Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Odisha is a beautiful, culturally diversified and naturally blessed state of eastern India. It is full of beautiful temples, sand beaches and green vistas. The Jagannath State is the epitome of history, religion and beauty. Embracing the architectural wonders of ancient temples, scenic backwaters and forested mountains, Odisha is an ultimate journey destination. This Odisha travel guide will guide you through Odisha’s location, access, must-see things, places to eat, and places to stay, with tips on how to make your trip seamless. Whether you are a history buff, a nature enthusiast or a foodie, Odisha has it all for you.
Location
Photo: AmlanBiswal25 / Wikimedia Commons
Odisha is on the east coast of India and is bounded by West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. The Bay of Bengal, to the east, protects Odisha from the elements and it boasts beautiful beaches. Bhubaneswar, the capital city, is known as the Temple City and is the entrance point to Odisha’s culture, history and surroundings.
How To Reach
Photo: Chinmayee Mishra / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport, the Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneswar, which links Odisha to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata.
By Rail: Indian Railways links Odisha with all the major cities, such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri.
By Road: The state is well connected by roads and highways, which are easily reachable by vehicle or bus. National Highway 16 passes through Odisha, connecting the state with the rest of the country.
Odisha Travel Guide: Best Places To Visit
With this Odisha travel guide, explore these places full of wonders, from temples to natural destinations, elevating your amazing trip:
1. Puri And Jagannath Temple
Photo: Subham9423 / Wikimedia Commons
Puri, one of India’s Char Dham pilgrimage sites, is best known for the Jagannath Temple. The temple is an architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Jagannath and is visited by millions every year during the Rath Yatra festival. Aside from its religious importance, Puri is a paradise for tourists, with endless stretches of golden sand and gentle waves. Local crafts and cuisines from the crowded Swargadwar Market complement the charm of the town. For a fuller spiritual journey, tourists can visit Gundicha Temple and Narendra Tank nearby. This combination of spirituality and coastline makes Puri the perfect place to visit.
Location: Puri
Best Time To Visit: June to August (for Rath Yatra) or October to March
2. Konark Sun Temple
Photo: Dhruv Raj Kashyap / Wikimedia Commons
Konark Sun Temple is a marvel and an architectural must-see attraction for history enthusiasts. It was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I. The temple resembles a massive horse-drawn chariot with 12 intricately carved wheels of time. Its walls were decorated with intricate sculptures depicting the many facets of life, nature and mythology. Although partly a ruined ruin, the site still amazes visitors with its size and its imagery of the Sun God’s flight over the heavens. It is really an incredible experience to come here and see the Konark Dance Festival in December.
Location: Konark, 35 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Chilika Lake
Photo: Anuragphotography / Wikimedia Commons
Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts flock to Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Over 1,100 square kilometres, the lake is fringed by islands and greenery. It’s a winter home for migratory species such as flamingos, pelicans and herons, an ideal place to photograph birds. The lake also hosts the infamous Irrawaddy dolphins that you can spot during a boat trip. The quiet atmosphere of the lake and its environmental significance make it a must-see place. The fishing villages are also a significant part of the region’s culture.
Location: Satapada, 50 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: November to February
4. Bhitarkanika National Park
Photo: Bibhudutta1234 / Wikimedia Commons
Bhitarkanika National Park is rich in biodiversity and possesses its own unique blend of mangrove forests, wetlands and animals. It is the “Mini Amazon of India” and hosts the rare saltwater crocodile, deer and bird species. Boat safaris on the park’s quiet waterways will offer a wildlife experience. Bhitarkanika is also a Ramsar Wetland Site, and this adds to its ecological significance. One can stroll along trails and engage with the local villagers who live alongside the animals.
Location: Kendrapara district, 130 km from Bhubaneswar
Best Time To Visit: October to March
5. Raghurajpur Heritage Village
Photo: Revanthv552 / Wikimedia Commons
Raghurajpur is a heritage village famous for its Pattachitra paintings, the Odisha folk painting. Each house in the village serves as a canvas for fine art, murals and crafts. One can observe craftsmen in action and receive insight into the centuries-old processes of creating these artefacts. Other local crafts include palm-leaf carvings and wooden toys. The city of Raghurajpur has an annual cultural festival that celebrates Odia folk arts and culture. Here, you can immerse yourself in a real cultural experience that will be pleasurable for both art and history lovers.
Location: 14 km from Puri
Best Time To Visit: October to February
6. Gopalpur Beach
Photo: Ankur Panchbudhe / Wikimedia Commons
Gopalpur Beach is a clean, tranquil beach where you can spend your time in solitude. The beach has golden sand, crystal water and a cool breeze, making the area calm. Gopalpur used to be a busy port, but still retains the ambience of old lighthouses and warehouses. The beach is perfect for taking long walks, spending time sunbathing and eating local seafood from the shacks. More variety comes from the nearby attractions like Taptapani Hot Springs and Chilika Lake. The quaint vibe makes Gopalpur Beach an ideal trip for families, couples and tourists alike.
Location: Gopalpur, 190 km from Bhubaneswar
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Where To Eat
Photo: Subhransuphotography / Wikimedia Commons
Odisha is an eater’s heaven where you will find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. Bhubaneswar’s Dalma restaurant offers real Odia thalis, including dalma (lentil curry), pakhala bhata (fermented rice) and sweet chhena poda. To indulge in seafood, you should visit Puri and Chilika Lake for fresh prawns, crabs and fish, sometimes steamed with old-style spices. You cannot go wrong with street food such as gupchup (panipuri) and dahi vada-aloo dum for a quick bite. Miss the savouries, particularly chhena gaja and rasagola. Kanika in Mayfair Bhubaneswar & Golden Spoon in Puri are recommended restaurants for haute cuisine. Visit local markets to enjoy Odisha’s flavoursome tastes.
Where To Stay
Photo: Derek Jensen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are plenty of hotel options available in Odisha that suit every kind of pocket. In Bhubaneswar, top-rated hotels such as Swosti Premium and Mayfair Lagoon are offered. Budget hotels and guesthouses (including OTDC’s Panthanivas) can be found in most tourist centres. In Puri, beachside resorts such as Sterling Puri and Mayfair Heritage are located on the beach and offer an enviable view. If you’re interested in eco-tourism, try staying in nature camps around Chilika Lake or Bhitarkanika National Park for a wild but luxurious vacation. The backpackers can find inexpensive hotels in Bhubaneswar and Puri to make their stay a safe and pleasurable experience.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Jnanaranjan sahu / Wikimedia Commons
Tips For Travellers
- Respect customs and traditions, especially at religious sites.
- Carry lightweight cotton clothes for summer and light woollens for winter.
- Ensure to book accommodations and transportation in advance during festival seasons.
- Explore local markets for authentic souvenirs like Pattachitra paintings and filigree work.
- Use eco-friendly products and avoid littering at natural sites.
Odisha is full of experiences that would charm all travellers. With its heritage, festivals, and breathtaking landscapes, the state is a perfect combination of tradition and contemporary. From religious rest, wildlife safaris, or cultural tourism, following this Odisha travel guide will leave you smitten. So, come visit this beautiful state and find out why it’s one of the best destinations in India. Plan your trip to Odisha with TripXL now for a seamless experience.
Cover Photo: Subham9423 / Wikimedia Commons
