Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The weather in March brings a calm balance to the skies of Odisha. As the days remain clear and pleasant, it becomes easier to explore long distances without discomfort. The best places to visit in Odisha in March include everything from quiet beaches and tribal highlands to spiritual sites and jungle sanctuaries. Travel in this month offers a mix of festive energy and natural stillness, especially before the heat of April sets in. Whether you are drawn to coastal towns like Gopalpur or cooler interiors like Daringbadi, March offers the right window to move across regions.
10 Places To Visit In Odisha In March
Places to visit in Odisha in March include beaches, temples, hill towns, forests, and cultural sites.
1. Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary
Photo: Rusa2006 / Wikimedia Commons
Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary in Angul is one of the most rewarding places to visit in Odisha in March. Spread along the Mahanadi River, this protected area brings together thick sal forests, sandstone cliffs, and freshwater habitats in a dramatic gorge that stretches over 22 kilometres. The temperature in March stays moderate, which helps in longer exploration through the jungle zones and boat routes. Wildlife sightings are frequent this time of year, with chances to see mugger crocodiles, Indian pythons, and herds of spotted deer close to the riverbanks.
Location: Angul District
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Cost: ₹50 for Indian & ₹500 for Foreigner
2. Tara Tarini Hill Shrine
Photo: Nibedit / Wikimedia Commons
Tara Tarini Hill Shrine near Purushottampur stands out among the places to visit in Odisha in March to combine nature with spirituality. On the Kumari hills, the temple honours the twin goddesses Tara and Tarini. It draws thousands of pilgrims during the Chaitra Mela, beginning in March. Climbing the 999 steps to the shrine gives panoramic views of the Rushikulya River and the surrounding countryside, made even more enjoyable by the mild weather. For visitors unable to climb, a ropeway service operates from the base.
Location: Near Purushottampur, Ganjam District
Timings: 5 AM – 9:30 PM
3. Gopalpur
Photo: Jagadhatri / Wikimedia Commons
Gopalpur is a quiet coastal town in Ganjam that becomes one of the most refreshing places to visit in Odisha in March. With cooler winds sweeping in from the Bay of Bengal and soft sun through the afternoons, it’s the perfect setting for long, uninterrupted walks along the wide, clean beach. Unlike Puri, this beach is never overcrowded. Fishermen still launch their boats from the shore, and seafood stalls serve up fresh prawns and crabs within minutes of being caught. The ruins of the old lighthouse and British-era port buildings can be explored near the promenade, giving a glimpse into its colonial past.
Location: Ganjam District, 16 km from Berhampur
Timings: 24*7
4. Daringbadi
Photo: KanadianKaur / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Daringbadi is one of the most scenic places to visit in Odisha. This hill station sits at an elevation of around 3000 feet and offers a soothing climate even as lowland regions begin to heat up. This is when the surrounding pine forests and valleys bloom with wildflowers. The coffee and pepper plantations in the area begin to show signs of the new harvest, and many local families open their estates for short visits. Hill View Park and the Doluri River are popular spots to relax or have a picnic, while the butterfly park attracts visitors throughout the day.
Location: Kandhamal District
Timings: 24*7
5. Ansupa Lake
Photo: ravindrra / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Ansupa Lake ranks among the most peaceful places in Odisha. This horseshoe-shaped freshwater lake is set against the Saranda Hills. March is the best time for kayaking, paddle boating, and spotting birds like openbill storks and kingfishers that linger before summer. The lake has well-marked walking trails along its banks and small watch towers for birdwatching. Locals come here early in the morning for sunrise views, and the area stays active till dusk with picnics and day visitors. There’s a small eco-retreat on-site offering basic meals and boating facilities managed by the forest department.
Location: Cuttack District, near Banki
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Cost: ₹20 per person
6. Jirang Monastery
Photo: Prasantabhunya / Wikimedia Commons
Jirang Monastery is one of the most serene places in Odisha. Also known as Padmasambhava Mahavihara, this is the largest Tibetan monastery in Eastern India. The structure stands out for its golden roofs and colourful frescoes set against a backdrop of rolling hills. The monastery complex includes a meditation hall, residential quarters for monks, and a quiet courtyard where visitors are welcome to sit in silence or listen to the chants during prayer time. Tibetan food like thukpa and momos is served at small stalls nearby, run by the local community.
Location: Chandragiri, Gajapati District
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
7. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, close to Angul, is one of the places to visit in Odisha for nature and wildlife. The forests may be dry, but the river is full, and the trails are ideal for safaris, guided treks, and boat rides. The key highlight here is the Gharial Breeding Centre, where you can observe these rare reptiles in their natural habitat. The Mahanadi riverbank draws flocks of Indian skimmers, kingfishers, and herons throughout the day. Forest staff organise short walks through sal and teak forests, and there’s a good chance of spotting elephants, wild boars, and langurs near the water.
Location: Near Satkosia, Angul District
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Cost: ₹40 per person
8. Harishankar Falls And Temple
Photo: Pause the Moment / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Harishankar Falls and Temple in Balangir district is one of the most scenic and lesser-explored places to visit in Odisha in March. Located on the southern slope of the Gandhamardan Hills, this destination offers both spiritual calm and natural beauty in one trip. The Harishankar temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, sits right next to a series of cascading waterfalls that stay active through early summer. Harishankar is best accessed from Balangir by road, and visitors typically need half a day to explore the falls, spend time at the temple, and walk along the shaded forest trails.
Location: Balangir District
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
9. Rajarani Temple
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar is one of the most striking architectural places to visit in Odisha in March, especially for those interested in heritage beyond active worship. This 11th-century temple, made from local sandstone, stands out for its detailed carvings of dancers, floral designs, and mythical scenes. It has no presiding deity, which allows visitors to explore its interiors and exteriors at a relaxed pace. Cultural events are occasionally hosted on the temple lawns this time of year, including classical music and dance evenings.
Location: Old Town, Bhubaneswar
Timings: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Cost: ₹15 for Indian & ₹200 for Foreigner
10. Similipal National Park
Photo: Nihar.race / Wikimedia Commons
Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj is one of the most biodiverse places to visit in Odisha in March. Recognised as a biosphere reserve, the area is covered in thick sal forests, hilly grasslands, and river-fed waterfalls. March marks the last month when all park zones remain open before summer restrictions begin. Tigers, elephants, and gaurs often move through open areas, and safari routes stay clear. The Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls remain active, and many visitors take guided jeep safaris that run through the core zones. Nature lovers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts will find this time of year perfect for deep forest exploration without heavy rainfall or harsh sun.
Location: Mayurbhanj District
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM (Closed from mid-June to October)
Cost: ₹100 for Indians & ₹1000 for Foreigners
March opens up comfortable travel across Odisha with mild weather, accessible forests, and festive local life. From serene lakes like Ansupa to the wild charm of Similipal and the breezy shores of Gopalpur, every stop offers something unique. With fewer crowds and smooth travel, the places to visit in Odisha in March promise nature, culture, and heritage in perfect balance. Plan your March getaway with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: Arif Khan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
