Odisha (formerly Orissa), an eastern Indian state on the Bay of Bengal, is known for its tribal cultures and its many ancient Hindu temples. The long list of beaches, biosphere reserves, temples, museums, and other tourist places in Odisha make the state a must-visit destination .Take a look at some of the best tourist places in Odisha. While some of these are known names, others are quite uncommon.
Bhubaneshwar-The capital of Odisha is famously known as the Temple city of India. The land is over 2500 years old, had over 2000 temples in the past. The temples are built in the Kalinga style of architecture. This city is a classic example of history, heritage, and urbanization.
Key Attraction– Dhauli Hills, Udayagiri & Khandagiri caves, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations, Bindu Sarovara, Nandan Kanan Zoological Park, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and temples of Mukteswar, Lingaraj, Brahmeswara, & Parasurameswara
Puri-The vibrant land is famous for Lord Jagannath temple.It is among the original Char Dham that hold significance in the Hindu religion. One can explore sun-kissed beaches, local bustling markets that tempt the tourist round the year.
Key attractions- Puri Beach, Puri Beach Festival, Puri Jagannath temple, Chilika Lake & Bird Sanctuary, and Gundicha Ghar Temple
Cuttack- Cuttack is one of the vintage cities and popular tourist places in Odisha 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
Rourkela-Home to the largest steel plant in India,it also pulls tourist 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
Sambalpur- Sambalpur, known for natural splendor & cultural sites, is one of the important tourist places in Odisha.
Key Attractions: Hirakud Dam, Cattle Island, Chiplima, Huma, Samaleswari Temple, Vikramkhol, Hatibari, and Debrigarh & Ushakothi wildlife sanctuaries
Konark-The carvings of konark temple built in 13th century being one of the wonders of India,attract large flocks of tourist throughout the year.It is a hub of ancient art and sculpture also has serene beaches and archaeological museum to explore.
Key Attractions: Archeological Museum, temple of Sun God & Ramchandi, Chandrabhaga Beach
Barbil-It posses the world 5th largest iron and manganese deposit 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
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.
Key Attractions: Paradip Port, Gahirmatha Sanctuary & beach, lighthouse, and Jhankad
Jeypore-It is one of the delightful tourist places in Odisha for nature lovers.Known for rocky outcrops, picturesque waterfalls, and lush green biosphere reserves.
Key Attractions: Gupteshwar caves, Sunabeda, Deomali, Duduma Falls, Jagannath Sagar, Hatipathar, and Kolab Falls
Baripada-It is known as cultural centre of Odisha.The town is famous for its own dance form(Chhau dance)which is quite famous in the world.
Key Attractions: Maa Ambika Temple, Shri Jagannath Temple, and Mayurbhanj Palace
Chandipur-It is home to the sea turtle also famous for its seafood. Other than its unique disappearing sea, which results due to the high tide and low tide, Chandipur is a quaint seaside town which offers complete serenity and tranquility.
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
Daringbadi- . It is one of the best tourist places in Odisha state which is also referred to as the ‘Kashmir of Odisha
Key Attractions: Doluri River, Putudi Waterfalls, Dasingbadi waterfalls, Badangia waterfalls, and Hill View Park
Apart from the abovementioned places other tourist destinations are :
- Pipli : The town known for Handicrafts
- Dhauli : Land of Peace Pagoda
- Gopalpur : The Beautiful Port Town
- Behrampur : The Temple Town
- Bargarh : Explore the Mythological Treasures
So this time pack your bags and plan an immediate vacation to these amazing tourist places in Odisha.
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