Odisha famous place is a hub of beautiful ancient sculpture and art. One of the seven wonders of the country, the Konark Sun Temple attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year. Apart from the temples, Konark also has an archaeological museum and a beach that you can visit as well.
Things to do: You can visit Odisha in December to witness the Konark Dance and Music Festival that’s a popular cultural event. Explore the beautiful Konark Sun Temple, Konark Museum, and Chandrabhaga Beach.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Ideal duration: 1 day approximately.
One of the best places to visit in Odisha, Cuttack always finds a place on most Odisha tour packages. Popular as a vintage city, Cuttack boasts many religious pilgrim centres, museums, lakes, and forts. Cuttack is also known as the ‘Silver City’ because of its finest silver filigree works which are the best in India. This beautiful city attracts a large number of tourists who visit the city to take part in the Bali Yatra that’s organised in November. Also, the Kite Festival in January during Makar Sankranti is another popular event that attracts thousands of tourists. Cuttack is also a great place for shopaholics looking to pick unique items including cotton and silk fabrics.
Things to do: Explore the historical Barabati Fort, and admire the beautiful architecture of the Kataki Chandi Temple and the Indo-Persian architecture of the Kadam Rasul Mosque.
Best time to visit: November to February.
Ideal Duration: 2 days approximately.
There are plenty of famous tourist places in Odisha that you must visit for an exciting and memorable experience. Simlipal National Park is one of the top tourist places in Odisha to visit when touring the land. The park covers an area of 2,750 sq. km and is one of the best places for wildlife encounters and trekking trails. Here, you can explore the flora and fauna of the land and enjoy guided safaris to catch a glimpse of the amazing wildlife in the park. This beautiful park features exciting trekking trails that you could embark on for an exciting experience. Migratory bird watching is another mesmerising and fascinating experience that you can indulge in at the park. One of the main features of this national park is the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger and other unique creatures that tourists come here to get a glimpse of. You can also enjoy the beauty of the Baharepani and Joranda waterfalls that are located in the vicinity of the park. Another highlight is the small tribal villages that border the park. You can go on a tribal tour with guides for the best experience.
Things to do: Embark on an exciting trekking trail to experience the beauty of the park. Enjoy a safari to get a glimpse of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife creatures of the park. Indulge in photography and enjoy bird watching. Go on a tribal tour or enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls in the vicinity for an exciting experience.
Best time to visit: November till mid-June are the opening months of the park.
Ideal duration: 1 day.
When it comes to the best places to visit in Odisha, Rourkela tops the list. The city is popularly known for its steel plant and has now become the leading steel and iron manufacturing base. Apart from this, you will find many shopping malls, parks, temples, waterfalls, swanky restaurants, trekking paths and shopping and picnic spots that you could enjoy on your trip to Odisha. The place attracts a lot of tourists from all over the country who come here for an exciting experience. Rourkela always finds a place on most Odisha tour packages because it has a lot to offer all types of travellers. It’s the best tourist place in Odisha for exciting family vacations.
Things to do: Visit the 75 feet statue of Lord Hanuman at the Hanuman Vatika. Enjoy a toy train ride and boating at Indira Gandhi Park.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Ideal duration: 2 days approximately.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and calm vacation by the sea, escape to Chandipur to experience it all. One of the best tourist attractions in Odisha, you must visit Chandipur to relax and unwind. Ever witnessed a disappearing sea? If not, you can experience it here in Chandipur. Here, you can witness the sea disappear periodically and get back to normal after a while. Visit the beach to bask in the sun or relax under the beautiful canopy of the casuarina trees for the best experience. While at the beach, you can witness the rare red crabs and horseshoe crabs scramble away on the shore. The mesmerising sunrise and sunset at the beach cannot be missed when visiting the beach. Chandipur is the best tourist place in Odisha for a holiday of a lifetime!
Things to do: Relax on the beach and enjoy the beauty around you, visit the souvenir shops, and witness the sunset and sunrise at the beach.
Best time to visit: November to February and March to April (evenings)
Ideal Duration: 2 hours approximately.
Looking for a Goa-like experience in Odisha? Visit the beautiful seaside town for a relaxing experience. Gopalpur attracts a large number of tourists and locals who come here to bask in the sun or to escape from the hustle-bustle of life. It’s one of the best places to visit in Odisha for the perfect beach escape. One of the major attractions of the town is the beaches have become a popular nesting site for the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. The golden sand beaches and the azure waters are mesmerizing and fascinating, making it a must-visit destination on your trip to Odisha. Also, referred to as the commercial hub of the state, Gopalpur has a rich history that never fails to impress. You can also visit Berhampur, the town nearby to shop for silk textiles and handmade pickles to take back home. From religious places to hot springs and more – Gopalpur has it all!
Things to do: Relax and unwind at the beaches, shop at the nearby Berhampur town, or visit the various religious shrines and hot springs.
Best time to visit: November to February
Ideal duration: 2 days approximately.
The above are the top 10 places to visit in Orissa for an exciting holiday with family and friends. Check out SOTC to get the best deals and discounts. You can choose from a wide range of tour packages on the website that suits your preference. Pick the best tour packages depending on your budget and duration. What are you waiting for? Go ahead, and book the best of Odisha tourism for a memorable and exciting experience!
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