Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is a heritage & culturally enriching state in East India. The long list of beaches, biosphere reserves, temples, museums, and other tourist places in Odisha make the state a must-visit destination. This coastal state offers marvelous architectural wonders of forts & temples and natural beauty of sun kissed beaches and serene lakes. Here is a list of the top places to visit in Odisha.
- Bhubaneswar
- Puri
- Konark
- Cuttack
- Bargarh
- Jeypore
- Barbil
- Paradip
- Rourkela
- Sambalpur
- Chandipur
- Pipli
- Roopark Village
- Taptapani
- Atri
- Baripada
- Gopalpur
- Berhampur
- Dhauli
- Daringbadi
Places To Visit In Odisha For Pilgrims & History Buffs
Take a look at some of the best tourist places in Odisha. While some of these are known names, others are quite uncommon.
1. Bhubaneswar
Known as the Temple City of India, Bhubaneswar is among the best tourist places to visit in Odisha. It is a classic example of history, heritage, and urbanization. The place has marvelous temples showcasing amazing artwork, wildlife sanctuaries, and exhilarating caves.
Key attractions: Dhauli Hills, Udayagiri & Khandagiri caves, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations, Bindu Sarovara, Nandan Kanan Zoological Park, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and temples of Mukteswar, Lingaraj, Brahmeswara, & Parasurameswara
Must Read: 15 Spectacular Caves In India That Should Be Explored At Least Once In A Lifetime
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2. Puri
If you are planning to visit Odisha for a relaxing vacation by the sea, Puri is the place to be. Ranked among the top tourist places in Odisha, Puri is known for its sun-kissed beaches, age-old temples, and local bustling markets that tempt tourists round the year. It is also among the original Char Dhams that hold significance in the Hindu religion.
Key attractions: Puri Beach, Puri Beach Festival, Puri Jagannath temple, Chilika Lake & Bird Sanctuary, and Gundicha Ghar Temple
Suggested Read: Char Dham Yatra: A Quest For Moksha
3. Konark
Konark is a hub of ancient art and sculpture. The carvings of the Konark Sun Temple, one of the seven wonders of India, attract large flocks of tourists throughout the year. Along with the marvelous temples, the city has a serene beach and an engrossing archaeological museum to explore. Discovering the finest artwork & sculptures of the Konark Sun Temple is surely one of the primary reasons to visit Odisha, especially for the art lovers.
Key attractions: Archeological Museum, temple of Sun God & Ramchandi, Chandrabhaga Beach
4. Cuttack
Cuttack is one of the vintage cities and popular tourist places in Orissa. The business capital of the state is known for many ancient pilgrim centers, forts, museums, lakes, and islands. Moreover, this place also boasts of local handicrafts.
Key attractions: Mahanadi Barrage, Fort of Barabati, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Ansupa Lake, and Temples of Singanatha & Bhattarika
5. Bargarh
Bargarh is one of the less popular tourist destinations of Odisha. However, the amazing century-old temples and the surrounding scenic beauty makes it a must-visit destination. The place has a mythological significance as Gandhamadan Parvat, which finds a mention in the Hindu epic of Ramayana, is located here.
Key attractions: Chal Dhar Waterfall, Gandhamadan, Pampanga Hills and Temples of Nrusinghanath and Kedarnath.
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Places To Visit In Odisha For The Nature Lovers
Here is a list of a few places in Odisha that offer beautiful views and positive amabiance. Take a look.
6. Jeypore
Jeypore is one of the delightful tourist places in Odisha for nature lovers. It is known for offering spellbinding views of rocky outcrops, picturesque waterfalls, and lush green biosphere reserves.
Deomali, the highest peak of the state, is another popular picnic spot is Odisha that is located not very far from Jeypore.
Key attractions: Gupteshwar caves, Sunabeda, Deomali, Duduma Falls, Jagannath Sagar, Hatipathar, and Kolab Falls
7. Barbil
Located by the bank of Karo River in Keonjhar, Barbil is a lesser known tourist spot in Odisha. The place, surrounded by luxuriant forests, offers breathtaking beauty and a break away from the maddening city crowd.
Key attractions: Hawa Mahal, Gonasika, Thakurani Hills, Murga Mahadev Waterfalls, Uliburu Reserved Forest, and temples of Hanuman & Shiva
Other Must-visit Tourist Destinations In Orissa
If you were thinking, that this was it, then you are wrong, beacuse the list does not just end here. Take a look at some more places to visit in Odisha.
8. Paradip
Paradip or Paradeep, the famous sea port of India, finds its place in the list of popular tourist destinations of Odisha. It is located at the confluence of Bay of Bengal and Mahanadi. In addition to the busy dockyard, the city also has some amazing beaches that offer mesmerizing views of the surroundings.
Key attractions: Paradip Port, Gahirmatha Sanctuary & beach, lighthouse, and Jhankad
9. Rourkela
Rourkela is one of the largest cities of Odisha. The place is primarily known for the steel plant and associated industrial growth. However, it also pulls tourists with its vintage temples, parks, dams, and waterfalls.
Key attractions: Darjeeng, Nehru Traffic Park, temples of Vedavyas & Vaishno Devi, Hanuman Vatika, Mandira Dam, Pitamahal Dam, Badaghagra Falls, and Khandadhar Falls
10. Sambalpur
Sambalpur, known for natural splendors & cultural sites, is one of the important tourist places in Odisha. The landscape is dotted with numerous waterfalls and plush green forests that allure photography buffs, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts.
Key attractions: Hirakud Dam, Cattle Island, Chiplima, Huma, Samaleswari Temple, Vikramkhol, Hatibari, and Debrigarh & Ushakothi wildlife sanctuaries
11. Chandipur
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If you are looking for a sea resort, then this should be your pick. Other than its unique dissapearing sea, which results due to the high tide and low tide, Chandipur is famous for its seafood. Do try the prawns and pomfrets. Also, the town is quite peaceful. It is a quaint seaside town which offers complete serenity and tranquility. Head here to spend some quality time with your loved ones.
Key attraction: Chandipur Beach, where the sea recedes up to 5 km providing the scope to walk on the sea bed see collect sea shells, red crabs, turtles, and other underwater marine particles
Suggested Read: 15 Natural Wonders In India That Your Geography Teacher Forgot To Tell You About
12. Pipli
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This small town of Odisha is famous in the world for its craft and handicraft. The Applique handicrafts of this town are especially famous. The artisans do a great job with embroidery and colors, making this town stand out not jist in the country but the world. If you happen to visit Odisha, then do head to this town and buy handicrafts and souvenirs from here.
Key attraction: Beautiful Applique handicrafts and colorful bazaars
Suggested Read: 38 Most Colorful Places In India That Will Make Your Heart Skip A Beat
13. Roopark Village
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This is a beautiful resort located in Odisha. The place is famous as it is eco friendly. If you want to enjoy nature then this should be your top pick. The place offers beautiful scenic vistas of the mountains and lush green lands that surround the village resort. Enjoy dreamy sunsets and energetic sunrises while on you vacay here.
Key attraction: Roopark Tribal Village Resort
Suggested Read: The Ultimate Weekend Getaway Bucket List From Kolkata
14. Taptapani
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Taptapani is famous in Odisha for its hot water spring. This spring is supposed to have medicinal attributes, making it a tourist attraction amidst people. There is a pond next to the hot spring where people can bathe and make use of the medicinal properties of the hot water spring.
Key attraction: Hot springs atop a hill surrounded by lush forest cover
Suggested Read: 20 Hot Springs In India Perfect For Your Next Getaway
15. Atri
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This is a small village in the Khurda district of Odisha. This is again famous die to a hot spring that is present here. If you are wondering how to reach this small place in the state of Odisha, then the nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar. The medicinal properties of the spring are said can cure skin diseases.
Key attraction: Hot springs and bathing complex maintained by Government of Odisha
16. Baripada
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Baripada is a cultural centre of Odisha, situated in the Mayurbhanj district. Known for its art and culture, it is one of the famous tourist places at Odisha. One can also see a lot of stars of the Ollywood emerging from this Odisha town of Baripada. The town also has its own dance form which is quite famous in the world, known as the Chhau dance.
Key attraction: Maa Ambika Temple, Shri Jagannath Temple, and Mayurbhanj Palace.
17. Gopalpur
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If you like port towns, then Gopalpur should be your pick. Located on the Bay of Bengal coast, this town is towards the south of the state. It is one of the top tourist places of Odisha. The town is a port city and has famous beaches. Go beach hopping here, in this Odisha town and chill and relax here, on one of the beaches, on your next trip to Odisha.
Key attraction: Gopalpur Beach, Dhabaleshwar Beach, Gopalpur Sea Beach, and Haripur Sea Beach.
18. Berhampur
On the eastern coastline of Odisha lies the town of Berhampur, also known as Brahmapur. Reaching here is easy as the town is connected to all the major towns of the state through roadways. The town also has its own railhead for those commuting by railways. The city has some temples that one can go to on their visit here.
Key attraction: Kedareswar Temple, Thakurani Temple, Bhairabi Temple, and Biju Patnaik Park Brahmapur.
19. Dhauli
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Situated on the banks of the river Daya, Dhauli is close to Bhubaneshwar, at a distance of 8 km from the city. This places has got its significance from the Kalinga War which is supposed to have been fought on the Dhauli Hill. There is a famous Shanti Stupa here which attracts visitors from far and wide. It also makes Dhauli one of the famous tourist places in Odisha. Do add this place in your itinerary and head to the Peace Pagoda.
Key attraction: Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Dhabaleswar, Kalinga War Battlefield, and CIFA Aquarium.
20. Daringbadi
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If you are wondering if Odisha has any hill stations, then Daringbadi is the place. It is one of the best tourist places in Odisha state which is also referred to as the ‘Kashmir of Odisha’. Take a road trip to this hill station and enjoy the scenic vistas along the way. The bearest railhead is at Brahmapur from where one can take the bus to the city.
Key attraction: Doluri River, Putudi Waterfalls, Dasingbadi waterfalls, Badangia waterfalls, and Hill view Park.
Further Read: 30 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and plan an immediate vacation to these amazing tourist places in Odisha. Let us know about the holiday, once you are back. Also, do not forget to share the list with your friends and folks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Places In Odisha
Q. What is Orissa famous for?
A. Orissa is famous for its temples.
Q. What is the best time to visit Odisha?
A. October to March is the best time to visit Odisha.
Q. How can I reach Orissa?
A. If one is traveling by air, then Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is the best way to reach Orissa. Otherwise, the state is well connected via a rail network and roads to other parts of the country.
Q. What is Odisha’s famous food?
A. Chhena Podo or Milk Cake is a famous food of Odisha.
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