Odisha Tourism

Steeped in history and culture, Odisha Tourism offers a unique glimpse into the true essence of India. Located on the eastern coast of India, it is renowned for its vibrant festivals, ancient temples, and stunning natural beauty. Known as the land of Lord Jagannath, it attracts millions of devotees yearly, especially during the Rath Yatra. Odisha offers an array of attractions, ranging from temples and museums to biosphere reserves and stunning beaches.  Must-visit destinations include Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark, Rourkela and Cuttack. Discover Odisha’s culture through dance forms, art, and literature. 

Visit between April and July to witness its vibrant festivals. Ideally, one must spend at least 5-7 days exploring the attractions and activities. Customise your next Odisha tour package with Travel Triangle for a hassle-free and mesmerising experience. 

Quick Overview

 Category  Details  Capital   Bhubaneswar  Location  East India  Languages  Odia, Hindi, Bengali, Santali  Currency  Indian Rupees  Festivals   Ratha Yatra, Durga Puja, Maha Shivaratri, Konark Dance Festival, Puri Beach Festival  Cities  Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Puri, Brahmapur, Rourkela, Baripada, Balasore, Bhadrak  Top Attractions   Sun Temple, Jagannath Temple, Golden Beach, Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves  Best Time to Visit   October to February  Activities  Temple hopping, beach relaxation, hiking, sightseeing  Famous Cuisine Pakhala Bhata, Dalma, Chhena poda, Santula, Rasabali, Bissara, Dahi bara aloo dum, Kanika, Chakuli pitha Shopping Places Shahid Nagar Market, Bapuji Nagar Market, Rupali Square, Esplanade One Mall

Budget & Accommodation

Compared to famous destinations like Goa, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh, Odisha is a budget-friendly destination. Depending on the itinerary, accommodations, food, and transportation, a trip to Odisha can cost between ?7,000 and ?45,000.  

From budget-friendly hotels to luxurious villas, cosy homestays to elegant resorts, Odisha has ample accommodations. A decent price for a stay starts from INR 1500 per person. However, the cost can vary based on duration, number of persons, and amenities. 

Best Time to Visit

Odisha experiences three distinct seasons i.e winter, summer and monsoon. Additionally, the winters which span from October to February are the best time to visit Odisha. 

 Seasons Min/Max Temperature  Ideal For  Winter (October-February)  10°C/ 22°C  Sightseeing and outdoor activities   Monsoon (July-September)  25°C/35°C  Exploring natural beauty  Summer (March-June)  35°C/46°C Festivals and beach activities

Culture 

Odisha has a diverse culture that is reflected in its architecture, art forms, music, dance, and cuisine. Temples like Lingaraja, Sun, and Jagannath Temple are the architectural wonders of Odisha. Additionally, its handicrafts, including Pattachitra paintings, appliqué work, and silver filigree and sand artworks, show the state’s excellent craftsmanship. Odisha Tourism boasts a rich heritage of classical dance forms such as Odissi, Chhau and Gotipua. With the majorly spoken Odia language, the people of Odisha wear the Sambalpuri saree for women and the Dhoti and Kurta for men. 

Festivals

Experience the true essence of Odisha through its vibrant fairs and festivals. Visit in June or July to witness the grand Ratha Yatra at Puri, Durga Puja in October and Konark Dance Festival in December. Don’t miss the Puri Beach Festival. Other notable festivals include Chandan Yatra, Nuakhai, Sitala Sasthi, and Makar Mela. 

How To Reach 

By Air: Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station. 

By Road: Odisha is well-connected with states like West Bengal (645km), Andhra Pradesh (824 km), and Chhattisgarh (430km) by road. 

Cuisine

Satisfy your taste buds with the delicious Odisha cuisine at restaurants, dhabas, and street shops. With rice as a staple food, rasogolla and khira mohana are must-tries. Don’t miss the Dalma and Pakhala Bhata. Being a coastal state, non-vegetarian foods like fish fry, chicken curry, chicken biryani,  prawn curry and prawn fry are easily available. Head to Aromas, Truptee Veg Restaurant, The Bmbai, Nakli Dhaba, and Sheer-E-Punjab to try the culinary delights of Odisha.  

Activities

From pristine beaches to Natural reserves, Odisha offer ample exhilarating activities.  Surfing at Puri Beach, trekking at Satkosia Gorge, kayaking at Chilika Lake, Rock Climbing at Ratnagiri, and Jet Skiing at Chandrabhaga Beach are the best things to do in Odisha. Witness the rich biodiversity of Odisha at Simlipal National Park by Wildlife Safari. Enjoy the breathtaking aerial views of Kunduli Hill by Paragliding and explore the marine life by scuba diving at Gahirmatha Beach. Don’t miss camping under the stars at Daringbadi and a hot air balloon ride at Sambalpur. 

Shopping 

No trip to Odisha is complete without shopping at its local market. There are numerous bustling shopping places, such as Station Square, Ekamra Haat, and Orissa State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society. In these markets, one can buy Sambalpuri and Bomkai silk sarees, Pattachitra paintings, Pipili appliqué work, and Dhokra metal crafts. Do bargain for a better price. 

Other important Information 

With a peaceful coastal lifestyle and easy access to healthcare facilities in cities like Bhubaneswar, Odisha is ideal for elderly parents. Additionally, it is the best place for kids, as it offers a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. There are many family-friendly beaches like Puri and Konark, where kids can enjoy the sun and sand. Odisha is an excellent destination for pet owners with many dog-friendly attractions and areas. While many places welcome pets, some restrictions apply, including beaches, cafes, and hotels.

Tips

Book accommodations in advance during peak seasons, as they can be crowded. 

Travel during the Monsoon and summer months to get a heavy accommodation discount.

Cash and UPI are widely accepted but carry small change for local vendors.

Pack the bags as per the weather conditions.

For a local experience, stay at homestays.