Tourist Places to Visit in Orissa

Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is a heritage & culturally enriching state in East India. The long list of beaches, biosphere reserves, temples, museums, and other tourist places in Odisha make the state a must-visit destination.

This coastal state offers marvellous architectural wonders of forts & temples and the natural beauty of sun-kissed beaches and serene lakes. Here is a list of the top places to visit in Odisha.Take a look at some of the best tourist places in Odisha.

01.) Puri

The city flourishes with diverse tourists including the holy worshippers in the temples and sun basking tourists on the beach making it one of the most admired places to visit in not only India but all across the world.

It is one of the Char Dham i.e. the four most pious pilgrimage sites for Hindus and acquires a huge crowd during the magnificent Rath Yatra every year. It has world famous temples such as the Jagannath Temple, Gundicha temple, Vimala Temple, Loknath Temple and many more. It also has the panch tirtha, a bath into which one completes the pilgrimage to Puri. Along with beautiful places to visit, the city offers great work of artisans to admire and buy from the local shops.

02.) Bhubaneswar

The remains of Sisupalgarh found near Bhubaneswar city imply that they predate even the Mauryan empire. Holding a 2000-year old rich history, this place presents the perfect amalgamation of a rustic world that features grand temples and brilliant architecture and a modern era that features flourishing business and commerce.

The city of Bhubaneswar exhibits timeless beauty with its iconic monuments dating back to more than 3000 years. The colourful temples, serene dams, breathtaking parks, ancient caves, picturesque lakes, and renowned museums add to the charm of this city and cater to its rich tourism industry.

03.) Konark

The beauty of Konark lies in its diverse landscape. Dotted with several temples, museums, and beaches, with silhouettes of the Eastern Ghats in the background, make it one of the best places in the country for a deeply spiritual and unconventional getaway.

Konark houses one of the most extraordinary architectures in the country- the 13th-century Sun Temple. This UNESCO protected site depicts a chariot of Sun God with 12 pairs of intricately carved wheels pulled by 7 horses. Built in traditional Kalinga architecture, one can still see the remains of the vimana, shikara, audience hall, dance hall, etc. Another popular attraction here is the pristine Chandrabhaga Beach, one of the cleanest beaches in the country, famous for its crystal clear waters, expanses of soft powdery sands, and tree-lined shores.

04.) Cuttack

The beautiful waterside landscape of Cuttack is interspersed with small rivers like Kathajodi, Kuakhai, Birupa, and Mahanadi. The several beautiful pokharis (ponds), temples, forts, and lakes are nestled amidst the eastern hills and forested areas.

The 13th-century Barbati Fort landmarks Cuttack and is a must-visit. Built during the Ganga dynasty, the fort used to be a 9-storey palace spread over 102 acres. You can still see the moat, huge sandstone walls, and earthen mounds.

Visit the 10th-century island temple of Dhabaleshwar, which is popular for its beautiful architecture and serene ambience. One of the most intriguing places to see is the stone revetment on the banks of the Kathjuri River. This astonishing architectural feat was established in the 11th-century to break the flow of floodwater.