Hey visitors, I know you are searching for best places to visit in Odisha. Odisha is an ancient land with rich history. the limitless beauty of the land that attracts the most from all over the world. the ancient temples are more than an association with religious beliefs; their architectural splendor reflects the skills possessed by the artisans of the land in the bygone era. Here are the top 15 Famous Tourist Places in Odisha.
1.Puri
Puri in Odisha is one of the four must-visit pilgrimage sites for Hindus because of Jagannath Temple that forms the part of Char Dham in India. Puri is a beach city located on the coast of Bay of Bengal which is one of the favourites among people of West Bengal for a short trip.
Having gained popularity among hippies back in the 1970s due to the legalisation of Bhang, Puri is still a popular destination among backpackers, however, the availability of bhang is now limited. With a plethora of hotels and homestays, the local tourist like to stay near the New Marine Drive and the backpackers prefer to stay near Chakra Tirtha. The Rath Yatra (chariot festival) which takes place during the month of June-July should not be missed if you are planning to visit during this time.
Known as the resting place of Lord Shiva, the majestic history and heritage of Puri date back to the 3rd century B. C. Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar complete the Golden Triangle of Orissa, with their religious significance and cultural heritage being the centres of tourism in this state. There are a lot of places near Puri that one must visit, like the Chilika Lake, Puri beach, Gundicha Ghar and the very famous Sun temple of Konark. Puri is soon turning into an industrial hub with major manufacturing companies coming here. that’s why puri is one of the top 15 Famous Tourist Places in Odisha.
2. Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, the temple city of India, once known for its architecture and grand temples, is presently a thriving centre for commerce and business.
Bhubaneshwar is an ancient city replete with beautiful historic temples which attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the country. The name of the city literally means Lord of the Universe, rightly reflected in the number of temples here and the religious fervor of its locals. Bhubaneswar is one of the top 15 Famous Tourist Places in Odisha.
This is now a bustling city where the history is beautifully intertwined with its modern and progressive present. Bhubaneshwar being the centre for religious tourism has a number of majestic temples built centuries ago which have still retained their original over all these years. Among them the Lingaraj Temple and the Parasurameswara temple are must-visits and attract tourists for all parts of the country.
3. Konark
Konark, in the state of Orissa is renowned world over for the Sun temple which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Annual dance festival and its beautiful sandy beaches.
Konark’s Sun Temple is an architectural marvel and is one of the most beautiful monuments of India. The Annual Dance Festival is a five day-long cultural extravaganza which invites unique dancing talent from all over the country. This festival is a grand celebration of our country’s rich cultural and artistic legacy, an event to truly rejoice the various dance forms that our country has invented.
The celebrations happen with the backdrop of the Sun temple, adding grandeur and magnificence to the whole program. Besides this, Konark also hosts the Sun Festival, where devotees offer prayers to the Sun God by taking dips in the sea. The Dance Festival also hosts a Handicrafts Mela where one can buy unique and exquisitely handcrafted pieces which beautifully reflect the Oriya art form.
4. Cuttack
Referred to as the cultural capital of Odisha, Cuttack is a commercial city with plenty of impressive tourist attractions.
Cuttack is the second-largest city in Odisha and the former capital and one of top 15 Famous Tourist Places in Odisha.. Local handicrafts of this state are displayed and traded in this very city. Cuttack is always buzzing with cultural activities and plays host to a variety of festivals like the Baliyatra, which commemorates the ancient trade links the countries like Java, Bali and Sumatra, Durga Puja and the Kite Festival which is held in the month of January.
Cuttack is also known as the silver city because of its famous silver work. Sur Cuttack is a highly-planned city and has a number of tourist attractions which will make a person’s trip here a memorable one.
5. Baripada
At a distance of 248km from Kolkata and 256km from Bhubaneshwar, Baripada is a city, recognised by its beautiful culture and an essence of purity in nature. Its Rath Yatra is considered the biggest and oldest after Puri and thus Baripada is also known as Dwitiya Srikhetra (Second Puri)
It is host to the world famous Car Festival (Rathyatra) which allows only women to pull the Rath of Maa Subhadra and gathers huge crowds. One also finds here temples, known to be one of the oldest in Odisha and which see devotees coming from all over with a stong sense of faith and devotion.
An event is organised here, during the mid of April that celebrates the best talents of Chhau, a world renowned dance form, indigenous to the region. Baripada is also known for its Bangripori “tusser” fabric, that can be found anywhere in its local markets. Also, do not miss the Simlipal Nature Park which has a tiger reserve, sparkling waterfalls, numerous species of animals and birds, Semul or red silk cotton trees and countless other things to leave you awestruck.
6. Gopalpur
In the southern coastline of Odisha just 15 km from the city of Behrampur is located a quaint, tiny town of Gopalpur which was a sea port, bustling with trade and commerce, in the Colonial Era.
What was once a bustling port city before being deserted, is today, one of the best beaches in the eastern coastline of the country. It is know for being an offbeat destination and a place for relaxation. The sea port remains though largely in ruins, the British have gone too but what remains is one of India’s most loved beaches.
The Gopalpur-on-sea is considered to be one of India’s most beautiful beaches largely due to its remoteness, its peace and its offbeat crowd. The beaches are sparkling gold which along with the azure water of the Bay of Bengal providing a perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in nature. Besides the beach, the food is also pretty great in the town with many shanties providing tongue tickling sea food. Gopalpur is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after beaches in the country, with more and more people becoming aware of its beauty.
7. Chandipur
Chandipur is a secluded seaside village of Baleshwar district stored safely on the coastline of Orissa. Chandipur is also locally known as Chandipur-on-sea. If nature’s wonder fascinates you, Chandipur Beach is an amazing place to be.
The unique specialty of this beach is the ebb tides that recede around 1 to 4 km during low tides and they tend to disappear rhythmically. This has a spectacular view of the rising sun and also of the sun drowning somewhere beyond waters providing feast to the eyes. When the water disappears, you can even take jeep ride towards the sea.
8. Sambalpur
Sambalpur is the gateway to the western zone of Orissa. It abounds in prolific rivers, lavish hills, lush green forests and affluent wildlife. It is a beautiful amalgamation of modernity and culture. Holding a significant historical importance, the place also has a flourishing textile and handloom industry popular for its unique patterns and style. In addition to that, Sambalpur has a flourishing tribal life with exclusive exquisite folk songs-dances and culture. Sambalpur got its name from Devi Samaleswari who is the main goddess of the region.
One can also visit wildlife parks here to enjoy the beauty of nature that Sambalpur has in plenty. The area is known for the world famous Hirakud Dam which is the main attraction for the tourists here.
There are also several temples holding great significance, with people coming from all over with a strong sense of faith and the holy deity bestowing happiness and wealth upon the devotees. Sambalpur is the biggest city of western Odisha and is famous for the number of freedom fights that took place here which make this place historically important too.
Sambalpur is famous for its handlooms and textile industry. This place is popular for its Sambalpuri Sarees & count as a top 15 Famous Tourist Places in Odisha.. Gole Bazaar is the main shopping centre. Price can range from a few hundred to a hundred thousand rupees. There are many shops in the city, but the most famous shops can be spotted in Gole Bazar. An emerging Big Bazar and a whole complex in the City Centre mall is on Modipara road.
9.Talasari Beach
Located in Baleswar district of Odisha and at a distance of 10 Km from Digha, the Talasari beach is pristine, serene and has been bestowed with spectacular panorama.
There are secret beaches, beaches which are beyond the reach of contamination, beaches that refresh our senses and Talasari is one such place. This virgin beach has sand dunes, calmer waves amid several palm trees, coconut trees, cashew trees known to be the last beach on the north eastern coast of India. Talasari gets its name from Tala (rhythm) and Sari (row)- the rhythm formed by a well arrayed lush green belt and golden sands with an occasional red fleck (thanks to the red crabs ambling around) meeting the enormous sea, which is almost melodious. Being a fisherman’s paradise, Talasari doesn’t experience much tourist rush.
There is a concrete structure where fishermen trap their fishes and sell them in a fish market near the beach where you can also find cooked chicken, crabs and fish. You can simply walk across the river bed or enjoy boat rides and high tides the high tides here. Apart from being a sea beach, Talasari also is a river bank of Subornorekha river which flows to merge into the Bay of Bengal.
10.Rourkela
Surrounded by hills and rivers, the city of Rourkela is located in the state of Odisha. Popularly called as the ‘Steel City of Odisha’ and Ispat Nagar, it is one of the first cities of the country to become commercialized for steel production. Rourkela’s natural positioning in the lap of nature makes it an offbeat tourist location for the people of nearby areas.
Rich in naturally occurring minerals, Rourkela has also been blessed with a variety of relief features and natural tourist destinations. Falling in the Sundergarh district of Odisha, Rourkela is considered as a stopover destination, before visiting the other popular destinations nearby. It also holds great religious significance due to its prominence in epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
11. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
The Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across 795.52 square kilometers and does not fail to enthrall its visitors with its overwhelming beauty, lush green surrounding, the ever cherished rambling of River Mahanadi besides the very famous Satkosia gorge and large variety of species of wild animals, birds and plants.
Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is a habitat of tigers, leopards, gaurs, simbal, spotted deers, four horned antelopes, sloths, gharial and many others. The Gharial Sanctuary undertakes the process of breeding of the Gharial to increase their numbers and give them the right atmosphere and treatment.
While you are here, you get a chance to caress the untainted form of nature, the luxuriant greenery leaves your soul enchanted and the existence of the wild animals around leaves your soul enthralled. Sometimes thunderous and sometimes calm river Mahanadi renders the opportunity for fish angling, or to motor-boat or river rafting across it. You can choose to trek or camp in the sanctuary as well. This a perfect destination for the lovers of nature, wildlife and adventure.
12.Berhampur
Berhampur, also known as Brahmapur is known as the home of Lord Brahma and is usually known as the silk city- the city which is famous for the lustrous ikkat silk sarees in different colours and patterns & a top 15 Famous Tourist Places in Odisha.
Bomokei patta, named after the village Bomokei where excellent work out of brass and metal is created also is an attraction to the tourists here. Besides these beautiful handicrafts, handlooms and jewelery this city offers some of the best Papads (popadum), pickles, badis and fruits specially mangoes. People here are nowhere behind the line when it comes to theatre, as drama and theatre is a common way to entertain and educate.
Ganjam Kala parishad and Prakasam Hall are some of the oldest halls of the city. And for theists there and temples and festivals organized in the vicinity. This city has a lot more than can be listed out. You can choose to flop around beaches and let those sands kiss your feet as the breeze gently enters your soul to whisper the chants of ecstasy.
13. Jeypore
Jeypore, also spelled Jayepore, is a large city in the state of Odisha and is famous for its fresh water lakes, waterfalls and valleys. Jeypore is home to about 62 affiliated communities such as Gond, Dhruba, Paraja, Koya.
Situated at the southern boundary of Odisha, Jeypore is connected with Andhra Pradesh in south. The city has its own historic significance and is the second largest city after Berhampur of south Odisha. Locally pronounced as ‘Joypur’ and the literal meaning of Jayepore is ‘City of Victory’. Visiting Jayepore is a welcome break for tourists who want to take a break from the city life.
14. Rayagada
Rayagada is a district in Odisha with a rich history and a distinct culture which has, over the years, mingled with the local tribal culture. This district has many historical places to visit and is known for its cuisine, crafts and handmade products.
Rayagada is one of the most visited districts in Odisha and is located on the South Eastern border of the state. This is an upcoming tourist destination that has not yet been flooded with tourists but has all the facilities for a comfortable stay. This district offers dense forests, historical monuments, a peek into the lifestyle of tribal populations and authentic food, making it an ideal destination for all kinds of tourists. Rayagada has been inhabited since before the Mauryan empire controlled this region and has been an essential part of most empires due to its abundant natural resources.
15. Daringbadi
Daringbadi is a hilly town in Odisha. Hidden a state famous for beaches and temples, this hill station lies peacefully at an elevation of 3000 feet waiting to be explored. Replete with pine trees, coffee gardens and splendid valleys, Daringbadi is known as the “Kashmir of Odisha”.
A place where you can stay in quaint cottages amidst trees and valleys, the weather is inviting – beating the heat in summers and offering snow in the winter. The place does not only have verdant and thick forests, but is also bountiful in flora and fauna. The best part about this hill station is that you can visit this place throughout the year.
hope, you enjoyed my article. it will be helpful if you are planning this summer for a short family tour. anything I forget to add please comment below about top 15 Famous Tourist Places in Odisha.
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