Orissa, now known as Odisha, is an ancient land with a rich history. Monuments that reflect amazing architecture compete with the limitless beauty of the land to attract tourists from all parts of the world. The ancient temples are more than an association with religious beliefs; their architectural splendor reflects the skills possessed by the artisans of the land in the bygone era. Here are the top 10 attractions in Orissa.
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1. Bhubaneswar
Temple city of India – This is how Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa is famously called. The land, which is over 2500 years old, is a blend of ancient monuments and modern constructions. It is believed that Bhubaneswar had over 2000 temples in the past. Here are the top places to visit in Bhubaneswar.
- Parasurameswara Temple
- Mukteswar Temple
- Lingaraja Temple
- Udayagiri and Khandgiri Caves
- Dhauli Hill
- Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Odisha State Museum
- Ananta Vasudeva Temple
- Astasambhu Siva Temples
- Ram Mandir
2. Cuttack
Former capital of Orissa and now its business capital, Cuttack, is also one of the ancient cities of the state. Ancient monuments apart, Cuttack has a wide range of tourist attractions as it is home to picturesque destinations and pilgrim centers. It is famous for handicrafts too. Here are the leading attractions in Cuttack.
- Kataka Chandi Temple
- Lalitgiri
- Barabati fort
- Bhitarkanika Mangroves
- Netaji Birthplace Museum
3. Sambalpur
Sambalpur, the land rich in culture and natural beauty, is one of the most important tourist destinations in Orissa. Gateway to western Orissa, the land has some of the best gifts of nature thanks to the lush forests and picturesque waterfalls. Given below are the top tourist places to visit in Sambalpur.
- Hirakud Dam
- Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cattle Island
- Samaleswari Temple
4. Puri
For those with a particular religious faith, Puri might bring to mind the famous Jagannath Temple and the Sun Temple. For nature lovers, the beautiful beaches in the land may hold attraction. The vibrant land is famous for many festivals being a temple-rich place and it enjoys heavy footprints from all parts of the world. Here are the top attractions in Puri.
- Jagannath Temple
- Puri Beach
- Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gundicha Ghar Temple
- Atharnala Bridge
- Pipili
5. Rourkela
Rourkela, the second largest city in Orissa, is immediately recalled at the mention of steel plants. Home to largest steel plants in India, the place gives you an insight into its rich cultural past through some of its wonderful tourist destinations. Here are the top places to visit in Rourkela.
- Vedavyas Temple
- Vaishno Devi Temple
- Badaghagra Falls
- Khandadhar Falls
6. Konark
It is natural that your mind races to Sun Temple when you think of Konark. The 13th century temple stands tall in the minds of tourists in spite of the fact that it is now in ruins. Konark has a few other ancient temples on its land for both history lovers and religious minds. Here are the top attractions in Konark.
- Sun Temple
- Konark Beach
- Konark Museum
- Ramachandi Temple
- Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary.
7. Barbil
Located on Karo River banks and amidst lush green hills, Barbil has spectacular views to offer. It owns the credit of possessing the world’s 5th largest iron and manganese deposits. Keonjhar district, in which Barbil is situated, has a 38000 million year old rock, which is one of the oldest in the world. Given below are the top attractions in Barbil.
- Murga Mahadev Waterfalls
- Gonasika.
- Sanaghagara Waterfalls.
- Badaghagara Waterfalls.
8. Jeypore
Jeypore is just the place to be if you would like to enjoy some of the best works of nature. This beautiful land is picturesquely set amidst hills. With scenic waterfalls and amazing natural parks, you are sure to love Jeypore, which has a rich history too. Here are the leading destinations in Jeypore.
- Kolab Botanical Garden
- Bagara
- Gupteshwar Caves
- Raja Mahal
- Deomali
9. Bargarh
Located on the western border of the state, the place was earlier a part of Sambalpur. Though limited in number, the tourist attractions gain value by the importance attached to it. Gandhamardan, one of the destinations here is associated with the period of Ramayana and it finds mention in the notes of Hieun Tsang, the famous Chinese traveler. Scenic, ancient Bargarh makes your visit memorable. Here are some tourist destinations to visit in Bargarh.
- Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gandhamardan
- Nrusinghnath Temple
- Nrusimhanath Waterfalls
- Chaldhar Waterfall
- Papaharini
- Papanga Hill
10. Paradeep
Location of Paradeep or Paradip, as it is also called, is in itself beautiful. In the confluence of river Mahanadi and Bay of Bengal, the land stuns you with its amazing views. Be it the sunrise or the sunset, you would not want to miss a moment of it. Here are the leading attractions in Paradeep.
- Paradip Port
- Gahirmatha Beach
- Gahirmatha Sanctuary
- Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Paradip Port
- Light House
Though Orissa has acquired a modern face to it, the land has retained its ancient charm. A visit to the place makes you feel a part of the world of the bygone era. You cannot possibly hope to cover all the tourist destinations in one go, but knowing more about them would ensure that you visit them during your subsequent tour to the land. So am I, looking for more of Orissa; every tourist spot you could suggest is welcome.
Odisha is the best place to visit.
I am a designer from Sri Lanka who studied Textile Design in Mumbai long ago and have traveled a lot in India. I am very interested in doing a 7-10 day trip to Odisha but cannot find any tours / organizations doing Odisha travel. How can I get in touch with Travel organizers for low cost travel for 3-5 pax?. I have a trip plan to include B’neshwer, Puri,Pipli,Konark,Chilika Lake, Cuttack (Silver crafts)Sambalpur( iketh),-Jepore ( to see tribal people when they come to Jepore on market day. I am interested in their costume,crafts,etc while I would respect their identity & privacy)
I just want a trip to Odisha as it will be wonderful!
Hi Rohit, I am planning to visit Odisha from Jan 2 to the 10th. I would like to go to Bhubaneshwar, Puri, Knoark, Chilika, Paradip and Gahirmatha for the olive Ridleys, Also Bhitarkanika. Are all these possible in that time? Your suggestions? Thanks, Hema. PS I will be going to Arunachal and Assam for 1 week each before this. Any suggestions for those places also welcome! 🙂
You can go to Bhubaneswar directly and from there you can find tourist bus to go to any place. Book your bus in indigo to Bhubaneswar airport (BBI).
Berhampur should have been added as one of the top places to visit in Odisha. There is the unpolluted and serene Gopalpur and Sunapur sea beaches. The Taptapani hot water springs. The Ashokan rock edict at Jaugada. The temples of Tara Tarini, Bhairavi, Narayani, and Kanaka Durga (Athagada). Biranchi Narayan Temple at Buguda, dedicated to the Sun god, having beautiful wood carvings.
Bhubaneswar directly and from there you can find tourist bus to go to any place. Book your bus in indigo to Bhubaneswar airport.
thanks very informative i am from mysore and bringing students next month please tell us important places to be covered in 4 days.
I don’t think Orissa has much to offer for tourism, apart from temples. No good hotels, resorts and nothing of international class.
Hi
No need to search for any tour and travels come to bhubaneswar and hire a taxi he will take you the respective placed and on that spot you will find the guides in very nominal price.or just contact otdc they will help you.
one place is missing from the list I guess. Chandipur its a unique beach one have ever visited .
specialities of that beach is water recedes from 1 to 4 kilometers during the ebb tide.
I think, you should have enlisted at least Gopalpur and Chandipur which are much more sought after tourist spots than, say, Paradip, Barbil etc.
Odisha is a nice place for visit as well as for stay.
I am from Jeypore. You simply need to take a train or bus from Bhubaneswar to reach here. Jeypore is an overnight journey from the capital. It is full of tribals and wonderful waterfalls. I am sure you will definitely love it. Plan anytime, but winter is the best time to travel.
I enjoyed very much by visiting Jeypore and Bhubaneswar. This region encompasses a lot of natural beauty.
You should also list the following places: Gopalpur, Chandipur, Baripada, Ambika temle and Shimilipal.
Posted Photos are excellent. Expected one of Barbil. Thank You Rohit.
Want to visit odhisa for 3 to 4 days…can any one suggest the itinerary to cover most of the places in the time.where to land first then make multiple trip or land at one place then continue the tour by staying on the way then return to puri or bhubaneahwar.
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in kendrapara not in paradeep, Please provide valid info
Beautiful places like Daringibadi(Kandhamal) , Devkund(Maurbhanj) , Siali beach(Jagatsinghpur) etc.
you should go bhitara kanika sanctuary at located in kendrapara district.
Berhampur should have been added as one of the top places to visit in Odisha. There is the unpolluted and serene Gopalpur and Sunapur sea beaches. The Taptapani hot water springs. The Ashokan rock edict at Jaugada. The temples of Tara Tarini, Bhairavi, Narayani, and Kanaka Durga (Athagada). Biranchi Narayan Temple at Buguda, dedicated to the Sun god, having beautiful wood carvings.
I am planning to visit Orissa in December this year. Is there any lace with snow? I love the nature.. want to do hiking, camping and wild life.. any suggestions.
Odisha is a most beautiful place in India.
Dear Sir
I plan to visit Puri at the end of January what it’s a best time to visit the Puri and near places.
I too wish to visit Odisha as I heard it’s full of beautiful nature and I am nature lover.
Vitarakanika is not situated at Cuttack, it is situated at Kendrapara. At Kendrapara, there are so many places to visit like Vitarkanika, Baladevjiu temple etc..
Anyone from anywhere desiring to travel in and around Bhubaneswar to discover the hidden glory by discovering about the temple city and rejuvenating your spirit with treasure of knowledge hidden with each monument and history may contact