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.
1. Bhubaneswar
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Temples, Heritage, Cuisine.
- Major Attraction: Lingaraj Temple.
- Nearby Places: Cuttack, Puri.
- Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.
About 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. Many of them were destroyed by Muslim invaders, but thankfully, a few important ones like Lingaraja temple still stand. The temples are built in Kalinga style of architecture which is unique to Odisha. Bhubaneshwar also has some buddhist sites, due to the influence of Ashoka the great, who embraced Buddhism here after The Kalinga War.
How to Reach
- Air
Biju Patnaik International Airport in the city is connected to all the major domestic terminals. Internationally, it has flights to Malaysia.
- Rail
Bhubaneswar railway station (BBS) is one of the main and busiest railway stations in India and therefore it is connected from most of the cities of India. Take an auto, cab or a bus from the station to any part of the city.
- Road
Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) runs interstate, inter and intra city buses regularly from Bhubaneshwar. Buses run regularly to and fro all cities of Odisha and also from the neighbouring states of West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand.
Places to Visit
- 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
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Heritage, Culture.
- Major Attraction: Kataka Chandi.
- Nearby Places: Bhubneshwar, Puri.
- Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.
About Cuttack
Former capital of Orissa and now it’s 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 and cuisines too.
How to Reach
- Air
Biju Patnaik International Airport is the nearest airport about 28 kms away and is connected to all the major domestic terminals.
- Rail
Cuttack Junction railway station (CTC) in the city is connected to most of the cities in India. Take an auto, cab or a bus from the station to any part of the city.
- Road
Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) runs interstate, inter and intra city buses regularly from Cuttack. Buses run regularly to and fro all cities of Odisha and also from the neighbouring states of West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand.
Places to Visit
- Kataka Chandi Temple
- Lalitgiri
- Barabati fort
- Bhitarkanika Mangroves
- Netaji Birthplace Museum
3. Sambalpur
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Heritage, Culture, Textiles, Dance, Music .
- Major Attraction: Hirakud Dam.
- Nearby Places: Rourkela, Raigarh, Jharsuguda.
- Ideal Visit Time: 1 day.
About 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.
How to Reach
- Air
Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur is the nearest airport about 262 km kms away and is connected to all the major domestic terminals.
- Rail
Sambalpur Junction railway station (SBP) in the city is connected to most of the cities in India. Take an auto, cab or a bus from the station to any part of the city.
- Road
Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) runs interstate, inter and intra city buses regularly from Sambalpur. Buses run regularly to and fro all cities of Odisha and also from the neighbouring states of West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand.
Places to Visit
- Hirakud Dam
- Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cattle Island
- Samaleswari Temple
4. Puri
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Lord Jagannath, Beach.
- Major Attraction: Puri Jagannath Temple.
- Nearby Places: Konark, Cuttack.
- Ideal Visit Time: Less than 1 day.
About 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.
How to Reach
- Air
Biju Patnaik International Airport is the nearest airport about 1 hr 16 min (66.9 km) away and is connected to all the major domestic terminals.
- Rail
Puri railway station (PURI) in the city is connected to most of the cities in India. Take an auto, cab or a bus from the station to any part of the city. This station is among the top 100 most booked stations in India, therefore be sure to book your tickets well in advance.
- Road
Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) runs interstate, inter and intra city buses regularly from Puri. Buses run regularly to and fro all cities of Odisha and also from the neighbouring states of West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand.
Places to Visit
- Jagannath Temple
- Puri Beach
- Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gundicha Ghar Temple
- Atharnala Bridge
- Pipili
5. Rourkela
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Heritage, Steel Plant, Hills, Nature.
- Major Attractions: Hanuman Vatika, Khandadhar Falls.
- Nearby Places: Sambalpur, Raigarh, Jharsuguda.
- Ideal Visit Time: 1 day.
About 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.
How to Reach
- Air
Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur is the nearest airport about 214.6 km away and is connected to all the major domestic terminals.
- Rail
Rourkela railway station (ROU) in the city is connected to most of the cities in India. Take an auto, cab or a bus from the station to any part of the city.
- Road
Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) runs interstate, inter and intra city buses regularly from Rourkela. Buses run regularly to and fro all cities of Odisha and also from the neighbouring states of West Bengal, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand.
Places to Visit
- Vedavyas Temple
- Vaishno Devi Temple
- Badaghagra Falls
- Khandadhar Falls
6. Konark
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Heritage, Temples, Beach.
- Major Attraction: Konark Sun Temple.
- Nearby Places: Puri, Cuttack, Bhubneshwar.
- Ideal Visit Time: 6 hours.
About 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.
How to Reach
- Air
Biju Patnaik International Airport is the nearest airport about 1 hr 38 min (72.5 km) away and is connected to all the major domestic terminals.
- Rail
Puri railway station (PURI) in the city is connected to most of the cities in India. Take an auto, cab or a bus from the station to Konark, 52 min (35.5 km) away.
- Road
Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) runs interstate, inter and intra city buses regularly to Konark. NH 316 is the national highway. Along with Bhubaneshwar and Puri, Konark also lies on the Golden Quadrangle.
Places to Visit
- Sun Temple
- Konark Beach
- Konark Museum
- Ramachandi Temple
- Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary.
7. Barbil
Visitor’s Information
- Famous for: Industries, Ores, Hills.
- Major Attraction: Murga Mahadev Waterfalls.
- Nearby Places: Rourkela, Sambalpur.
- Ideal Visit Time: Less than a day.
About 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.
How to Reach
- Air
Birsa Munda Airport is the nearest airport about 5 h 19 min (220.9 km) away and is majorly connected to Bangalore, Kolkata and Delhi.
- Rail
Barbil railway station (BBN) in the city is connected to most of the cities in India. Take an auto, cab or a bus from the station to the city center.
- Road
Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) runs interstate, inter and intra city buses regularly to Barbil.
Places to Visit
- Murga Mahadev Waterfalls
- Gonasika.
- Sanaghagara Waterfalls.
- Badaghagara Waterfalls.
8. Jeypore
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Waterfalls, Forests, Architecture, History.
- Major Attractions: Deomali and Gupteswar Cave.
- Nearby Places: Visakhapatnam, Brahampur.
- Ideal Visit Time: 1-2 days.
About 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.
How to Reach
- Air
Jeypore Airport, the city’s domestic airport is only connected to Biju Patnaik International Airport through Air Odisha. The nearest major airport is Visakhapatnam International Airport, about 221 kms away.
- Rail
Jeypore Station (JYP) in the city is connected to all cities in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Take an auto, cab or a bus from the station to any part of the city. The nearest biggest railway station having the best connectivity is Visakhapatnam railway station (VSKP) about 221 kms away.
- Road
Interstate, inter and intra city buses (both state and private) run regularly from Rourkela. Buses run regularly to and fro all cities of Odisha and also from the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Places to Visit
- Kolab Botanical Garden
- Bagara
- Gupteshwar Caves
- Raja Mahal
- Deomali
9. Bargarh
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Festivals, Temples, History.
- Major Attraction: Nrusinghnath Temple.
- Nearby Places: Sambalpur, Balangir, Raipur.
- Ideal Visit Time: Less than a day.
About 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.
How to Reach
- Air
Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur is the closest airport and is connected to all the major domestic terminals. It is about 4 hr (217.1 km) away from Bargarh and a cab can be taken from the airport to the city via NH53.
- Rail
Bargarh Road Railway Station (BRGA) is the nearest railway station and is connected to all cities in Orissa and neighbouring states like Chattisgarh and West Bengal. Take an auto, cab or a bus from the station to any part of the city.
- Road
Bargarh is in the reachable vicinity of four state capitals (Bhubaneshwar, Ranchi, Kolkata and Raipur) and therefore is well connected through road. NH6 passes through Bargarh.
Places To Visit
- Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gandhamardan
- Nrusinghnath Temple
- Nrusimhanath Waterfalls
- Chaldhar Waterfall
- Papaharini
- Papanga Hill
10. Paradeep
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Sea Port, Beaches.
- Major Attraction: Bay of Bengal.
- Nearby Places: Bhubneshwar, Cuttack, Puri.
- Ideal Visit Time: Less than a day.
About ParadeepLocation 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.
How to Reach
- Air
Biju Patnaik International Airport in the city is connected to all the major domestic terminals and some international terminals. It is about three hours away from Paradip ; Take a cab from the airport to the city.
- Rail
Paradeep railway station (PRDP) is the nearest railway station and is majorly connected to all parts of Orissa and also to Vishakhapatnam. Take an auto, cab or a bus from the station to any part of the city. The nearest railway station with the best connectivity is Bhubaneswar railway station (BBS) about three hours away.
- Road
Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) runs interstate, inter and intra city buses regularly from Paradeep, as it is a major seaport on the east coast.. Buses run regularly to and fro all cities of Odisha and also from the neighbouring states of West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand.
Places to Visit
- 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.
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 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