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Odisha is popular for its rich culture and heritage. It has stunning temples and scenic locations including its forts. The forts in Odisha provide a deep insight into the region’s ancient civilizations. It is a great experience for history enthusiasts and students visiting the forts for an educational experience. You can have firsthand experience of the life and society of the ancient times. These forts are present at the strategic locations and witnessing them provides an understanding of the historical tapestry of the state.
Top 10 Forts In Odisha
Check out these historical forts in Odisha for a deep insight into the social and cultural aspects of time.
1. Barabati Fort
Photo: Daniel Limma / Wikimedia Commons
This fort is located in Cuttack, Orissa and was built in the 14th century. The fort was built by the Ganga dynasty and has great stone walls. Only the ruins of the fort are left today but it is a great attraction among history buffs. The Gateway of the fort is among the most well-preserved parts. It is a great opportunity to learn about the glorious past of our country. A popular cricket stadium, Barabati Stadium is located nearby where you can visit with your family and friends. Thus, this is one of the top forts in Odisha among tourists.
Location: FVM8+R37, Barabati Fort Rd, Biju Patnaik Colony, Cuttack, Odisha 753008
Distance From Airport: 30 km
2. Chudanga Fort
Photo: Marcin Lukasiak / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Popularly known as Sarangagarh food, this fort is located near Bhubaneswar. It is a lesser-known historical site and was built as a defensive structure. It was built by Chudanga Dev, ruler of the Ganga dynasty. It is a massive fort with a large area. There is a thick forest cover which attracts nature lovers. In the surrounding areas, you can observe the rich flora and fauna of Orissa. It is a heaven for bird watchers and is an ideal place to visit during mid-winter, making it one of the best forts in Odisha to explore.
Location: CR83+MQ4, Krushnanagar, Odisha 754005
Distance From Airport: 25 km
3. Sisupalgarh Fort
Photo: Vizag Explore / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located close to Bhubaneswar in Orissa, it is a fort that can be dated to the 3rd century BCE. It is popular as one of the oldest surviving forts in the nation and provides a glimpse of the ancient architecture in India. It used to be a thriving urban centre during the reign of the Mauryas. It has its history associated with the great Ashoka. The walls of the fort are made up of stone and there are eight large gateways. There are pillars and columns and a large public building that has an urban layout. This fort is known for its archaeological findings like pottery, tools and beads.
Location: 6RHX+Q44, Mahaveer Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
Distance From Airport: 15 km
4. Raibania Fort
Photo: Tisha Mukherjee / Wikimedia Commons
Raibania Fort in the Balasore District of Odisha reflects the historical architecture in eastern India during ancient times. This fort can be dated back to the 13th century and is believed to have been constructed by the Ganga dynasty. It is a symbol of strategic military defence and is spread across large areas. The natural surroundings of the fort are attractive and offer a scenic location for tourists. The weather is cool and pleasant for outdoor activities from October to February at this fort.
Location: W5GP+MP2, Raibania, Odisha 756033
Distance From Airport: 240 km
5. Potagarh Fort
Photo: Sidsahu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Potagarh Fort is located near the town of Ganjam and is popularly known as ‘the buried fort’. It is because of the vegetation that has grown over it. The parts of this fort are hidden or buried now. This fort was passed by the French, the British and other colonial powers, and then became a part of British India. It is located on the mouth of river Rishi Rushikulya and served as an administrative centre during ancient times. It has a starship layout with defensive thick walls. Visitors can enjoy the view of the river with their family and friends.
Location: Ganjem district, Near Jayashree Chemicals Factory, Pallibandha, Odisha 761026
Distance From Airport: 280 km
6. Kallikote Fort
Photo: Adityanag2002 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This fort can be dated back to its context in the Kalinga war which was fought by the great Ashoka. This fort has strong defensive walls and Bastians. Kallikote Fort has been a part of significant historical events in Indian history. This is a site of significant cultural and historical relevance and served as a military outpost. It has strategic importance as it was a part close to the strategic trade routes. It is a great place with a scenic area suitable for photography, making it one of the most popular forts in Odisha among photography enthusiasts.
Location: Kallikote, Ganjem, Odisha 761030
Distance From Airport: 100 km
7. Asurgarh Fort
Photo: Baptiste Buisson / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Asurgarh Fort is a popular archaeological site in Odisha and is known to be an urban settlement in ancient India. It used to be an important centre for governance and military activity. The fort had a strategic location as per the defensive and administrative strategies. It has four entrances, one in each direction. The fort is known for its advanced water management system that tourists can visit. It is a great opportunity for you to step back in time and experience the culture and stories related to the fort’s history.
Location: 39J3+GX7, Rupraroad, Odisha 766101
Distance From Airport: 148.6 km
8. Banki Fort
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Banki Fort is the ancient fort in the district of Odisha and has a strategic location. It gives an insight into the medieval period when local kings used to rule Banki. This group has witnessed several conflicts in the past including the Mughal and Marathas. The moats and the gates are robust. It is a great location that you can visit as it symbolizes the local power. Explore the ruins and understand the local history during your visit to the fort.
Location: Cuttack district, Odisha
Distance From Airport: 50 km
9. Dhenkanal Fort
Photo: Subhashish Panigrahi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dhenkanal Fort used to be the royal residence of the rulers of the Dhenakanal princely state. It was a key administration centre in the Dhenakanal kingdom in Odisha. The fort has defensive walls and the traditional architectural style of Odisha with gates and watch towers. It was a centre of political dynamics during the colonial era. The stunning architectural features make it an excellent spot for photography. You can visit during winter months and the nearby Dhenakanal town and Joranda monastery.
Location: Dhenkanal, Odisha
Distance From Airport: 90 km
10. Jaugada Fort
Photo: Narek Hakobyan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This fort can be dated back to the 4th century CE. It is located in Ganjam District of Odisha, India. It is a symbol of rich heritage and has robust defensive walls and gates. It has played a significant role in the local conflicts in the past. The interior structure has remnants of the fort including the residential quarters and water reservoir. You can visit the fort and experience the Ganjam district with its surrounding scenic landscape. Behrampur is the major city near Ganjam district that you can easily reach by road and rail.
Location: GRFJ+397, Changudipadaranuagam, Pandarakholli, Odisha 761043
Distance From Airport: 150 km
The diverse cultural heritage of Odisha, its traditional music, art and crafts make it a unique state in India. Now that you have checked the forts in Odisha, it is time to experience the unique blend of spiritual and cultural significance of this state. Book your trip with TripXL guaranteed memorable moments with your family and friends while exploring this beautiful place.
Cover Photo: Sudhansu Ranjan Das / Shutterstock
