Odisha, one of India’s most underrated yet culturally and naturally rich states. Located on the eastern coast, Odisha is known for its ancient temples, tribal heritage, classical dance, scenic beaches, and wildlife reserves.

Overview

Capital: Bhubaneswar

Best Time to Visit: October to March (cool, dry weather ideal for travel)

Languages: Odia (official), Hindi & English widely understood

Famous For: Temples, classical dance (Odissi), Pattachitra art, beaches, and Rath Yatra festival

Top Tourist Destinations

Bhubaneswar – The Temple City of India

Lingaraj Temple – 11th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva

Mukteshwar Temple – Known for exquisite carvings

Rajarani Temple – Ornate, without any deity

Odisha State Museum & Tribal Museum

Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves – Jain rock-cut caves with inscriptions

Puri – Spiritual & Coastal Destination

Jagannath Temple – Major pilgrimage site, part of Char Dham

Rath Yatra – Annual Chariot Festival (June/July)

Puri Beach – Great for sunrise, sand art, and local snacks

Swargadwar – Sacred cremation ghat

Close to: Sakshi Gopal Temple, Alarnath Temple

Konark – Home of the Sun Temple

Sun Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – A 13th-century architectural marvel shaped like a chariot

Konark Dance Festival – Held in December

Chandrabhaga Beach – Clean and scenic

Chilika Lake – Asia’s Largest Brackish Water Lagoon

Located near Puri & Satapada

Birdwatching (migratory birds in winter, Nov–Feb)

Irrawaddy dolphins spotting

Islands to explore: Kalijai, Nalaban, Breakfast Island

Cuttack – Cultural & Commercial Hub

Barabati Fort

Netaji Birthplace Museum

Famous for silver filigree work, Durga Puja, and street food

Tribal Odisha & Natural Beauty

Koraput Region

Tribal villages and markets – Authentic tribal culture

Duduma Waterfalls, Gupteswar Cave Temple

Jagdalpur (in nearby Chhattisgarh) often combined in tours

Similipal National Park

Tiger reserve and elephant sanctuary

Trekking, waterfalls, and forest safaris

Best time: Nov–Apr

Satkosia Gorge

Scenic gorge on the Mahanadi River

Great for boating and birding

Other Notable Sites

Raghurajpur – Heritage crafts village (Pattachitra paintings)

Taptapani – Hot springs and tribal areas

Gopalpur-on-Sea – Quaint seaside town with colonial charm

Hirakud Dam – One of the longest dams in the world

Travel Tips

How to Reach:

By Air: Bhubaneswar (BBI) is the main airport

By Train: Well-connected to major Indian cities

By Road: NH-16 runs through the state connecting Kolkata to Chennai