Odisha completely blindsided me with its beauty. The moment I walked into the Konark Sun Temple at sunrise and saw those massive stone wheels catching the first light, I realized I was experiencing something truly extraordinary. The level of detail carved into every inch of this 13th-century masterpiece left me standing there with my jaw dropped.
From watching thousands of Olive Ridley turtles nest on Rushikulya Beach to wandering through the stunning temples of Bhubaneswar, these are the most beautiful places in Odisha that will change how you see India. The combination of ancient architecture, pristine beaches, and incredible wildlife here feels almost unreal, and I can’t wait to show you why this overlooked state became one of my favorite discoveries in India!
Best Things to Do in Odisha
Looking for the coolest things to do in Odisha? Visit Baripada, explore the temples and cultural heritage of Bhubaneswar, and relax on the serene beaches of Chandipur. Discover the stunning biodiversity of Chilika Lake and unwind at the coastal town of Gopalpur. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or culture, here are the top attractions to visit in Odisha.
1. Baripada
- 📍 Location: Northern Odisha, 250 km from Bhubaneswar and 60 km from Simlipal National Park
- 🏆 Best For: Cultural enthusiasts 🎭, temple visitors 🛕, wildlife lovers 🐯
- 📸 Top Experiences: Attending the famous Rath Yatra festival, exploring Simlipal National Park, visiting Jagannath Temple
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Winter months (October-February) for comfortable exploration, July for the grand Rath Yatra celebration 🎆
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Similipal Khairi Resort – Located in Bangriposi near the park entrance with comfortable accommodations
Baripada steals your breath as the “Kashmir of Odisha,” serving as the gateway to the magnificent Simlipal Tiger Reserve. The city hosts India’s second-largest Rath Yatra, where massive wooden chariots roll through streets filled with devotees and festivities. I was amazed by the traditional Chhau dance performances in surrounding tribal villages.
The Jagannath Temple mirrors its famous Puri counterpart with stunning architecture and spiritual significance. Nature lovers can spot tigers, elephants, and hundreds of bird species in the dense forests nearby. Local artisans create exquisite Sabai grass handicrafts worth taking home as souvenirs. This cultural hub deserves at least two days to experience both its sacred heritage and natural wonders.
2. Bhubaneswar
- 📍 Location: Eastern India, capital of Odisha, 65 km from Puri and 25 km from Cuttack
- 🏆 Best For: Temple enthusiasts 🛕, history buffs 🏛️, food lovers 🍽️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring ancient temples, visiting Nandankanan Zoological Park, shopping at local markets
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather, avoiding the summer heat and monsoon season 🌦️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mayfair Lagoon – Luxury resort with extensive gardens and excellent amenities
Bhubaneswar astonishes visitors with over 700 temples that earned it the title “City of Temples.” This modern capital blends ancient heritage with contemporary urban life through millennia-old stone temples standing near sleek IT hubs. The colossal Lingaraj Temple rises 180 feet with intricate carvings that leave you spellbound.
Ancient Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves feature Jain rock-cut shelters from the 1st century BCE adorned with detailed reliefs. Nature enthusiasts flock to Nandankanan Zoological Park for white tigers and spectacular botanical gardens. The vibrant Ekamra Haat market offers traditional handicrafts and famous silver filigree work. You can easily spend three days exploring this perfect blend of ancient wonders and modern attractions.
3. Chandipur
- 📍 Location: Northeastern coast of Odisha, 16 km from Balasore and 200 km from Bhubaneswar
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, nature photographers 📸, solitude seekers 🧘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Witnessing the disappearing sea phenomenon, beach walks, savoring fresh seafood
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for pleasant weather and clear skies, early mornings for the retreating sea 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Panthanivas Chandipur – Comfortable beachfront accommodation with sea views
Chandipur mesmerizes visitors when its sea magically disappears twice daily. The shoreline recedes up to 5 kilometers during low tide, allowing walks on the exposed seabed. Tiny red crabs scuttle around as you collect shells on what was ocean floor hours earlier.
This pristine beach remains uncrowded compared to commercial destinations. The gentle shoreline creates shallow waters perfect for safe swimming during high tide. Seafood enthusiasts must try the freshly caught crab and prawns in beachside shacks. Watching the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal while the tide begins its retreat remains my favorite memory of this natural wonder. Nearby Panchalingeswar Temple nestles among hills with a Shiva lingam naturally washed by a perennial spring.
4. Chilika Lake
- 📍 Location: Southern Odisha, approximately 100 km from Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri
- 🏆 Best For: Bird watchers 🦩, wildlife enthusiasts 🐬, boating enthusiasts 🚣
- 📸 Top Experiences: Dolphin spotting, island hopping, bird watching at Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for migratory birds, October to May to avoid monsoon season 🦢
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Chilika Lake Resort – Beautiful waterfront accommodation with boat tours
Chilika Lake transforms into a breathtaking avian paradise each winter when over a million migratory birds arrive from Siberia and the Caspian Sea. This massive brackish water lagoon spans 1,100 square kilometers and hosts rare Irrawaddy dolphins that playfully pop their rounded heads above the surface. Boat cruises reveal fishing communities whose lives intertwine with the lake’s rhythms.
The Nalabana Bird Sanctuary island comes alive when flamingos paint the landscape pink alongside pelicans and herons. Cultural explorers should visit Kalijai Temple on its own island for both spiritual significance and panoramic views. Adventurous travelers can enjoy overnight stays in traditional stilted fishing huts. Early mornings offer the best wildlife sightings across this ecological wonder.
5. Gopalpur
- 📍 Location: Southern Odisha coast, 15 km from Berhampur and 180 km from Bhubaneswar
- 🏆 Best For: Beach relaxation 🏝️, water sports enthusiasts 🏄, history buffs 🏛️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in the Bay of Bengal, exploring colonial architecture, sunset beach walks
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for perfect beach weather, avoiding the monsoon season 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mayfair Palm Beach Resort – Luxury beachfront property with excellent amenities
Gopalpur captivates with its journey from humble fishing village to bustling colonial port to serene beach destination. Remnants of European heritage appear through crumbling lighthouses and weathered buildings that whisper stories of maritime glory. The golden beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming, while adventure seekers enjoy water sports during peak season.
The century-old lighthouse provides panoramic coastline views from its gallery. Early risers might glimpse Olive Ridley turtles nesting along protected beach sections during winter months. The annual Gopalpur Beach Festival showcases sand art exhibitions and cultural performances that celebrate local traditions. You can easily unwind here for two days with perfect sunset strolls between history exploration and beach relaxation.
6. Konark
- 📍 Location: Eastern Odisha coast, 35 km from Puri and 65 km from Bhubaneswar
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, history lovers 🏺, photography buffs 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the Sun Temple, visiting Chandrabhaga Beach, attending the Konark Dance Festival
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for comfortable temperatures, December for the annual dance festival 💃
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Lotus Eco Resort – Comfortable accommodation close to the temple with lush gardens
Konark houses the jaw-dropping Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage marvel that has stunned visitors for over 750 years. This massive stone chariot features 24 intricately carved wheels representing hours and seven galloping horses symbolizing weekdays. Sunrise visits offer the best photographic opportunities as first light illuminates the eastern-facing structure.
The temple showcases India’s most detailed stone carvings depicting celestial beings, romantic couples, and animals. Nearby Chandrabhaga Beach provides perfect respite after temple exploration with clean shores and gentle waves. December visitors enjoy the Konark Dance Festival when the temple becomes a dramatic backdrop for classical performances under starlit skies. Combining Konark with nearby Puri and Bhubaneswar completes Odisha’s famous “Golden Triangle” of cultural sites.
7. Puri
- 📍 Location: Eastern coast of Odisha, India, 60 km from Bhubaneswar (state capital)
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, pilgrims 🛕, history enthusiasts 🏛️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Jagannath Temple, relaxing on Puri Beach, witnessing Rath Yatra festival
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to February for pleasant weather, July for the famous Rath Yatra festival 🎆
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mayfair Heritage – Luxurious beachfront property with traditional Odishan architecture
Step into spiritual bliss at Puri, one of India’s four holiest pilgrimage sites. The magnificent 12th-century Jagannath Temple towers over this coastal town, drawing millions of devotees annually. The spectacular Rath Yatra festival transforms the streets into rivers of devotion as massive wooden chariots parade through the city.
Beyond spirituality, Puri Beach offers miles of golden sand along the Bay of Bengal. Sunrise here casts a magical spell, with fishermen setting out in traditional boats against the orange-pink horizon. The beach buzzes with sand artists creating intricate sculptures and markets selling everything from seashell crafts to fresh seafood. I’ve never seen sunrises quite as breathtaking as those over the Bay of Bengal at dawn.
8. Sambalpur
- 📍 Location: Western Odisha, situated on the banks of Mahanadi River, 320 km from Bhubaneswar
- 🏆 Best For: Textile enthusiasts 🧵, culture seekers 🎭, nature lovers 🌲
- 📸 Top Experiences: Shopping for Sambalpuri sarees, visiting Hirakud Dam, exploring Samaleswari Temple
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for comfortable temperatures and local festivals 🎊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Sheela Towers – Centrally located accommodation with modern amenities
Discover the textile paradise of Sambalpur, where centuries-old weaving traditions create magic on fabric. The world-famous Sambalpuri textiles showcase intricate tie-dye patterns and woven motifs that have earned geographical indication status. Visiting weaving villages offers glimpses of artisans creating these masterpieces on traditional looms.
The mighty Hirakud Dam stretches nearly 26 km across the Mahanadi River with spectacular sunset views. Golden light dances across the massive reservoir while migratory birds soar overhead during winter months. The ancient Samaleswari Temple draws spiritual seekers with its unique architecture and vibrant rituals. Walking through the temple grounds feels like stepping back through centuries of unbroken devotion.
9. Simlipal National Park
- 📍 Location: Northern Odisha in Mayurbhanj district, 240 km from Bhubaneswar
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🐯, birders 🦜, adventure seekers 🧭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Tiger safaris, waterfall treks, visiting tribal villages
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to June, with best wildlife sightings in March-May 🍃
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Lulung Aranya Nivas – Luxurious forest resort offering riverside cottages, wooden stilted accommodations, and complete immersion in nature with panoramic views of Simlipal’s wilderness
Venture into the wild heart of Odisha at Simlipal National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teeming with biodiversity. Bengal tigers, elephants, gaur, and over 300 bird species roam freely across 2,750 square kilometers of dense sal forests and rolling grasslands. The park gets its name from the abundant red silk cotton trees that burst into crimson blooms during spring.
Cascading dramatically from rugged cliffs, the Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls rank among India’s highest. Indigenous communities like the Santhal, Ho, and Kharia maintain traditional lifestyles on the park’s periphery. Jeep safaris through the core area offer the best chance to spot elusive wildlife. You’ll never forget the sound of a barking deer alarm call echoing through the misty morning forest.
10. Talasari Beach
- 📍 Location: Northernmost tip of Odisha’s coastline, near the Bengal border, 300 km from Bhubaneswar
- 🏆 Best For: Off-beat travelers 🏝️, solitude seekers 🧘, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching red crabs on virgin beaches, sunrise boat rides, exploring casuarina groves
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to February for perfect beach weather and clear skies 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: OTDC Panthasala Chandaneswar – A government-run accommodation with spacious rooms and balconies overlooking the beach, situated right next to the sea with beautiful gardens and fresh seafood options
Escape to Odisha’s best-kept coastal secret at Talasari Beach, where your footprints might be the only ones for miles. This pristine 10 km stretch of golden sand offers unspoiled beauty without crowds or commercial development. The unique location where the Subarnarekha River meets the Bay of Bengal creates a stunning delta with panoramic views.
At low tide, walk to tiny Talasari Island, surrounded by crystal-clear waters teeming with red crabs and colorful shells. The sunrise here paints the sky in spectacular hues while silhouetting fishing boats against the golden horizon. Fresh seafood caught by local fishermen makes for unforgettable meals, and minimal light pollution transforms evenings into stargazing wonderlands.
11. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
- 📍 Location: Central Odisha along the Mahanadi River gorge, 100 km from Bhubaneswar
- 🏆 Best For: Reptile enthusiasts 🐊, rafters 🛶, birdwatchers 🦅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Crocodile spotting, river rafting, exploring Satkosia Gorge
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for wildlife viewing, November to February for river activities 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Satkosia Sands Resort – Eco-cottages overlooking the river with wildlife viewing platforms
Plunge into India’s most impressive river ecosystem at Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, where the mighty Mahanadi cuts dramatically through towering hills. The sanctuary is famous for its healthy population of gharials and mugger crocodiles that bask on sunlit riverbanks. Boat safaris offer thrilling close encounters with these prehistoric-looking reptiles in their natural habitat.
The Satkosia Gorge stretches 22 km with steep cliffs rising sharply from emerald waters. This diverse ecosystem supports sambar deer, sloth bears, and over 300 bird species, including the endangered Indian skimmer. Winter months bring perfect conditions for white-water rafting through gentle rapids. Hiking trails lead to panoramic viewpoints offering sweeping vistas that capture the raw beauty of this ecological treasure.
12. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
- 📍 Location: Western outskirts of Bhubaneswar, just 7 km from the city center
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, archaeology enthusiasts 🔍, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring ancient rock-cut chambers, admiring intricate carvings, panoramic city views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for comfortable temperatures to explore the hilltop sites 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Swosti Premium – Luxury accommodation in nearby Bhubaneswar with easy access to the caves
Step back 2,000 years at Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, where ancient artisans carved remarkable monuments directly into twin hillsides. These partly natural, partly artificial caves showcase some of India’s finest early cave architecture, predating more famous sites like Ajanta and Ellora. King Kharavela commissioned these masterpieces during his reign in ancient Kalinga.
The two-storied Rani Gumpha (Queen’s Cave) features elaborately carved friezes depicting dancers, musicians, and royal processions. Nearby, Hathi Gumpha (Elephant Cave) contains a famous inscription chronicling King Kharavela’s conquests. Climbing to either summit rewards visitors with panoramic views of modern Bhubaneswar. The caves appear most magical in the soft golden light of early morning when the carvings come alive with shadows.
- Read Next: 7 Cheapest Airlines in India
