Bhubaneswar, Dec 18: Odisha, previously known as Orissa, stands as a culturally rich and heritage-laden state in East India. Its extensive array of attractions, including beaches, biosphere reserves, temples, museums, and more, position Odisha as a compelling destination for travelers. This coastal state seamlessly blends architectural marvels of forts and temples with the natural beauty of sun-drenched beaches and tranquil lakes.
Here's a curated list of the top tourist destinations in Odisha:
Bhubaneswar – City of Beautiful Architecture and temple:
Known as the Temple City of India, Bhubaneswar exemplifies a harmonious blend of history, heritage, and urbanization. The city boasts magnificent temples, captivating wildlife sanctuaries, and exhilarating caves.
Key Attractions: Dhauli Hills, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations, Bindu Sarovara, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and temples like Mukteswar, Lingaraj, Brahmeswara, and Parasurameswara.
Places To Stay: Paradise, Atithi, Paradise Convention, Fortune Park Sishmo, Hotel Priya
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Puri – Unique Sand Art Experience:
Puri, a top tourist destination in Odisha, offers a relaxing seaside vacation. Explore the temples, sun-kissed beaches, and bustling local markets that entice visitors throughout the year. Puri is also one of the original Char Dhams, holding significance in Hindu religion.
Key Attractions: Puri Beach, Puri Beach Festival, Puri Jagannath Temple, Chilika Lake & Bird Sanctuary, and Gundicha Ghar Temple.
Places To Stay: Hotel Sun City, Pride Ananya Resorts, Hotel Holiday Resort, Hotel Niladri, Desert Villa
Best Time To Visit: July to March
Konark – Home to Ancient Temples:
Konark, a hub of ancient art and sculpture, is renowned for the Konark Sun Temple, one of the seven wonders of India. Visitors are captivated by the temple's intricate carvings, along with a serene beach and an engaging archaeological museum.
Key Attractions: Archaeological Museum, Temple of Sun God & Ramchandi, Chandrabhaga Beach.
Places To Stay: Lotus Resort, Labanya Lodge, Goroomgo Sun Plaza Lodge Konark, Goroomgo VIP Lodge Konark, Hotel Blue Ocean
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Cuttack – The Vintage City:
Cuttack, the business capital of Odisha, is renowned for ancient pilgrim centers, forts, museums, lakes, and islands. It offers a glimpse into local handicrafts and stands out as a must-visit destination in Odisha.
Key Attractions: Mahanadi Barrage, Fort of Barabati, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Ansupa Lake, and Temples of Singanatha & Bhattarika.
Places To Stay: Hotel Seetal, SD VILLA GIRLS HOSTEL, Shree Ram Residency, The Blue Lagoon Hotel Premium, Pramod Convention & Club Resort
Best Time To Visit: July to March
Bargarh – Uncover Mythological Treasures:
Bargarh, a lesser-known destination, unfolds its charm with century-old temples and scenic beauty. Its mythological significance, tied to the Ramayana, adds an intriguing dimension to this offbeat tourist spot.
Key Attractions: Chal Dhar Waterfall, Gandhamadan, Pampanga Hills, and Temples of Nrusinghanath and Kedarnath.
Places To Stay: Hotel SS Palace, Hotel Swastik, Sri Sai Krishna Palace, Hotel Keshmin, Hotel Vd Palace
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Jeypore – Nature's Delight:
Jeypore, a haven for nature lovers, offers breathtaking views of rocky outcrops, picturesque waterfalls, and lush green biosphere reserves. Deomali, the highest peak in the state, is a popular picnic spot not far from Jeypore.
Key Attractions: Gupteshwar caves, Sunabeda, Deomali, Duduma Falls, Jagannath Sagar, Hatipathar, and Kolab Falls.
Places To Stay: Hotel City Plaza International, Zabeer Hotel International
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Barbil – Magnificent Waterfall Setting:
Located by the Karo River in Keonjhar, Barbil is a lesser-known gem surrounded by lush forests, offering a respite from city crowds.
Key Attractions: Hawa Mahal, Gonasika, Thakurani Hills, Murga Mahadev Waterfalls, Uliburu Reserved Forest, and temples of Hanuman & Shiva.
Places To Stay: Lucky India, Hotel Aadhar, The World Barbil Hotel
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Paradip – Famous Sea Port:
Paradip, a renowned seaport at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and Mahanadi, stands among the popular tourist destinations in Odisha. Besides its busy dockyard, the city boasts stunning beaches with mesmerizing views.
Key Attractions: Paradip Port, Gahirmatha Sanctuary & Beach, Lighthouse, and Jhankad.
Places To Stay: Empires Paradip, Sea Pearl Hotel Bar Restaurant, Hotel Golden Anchor
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Rourkela – Industrial Hub with Natural Wonders:
Rourkela, one of the largest cities in Odisha, is primarily known for its steel plant and industrial growth. However, it attracts tourists with vintage temples, parks, dams, and waterfalls.
Key Attractions: Darjeeling, Nehru Traffic Park, Temples of Vedavyas & Vaishno Devi, Hanuman Vatika, Mandira Dam, Pitamahal Dam, Badaghagra Falls, and Khandadhar Falls.
Places To Stay: Hotel Rainbow Regency, HOTEL AV DORMITORY, Hotel Anurag, Hotel Comfort
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Sambalpur – Nature Lover's Haven:
Sambalpur, known for its natural splendor and cultural sites, ranks among the important tourist places in Odisha. The landscape is adorned with waterfalls and lush green forests, attracting photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
Key Attractions: Hirakud Dam, Cattle Island, Chiplima, Huma, Samaleswari Temple, Vikramkhol, Hatibari, and Debrigarh & Ushakothi wildlife sanctuaries.
Places To Stay: Hotel Royal Retreat, Hotel Olive, The Welcome Resorts, Hotel Sai Krupa, Shree Shyam Lodge
Best Time To Visit: September to March
(Before visit these places get an inquery about the hotels availability mentioned above, we are not responsible)