Places to Visit in Odisha

If you are looking for a peaceful escape, consider visiting its beautiful waterfalls, lakes and beaches like Chilika Lake, Puri Beach, Joranda Waterfall, etc. Don't miss visiting its ancient forts and sacred sites. 

Sightseeing Places in Odisha 

Odisha is home to many interesting places beyond temples that are worth exploring. Below are some of the sightseeing places in Odisha: 

Puri:

Known for the Jagannath Temple, Puri is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, which attracts millions of devotees during the annual Rath Yatra. It offers a variety of activities, including religious visits, beach relaxation, cultural experiences, and water sports. 

Konark: 

Explore the historical and natural attractions of one of the famous places in Odisha, Konark, renowned for its Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy beach activities at Chandrabhaga Beach and Ramachandi Beach. Don't miss the International Sand Art Festival. 

Bhubaneswar:

Bhubaneswar is a beautiful city renowned for its numerous temples, including the Lingaraj Temple and Mukteswara Temple. You can also visit  Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha State Museum, and the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves. 

Cuttack: 

Once an ancient capital of Odisha, Cuttack is an ideal destination for history buffs and those seeking cultural experiences. You can visit Barabati Fort, Cuttack Chandi Temple, Botanical Garden, the Deer Park and Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Raghurajpur: 

Raghurajpur is a renowned tourist destination in Odisha. If you are an art enthusiast, consider visiting this heritage crafts village, well-known for its Pattachitra art, palm leaf engraving, and a variety of traditional crafts. 

Tourist Attractions in Odisha

There are many tourist attractions in Odisha, from beautiful lakes to historic temples. Here is the list of the best attractions: 

Chilika Lake: 

One of the best locations in Odisha for birdwatchers and nature lovers is Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon. It is an ideal spot for witnessing migratory birds, Irrawaddy dolphins, and enjoying boat rides.

Simlipal National Park:

With a diverse range of wildlife spotting opportunities, Simlipal National Park is a beautiful tourist point in Odisha. From jungle safaris to spotting tigers, elephants, and a wide array of bird species, there are many thrilling activities to do.

Chandipur Beach: 

Enjoy long walks on the golden sands of Chandipur Beach, famous for the "vanishing sea" phenomenon.  Here, you can explore marine life, collect seashells, swim, sunbathe, and indulge in water sports during high tide. 

Hirakud Dam:

Witness the panoramic views and the serene surroundings from Haridakud Dam, an engineering marvel in Odisha. It is an ideal tourist spot for activities such as boating, jet skiing, and parasailing, and is a popular spot for picnics. 

Khandadhar Waterfalls:

Trek to the beautiful Khandadhar Waterfalls to witness the majestic two-tiered waterfall, ideal for nature lovers and photographers. Here, you can enjoy scenic beauty, take a bath, go picnicking, and explore the surrounding nature. 

Chausathi Yogini Temple:

Soak yourself in the spirituality of Chausath Yogini Temple. It is dedicated to the worship of the 64 Yoginis, female deities associated with yogic practices. Visit this temple to witness the unique circular architecture and Tantric practices.

Mangalajodi:

Located near the Chilika Lake, Mangalajodi is the best tourist point in Odisha for birdwatchers. It is an ideal spot for witnessing a large population of migratory birds and boating.

Gahirmatha Beach: 

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, consider visiting the Gahirmatha Beach, renowned for its beautiful golden sand and the surrounding sanctuary that supports diverse flora and fauna. This beach is the best place for observing Olive Ridley turtle nesting and enjoying boat rides. 

Satkosia Tiger Reserve: 

Spread over four districts, including Nayagarh, Cuttack, Angul and Boudh, this tiger reserve is a haven for wildlife lovers. Satkosai Tiger Reserve offers you an opportunity for tiger spotting, boating and trekking through diverse forest ecosystems.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: 

Explore the local wildlife of Odisha at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as “ The Land of Bisons”.  It is an ideal site for witnessing animals such as the Leopard, Sambar, Wild Boar, Deer, Chousingha, and many bird species. Don’t miss the jungle safaris to witness the rich plants and animals of the sanctuary.