Formerly known as Orissa, Odisha is a culturally enriching eastern state in India. Its conserved heritage and natural beauty makes it the perfect place for nature and history lovers. There are a number of enchanting places to visit in Odisha from biosphere reserves to sun kissed beaches.
Here is a curated list of the best attractions in Odisha that you must visit on your trip. October to March is the ideal time to visit Odisha ensuring a clear sky as you tour the state.
Jeypore: The City Of Freshwater Lakes
This city is one of the biggest attractions in Odisha especially for all those nature buffs. The word Jeypore translates to ‘City of Victory’ and in terms of nature it truly is, with picturesque waterfalls and lush green biosphere reserves. Planning a picnic at the highest peak in the state, Deomali is one of the best things to do in Odisha.
The Golden Triangle: Puri, Bhubaneswar and Konark
These three religious spots in Odisha form the Golden Triangle for their cultural heritage and religious significance. These places are for those who want a combined experience of religion and nature.
Puri is home to one of the most famous temples in India – Jagannath Temple. This city is also famous for its long sandy beaches that look over the Bay of Bengal. Konark on the other hand houses the Sun Temple while Bhubaneswar has the Lingaraja Temple. Among all the places to visit in Odisha, the Golden Triangle temples are a must.
Roopark Village: An Eco-friendly Haven
This eco-friendly themed resort situated at Kantabania is one of the most famous attractions in Odisha. Every nook and corner of this ethnic abode gives out the touch of pure nature. The thatched roof cottages are naturally built and its interiors highlight the tribal craftsmanship of the locals.
The village is a lot more than just its scenic views, the resort offers a number of eco-friendly activities like jungle hiking, campfire and craft, rock climbing and water sports. The Roopark Village is highly recommended as one of the best places to visit in Odisha.
Bhitarkanika National Park: Explore The Mini Amazon of India
Bhitarkanika National Park is situated in Kendrapara district and is one of the best places to visit in Odisha. This national park houses the second largest mangrove forests in India making it an amazing attraction in Odisha.
The exceptional part of this park is its water bodies as Brahmani, Dhamra and many other rivers cascade across the reserve. The joining of the rivers act as a support system for the biodiversity of the forest.
Sambalpur: Discover The Handloom Capital of Odisha
Located in the western zone of Odisha, Sambalpur is filled with lush green forests and prolific rivers. This small place is a beautiful area to see how culture and modernity is perfectly woven together.
Sambalpur has a flourishing handloom and textile industry due to its unique patterns and historical touch. Visiting these clothing stores is one of the brightening things to do in Odisha. Many tourists vouch for Sambalpur as one of the finest places to visit in Odisha.
Daringbadi: The Kashmir of Odisha
This hill station is famously known as the Kashmir of Odisha owing to its weather similarities. Daringbadi is the perfect getaway for anyone who wants to forget the hustle-and-bustle of city life.
The landscape is dotted with waterfalls and pine forests leaving the traveler with a sense of complete serenity. The lush green surroundings and tranquil atmosphere is what makes this one of the best places to visit in Odisha.
Now that you have an extensive idea of all that Odisha has to offer book those flight tickets as soon as possible. To make things easier, check out the Indian Eagle website as it provides the cheapest flight tickets.
Angelique Chrisafis is the Guardian’s Paris correspondent. She is responsible for churning out quality articles based on her research while keeping an eye on the tech world. She likes technology, gadgets, and food. Works as an individual contributor to the team.
