Explore the Best Places to Visit in Odisha
Odisha—often overlooked in the usual tourist circuits—is actually one of India’s most rewarding destinations. From ancient temples and tribal villages to pristine beaches and waterfalls, the state offers an unusual mix of culture, spirituality, and untouched beauty. If you’ve never considered it for your travel plans, maybe it’s time to take another look.
What Makes Odisha Unique
Located on India’s eastern coast, Odisha holds deep layers of history and natural charm. The region was once the stronghold of ancient Kalinga, and it still bears the marks of empires, battles, and a long artistic legacy. But what seems to surprise most travelers is how varied the terrain is—you can move from bustling temple towns to tranquil lakes in just a few hours.
Let’s break down the top 5 places to visit in Odisha if you want a little of everything—culture, nature, spirituality, and a touch of adventure.
1. Puri — Spirituality by the Sea
About 60 km from Bhubaneswar, Puri is best known for the famous Jagannath Temple. It’s not just a major pilgrimage site—it’s one of the four dhams in Hinduism. The temple complex is enormous, and while non-Hindus can’t enter the inner sanctum, the outside view is worth the trip alone.
But Puri isn’t only about religion. The beach here is busy, loud, and totally alive at sunrise. You’ll find local fishermen kicking off their day and families offering prayers to the sea.
- Jagannath Temple — ancient, iconic, always crowded
- Puri Beach — great for early morning walks
- Rath Yatra Festival — a must-see cultural explosion (held annually in June/July)
“Every year, millions gather in Puri for Rath Yatra, and it’s a scene unlike any other,” says Prakash Dash, a local historian in Bhubaneswar. “It’s not just religion, it’s a way of life here.”
2. Konark — The Temple of the Sun
About 35 km from Puri, the Sun Temple in Konark is known for its sheer scale and intricate design. Shaped like a chariot pulled by stone horses, the 13th-century structure is dedicated to the Sun God. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and while parts of it have decayed, the remaining carvings are still astonishing.
The sculptures here cover everything—everyday human life, mythology, music, even erotic themes, similar to Khajuraho.
- Sun Temple — massive, detailed, historically rich
- Konark Dance Festival — held in December, backed by floodlights and classical beats
- Chandrabhaga Beach — peaceful, ideal for reflection
3. Chilika Lake — Asia’s Largest Saltwater Lagoon
Spreading across Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts, Chilika Lake is one of Odisha’s major draws for nature lovers. It’s an ecosystem in motion—flamingos migrating in winter, dolphins swimming near Satapada, and fishermen sharing space with tourists.
Winter (Nov-Feb) is peak season when over 160 species of birds show up. If you’re around, don’t miss the boat ride. You might spot Irrawaddy dolphins if you’re lucky.
- Satapada — for dolphin-watching
- Mangalajodi — for rare birds in large flocks
- Kalijai Island — home to a popular temple and folk legends
4. Bhubaneswar — The Ancient-Modern Capital
It might look like just another Indian city at first glance, but Bhubaneswar surprises the curious. Known as the “City of Temples,” it packs over a thousand shrines within its limits. Many of these temples, like Lingaraj and Mukteshwar, date back to almost a thousand years.
The old and new live side by side here. You’ll find street food vendors next to 10th-century temples, and clean parks not far from busy markets.
- Lingaraj Temple — still active, deeply rooted in local spiritual life
- Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves — ancient Jain heritage carved into stone hills
- Odisha State Museum — if you enjoy history under one roof
5. Simlipal National Park — Wild, Remote, and Real
Located in Mayurbhanj district, Simlipal isn’t the easiest place to reach—but maybe that’s what protects its calm. This vast reserve is home to Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and more than 230 bird species.
It’s a designated biosphere reserve, and the tribal populations living on the fringes add another layer to the park. Be prepared for basic facilities and nature in its raw form.
- Barehipani Falls — one of the tallest in India
- Joranda Falls — less known, but almost as striking
- Trekking trails — bring shoes you’re okay with ruining
Why Odisha is Still Under the Radar
Part of the reason more people don’t visit Odisha is simple: not enough people talk about it. Goa gets the nightlife crowd, Kerala grabs the wellness seekers, but Odisha just… waits. Maybe that’s also what preserves its authenticity. Less commercial. Fewer crowds. No flashy resorts pushing curated experiences.
But for anyone who’s tired of the usual hill station loop or wants to see a place that feels untouched, Odisha feels right. You get open landscapes, old traditions, and communities still deeply tied to their roots.
Best Time to Visit
- Winter (November to February) — Comfortable weather, ideal for outdoor travel
- Monsoon (July to September) — Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, some limitations on movement
- Avoid peak summer unless you love sweat and 40°C heat
Quick Travel Tips
- Local food is spicy and often cooked in mustard oil
- Public transport is limited outside cities
- Plan ahead for temple visits – some have strict dress codes
- English is less commonly spoken in rural areas
So… should you book that ticket? Maybe the question is: what are you waiting for?
Odisha isn’t for everyone. And maybe that’s exactly the reason to go.
