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.
23 Tourist Places In Odisha
Odisha is a vibrant land. On one side where you find temples and a whole bunch of religious sites, on the other, there are hill stations, valleys, national parks, beaches and rivers. Odisha destinations are are innate combination where God’s presence is deeply acknowledged with the splendor of mother nature. Take a look at some of the best tourist places in Odisha. While some of these are known names, others are quite uncommon.
- Bhubaneswar – Land Of Beautiful Architecture
- Puri – Witness The Unique Sand Art
- Konark – Ancient Temples
- Cuttack – The Vintage City
- Bargarh – Explore The Mythological Treasures
- Jeypore – Gaze At The Famous Waterfall
- Barbil – See The Magnificent Waterfall
- Paradip – The Famous Sea Port
- Rourkela – One Of The Largest Cities
- Sambalpur – A Haven For Nature Lovers
- Chandipur – Home To Sea Turtles
- Pipli – The Town Known For Handicrafts
- Roopark Village – The Eco Friendly Resort
- Taptapani – The Hot Water Spring
- Atri – The Place To Relax
- Baripada – Cultural Centre Of Odisha
- Gopalpur – The Beautiful Port Town
- Berhampur – The Temple Town
- Dhauli – The Land Of Peace Pagoda
- Daringbadi – The Hill Town
- Talasari Beach – Relax Under The Sun
- Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary – Enjoy The Wilderness
- Rayagada – The Land Of Historical Gems
1. Bhubaneswar – Land Of Beautiful Architecture
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 In Bhubaneswar: Dhauli Hills, Udayagiri & Khandagiri caves, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations, Bindu Sarovara, Nandan Kanan Zoological Park, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and temples of Mukteswar, Lingaraj, Brahmeswara, & Parasurameswara
Places To Stay: Paradise, Atithi, Paradise Convention, Fortune Park Sishmo, Hotel Priya
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Must Read: 25 Spectacular Caves In India That Should Be Explored At Least Once In 2021
2. Puri – Witness The Unique Sand Art
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, you can explore the temples in Puri, the sun-kissed beaches, 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 In Puri: 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
Things To Do: Visit Temples and Explore Beaches
Best Time To Visit: July to March
Suggested Read: Char Dham Yatra: A Journey That Will Take You On A Quest For Moksha
3. Konark – Ancient Temples
Konark is a hub of ancient art and sculpture and of the best Odisha destinations. 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
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
Suggested Read: 13 Wonderful Places To Visit Near Bhubaneswar That Will Revamp Your 2021 Travel List!
4. Cuttack – The Vintage City
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
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
Suggested Read: 7 Places To Visit In Odisha In June For A Fun And Exciting Trip In 2021
5. Bargarh – Explore The Mythological Treasures
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
Places To Stay: Hotel SS Palace, Hotel Swastik, Sri Sai Krishna Palace, Hotel Keshmin, Hotel Vd Palace
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Odisha That Will Let You Explore Its Ferocious Beauty In 2021!
6. Jeypore – Gaze At The Famous Waterfall
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
Places To Stay: Hotel City Plaza International, Zabeer Hotel International
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Suggested Read: 36 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India To Have A Gala Time In 2021!
7. Barbil – See The Magnificent Waterfall
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
Places To Stay: Lucky India, Hotel Aadhar, The World Barbil Hotel
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Top 10 Haunted Places In Odisha And Their Paranormal Activities
8. Paradip – The Famous Sea Port
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
Places To Stay: Empires Paradip, Sea Pearl Hotel Bar Restaurant, Hotel Golden Anchor
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Suggested Read: 10 Fascinating Odisha Museums For Your Love Of History And Art
9. Rourkela – One Of The Largest Cities
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 making it one of the best places to visit in Odisha. Some of the wonderful things to do in Rourkela are trekking, picnic, and shopping.
Key Attractions: Darjeeng, 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
Suggested Read: 14 Famous Festivals In Odisha One Must Be Part Of To Witness The Beautiful Culture!
10. Sambalpur – A Haven For Nature Lovers
Sambalpur, known for natural splendor & 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
Places To Stay: Hotel Royal Retreat, Hotel Olive, The Welcome Resorts, Hotel Sai Krupa, Shree Shyam Lodge
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Suggested Read: 8 Waterfalls In Odisha That Will Make You Go ‘WOW’ With The Beauty In 2021!
11. Chandipur – Home To Sea Turtles
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If you are looking for a sea resort, then this has to be the top pick from all the places to visit in Odisha. Other than its unique disappearing sea, which results due to the high tide and low tide, Chandipur is famous for its seafood. Do try the prawns and pomfret. 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 Attractions: 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
Places To Stay: HOTEL ASHA NIVAS, International Tourism Resort, Hotel Chandipur, Shanti Guest House
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Suggested Read: 15 Natural Wonders In India That Your Geography Teacher Forgot To Tell You About
12. Pipli – The Town Known For Handicrafts
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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 Attractions: Beautiful Applique handicrafts and colorful bazaars
Places To Stay: Nest Guest House, Royal Orchid Residency
Best Time To Visit: October to January
Suggested Read: 38 Most Colorful Places In India That Will Make Your Heart Skip A Beat
13. Roopark Village – The Eco Friendly Resort
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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 Attractions: Roopark Tribal Village Resort
Places To Stay: Hotel Royal Suites, NOCCi Residency, HOTEL Barjorjis BANJARA, HOTEL AYUSH INTERNATIONAL
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: 32 Thrilling Weekend Getaways From Kolkata You Must Visit In 2021
14. Taptapani – The Hot Water Spring
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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 Attractions: Hot springs atop a hill surrounded by lush forest cover
Places To Stay: Srinivas Residency, Hotel Ganesh Bhavan, Nirmalya’s Maharaja, Hotel Bhawani Palace
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: 22 Hot Springs In India Perfect For Your Next Getaway In 2021!
15. Atri – The Place To Relax
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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 Attractions: Hot springs and bathing complex maintained by Government of Odisha
Places To Stay: Hotel Landmark, Hotel Suryamukhi
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Suggested Read: 15 Temples In Odisha: Explore With Your Family And Take Blessings In 2021!
16. Baripada – Cultural Centre Of Odisha
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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 Attractions: Maa Ambika Temple, Shri Jagannath Temple, and Mayurbhanj Palace
Places To Stay: The Belgadia Palace
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Suggested Read: 10 Picnic Spots In Odisha That’ll Make Your Travel Experience Worthwhile
17. Gopalpur – The Beautiful Port Town
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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 Attractions: Gopalpur Beach, Dhabaleshwar Beach, Gopalpur Sea Beach, and Haripur Sea Beach
Places To Stay: Mayfair Palm Beach Resort, Mahaveer Service Apartment, Pipul Sea view Resort, Hotel Kavin’s Inn
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Suggested Read: 8 Best Resorts In Odisha Which Will Let You Set Back And Relax In A Homely Vibe!
18. Berhampur – The Temple Town
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 Attractions: Kedareswar Temple, Thakurani Temple, Bhairabi Temple, and Biju Patnaik Park Brahmapur
Places To Stay: Hotel Ganesh Bhavan, Nirmalya’s Maharaja, Hotel Bhawani Palace, Hotel Bhubaneswari Classic
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Suggested Read: 10 Beautiful National Parks In Odisha To Spend Time In 2021 In The Wilderness
19. Dhauli – The Land Of Peace Pagoda
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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 place 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 Attractions: Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Dhabaleswar, Kalinga War Battlefield, and CIFA Aquarium
Places To Stay: Dhauli Palace, Treebo Trend King’s Court, CAMPENERS ODISHA, Rajani house
Best Time To Visit: July to February
Suggested Read: 5 Water Parks In Odisha For Those Looking For A Fun-Filled Trip
20. Daringbadi – The Hill Town
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If you are wondering if there are any hill stations in Odisha, 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 nearest railhead is at Brahmapur from where one can take the bus to the city.
Key Attractions: Doluri River, Putudi Waterfalls, Dasingbadi waterfalls, Badangia waterfalls, and Hill View Park
Places To Stay: Utopia Resort
Best Time To Visit: September to May
Suggested Read: 25 Places To Visit In Bhubaneswar For A Fascinating Journey To Odisha In 2021!
21. Talasari Beach – Relax Under The Sun
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Odisha located in Baleswar district of Odisha at a distance of 10 km from Digha. Surrounded by the pristine surroundings, this beach is considered to be one of the secret beaches which enhances the beauty of the place. Away from the hustle and bustle, this beach is adorned by the sand dunes, palm trees and cashew trees.
Key Attractions: Shankarpur, Digha
Places To Stay: Ditto Room Odisha Guest House, Cozy Inn, Hotel New Digha International, Cygnett Lite New Digha
Best Time To Visit: October to December
Suggested Read: Top 10 Road Trips From Bhubaneswar To Witness The Beauty Of Southern India In 2021!
22. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary – Enjoy The Wilderness
Spread across an area of 795.52 square kilometres, this wildlife sanctuary is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Odisha. Resting by the Mahanadi river and surrounded by the lush-greenery, this place is home to a wide variety of species of wild animals, birds and plants. One can spot around tigers, gaurs, simbal, four horned antelopes, sloths, gharial and simbal.
Key Attractions: The variety of wildlife, trees and forests
Places To Stay: Wooden Leaf Satkosia, Bluebay 08 satkosia Tarava, Bluebay 05 satkosia Baliput, Bluebay 07 satkosia Purunakote
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: 10 Scenic Lakes In Odisha To Visit On A 2021 Vacation
23. Rayagada – The Land Of Historical Gems
Image Credit: HP Satapathy for Wikimedia
This is a district located in Odisha which is known for its rich history and a vast culture which is worth experiencing. Alongside that this place is also famous for treasuring the local tribal culture. Apart from the historical places, there is delicious cuisine, handicrafts and handmade products. Located at the South Eastern border, this is an upcoming destination which is visited by the tourists every year. The heritage of this place belongs to the Mauryan empire which makes it one of the best tourist places in Odisha.
Key Attractions: Majhighariani Temple, Maa Markama Temple
Places To Stay: Hotel Sai International, Hotel Ashok
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Further Read: 81 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2021
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Places In Odisha
What is Orissa famous for?
Orissa is famous for its temples, beaches, street food, rivers and hilly terrains.
What is the best time to visit Odisha?
The winter season i.e. October to March is the best time to visit Odisha.
How can I reach Orissa?
If one is traveling by air, then Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is the best way to reach Oriss Otherwise, the state is well connected via a rail network and roads to other parts of the country.
What is Odisha’s famous food?
Chhena Podo or Burnt Cheese, Chaat, Rasgulla are some famous foods in Odisha.
Name a few beaches in Odisha?
Here are a few beaches in Odisha: Aryapalli beach, Konark beach, Puri beach, Chandipur beach, Ramchandi beach, and Paradeep beach.
Which city has the most number of temples in Odisha?
The capital city of Bhubaneswar or “city of temples” has the most number of temples counting to approximately 700.
Are there any wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha?
Yes, there are many wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha including Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary and many more.
How many days are enough for Puri?
You can at least expect a stay time of 4 days to explore the full beauty of Puri.
How many national parks are there in Odisha?
There are 3 major national parks in Odisha including Bhitarkanika National Park, Sanjay National Park and Simlipal National Park.
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