{"id":288,"date":"2014-06-19T11:28:19","date_gmt":"2014-06-19T11:28:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.namasteindiatrip.com\/blog\/?p=288"},"modified":"2026-05-16T07:20:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T07:20:02","slug":"tourist-places-in-orissa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.namasteindiatrip.com\/blog\/tourist-places-in-orissa\/","title":{"rendered":"BEST Places to Visit in Odisha"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most travellers know Odisha for three things: the Jagannath Temple at Puri, the Konark Sun Temple<\/a>, and Chilika Lake. What they don’t realise is that Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is one of the most underrated states in India \u2014 home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a>, Asia’s largest brackish water lake, one of India’s best tiger reserves, ancient Buddhist monasteries, tribal cultures untouched for centuries, and beaches that make Goa look crowded.<\/span><\/p>\n

This guide covers the best tourist places in Odisha for 2026 \u2014 from the famous to the genuinely hidden \u2014 with best time to visit, how to reach each, and what to actually expect when you get there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Odisha at a Glance \u2014 Quick Facts 2026<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Detail<\/b><\/td>\nInformation<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
State Capital<\/span><\/td>\nBhubaneswar<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best Time to Visit<\/span><\/td>\nOctober to March (peak season)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/span><\/td>\nKonark Sun Temple (since 1984)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nearest Airport<\/span><\/td>\nBiju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Famous For<\/span><\/td>\nKalinga temple architecture, Jagannath culture, Odissi dance, tribal heritage, beaches<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Odisha Golden Triangle<\/span><\/td>\nBhubaneswar + Puri + Konark \u2014 most popular 3-day circuit<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rath Yatra 2026<\/span><\/td>\nJuly 2026 (exact date TBC by Hindu calendar) \u2014 Puri<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The Odisha Golden Triangle \u2014 Bhubaneswar, Puri & Konark<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Odisha Golden Triangle<\/a> is the most popular 3-day circuit for first-time visitors \u2014 covering the state capital Bhubaneswar (Temple City), the sacred Puri (Jagannath Dham), and Konark (UNESCO Sun Temple). All three are within 65 km of each other and can be covered comfortably in 3 days.<\/span><\/p>\n

01. Bhubaneswar \u2014 Temple City of India<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nickname<\/span><\/td>\nTemple City of India<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Famous For<\/span><\/td>\nLingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Rajarani Temple, Odisha State Museum<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best Time to Visit<\/span><\/td>\nOctober to March<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How to Reach<\/span><\/td>\nBiju Patnaik International Airport (5 km from city), Bhubaneswar Railway Station<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Bhubaneswar,<\/p>\n

Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha and represents a perfect balance of past and present \u2014 ancient monuments and temples alongside modern infrastructure. Once home to over 700 temples (of which around 600 survive), it earned its title as the Temple City of India.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Lingaraj Temple (11th century) is the most important of all \u2014 dedicated to Lord Harihara (a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu) and built in the Kalinga architectural style. The Mukteswar Temple (10th century), with its ornate torana gateway, is considered one of the finest examples of Odishan temple architecture. The Rajarani Temple (11th century) is unique for its intricate erotic sculptures on the outer walls. The Odisha State Museum houses one of the finest collections of Kalinga sculptures in India.<\/span><\/p>\n

What most people miss: Dhauli Shanti Stupa (8 km from city) \u2014 a white Buddhist peace pagoda on the Dhauli Hills where Emperor Ashoka had his famous transformation after the Kalinga War in 261 BCE. The Ashokan Rock Edicts here are among the oldest inscriptions in India.<\/span><\/p>\n

02. Konark \u2014 Home of the UNESCO Sun Temple<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Famous For<\/span><\/td>\nKonark Sun Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1984)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Architecture<\/span><\/td>\nBuilt as a chariot with 24 intricately carved stone wheels, 7 horses<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nearby<\/span><\/td>\nChandrabhaga Beach (3 km), Konark Dance Festival (December)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best Time<\/span><\/td>\nOctober to March; December for Konark Dance Festival<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Entry Fee (approx.)<\/span><\/td>\n\u20b940 Indians \/ \u20b9600 foreigners \u2014 verify at site<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Distance from Bhubaneswar<\/span><\/td>\n64 km (1.5 hours)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Konark<\/p>\n

The Konark Sun Temple is Odisha’s most famous landmark \u2014 a 13th-century temple dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, designed entirely as a colossal stone chariot with 24 elaborately carved wheels and seven horses pulling it toward the sunrise. Built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty around 1250 CE, it is one of the greatest architectural achievements in Indian history.<\/span><\/p>\n

The temple was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1984. Known as the ‘Black Pagoda’ by early European mariners (who used it as a navigation landmark), its erotic sculptural panels on the outer walls rival those at Khajuraho. The stone wheels are not merely decorative \u2014 they function as sundials, with the spoke shadows indicating the time of day with remarkable precision.<\/span><\/p>\n

The annual Konark Dance Festival (first week of December) draws classical dancers from across India who perform Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and other forms against the illuminated temple backdrop \u2014 one of the finest cultural events in eastern India.<\/span><\/p>\n

03. Puri \u2014 Abode of Lord Jagannath and Char Dham<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nickname<\/span><\/td>\nJagannath Puri, Purushottam Kshetra<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Famous For<\/span><\/td>\nJagannath Temple (Char Dham), Rath Yatra, Puri Beach<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rath Yatra 2026<\/span><\/td>\nJuly 2026 (exact date based on Hindu calendar)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Temple Entry<\/span><\/td>\nNon-Hindus not permitted inside Jagannath Temple<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best Time<\/span><\/td>\nOctober to March; July for Rath Yatra<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Distance from Bhubaneswar<\/span><\/td>\n60 km (1.5 hours)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Puri<\/p>\n

Puri is known as the ‘abode of Lord Jagannath’ and forms one of the four sacred Char Dhams of Hinduism (alongside Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram). The Jagannath Temple, built in the 12th century, dominates the town from its 65-metre shikhara tower. The temple kitchen (Mahaprasad) is said to be the world’s largest, feeding thousands of devotees daily. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside \u2014 but a view from the Raghunandan Library rooftop opposite the main entrance gives a clear view of the temple top.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) of Puri is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings \u2014 drawing over a million devotees. Three massive wooden chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees. The chariots are freshly built each year from specific trees. In 2026, this falls in July \u2014 confirm the exact date as it is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar.<\/span><\/p>\n

Puri Beach, stretching for 8 km along the Bay of Bengal, is one of the most visited beaches in eastern India \u2014 with clean golden sands, active fishing boats launching at dawn, and evening fishing activity that makes for striking photographs.<\/span><\/p>\n

04. Chilika Lake \u2014 Asia’s Largest Brackish Water Lake<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Size<\/span><\/td>\n1,100 sq. km (largest brackish water lake in Asia)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Districts<\/span><\/td>\nGanjam, Khurda, Puri<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Famous For<\/span><\/td>\nIrrawaddy dolphins, 160+ migratory bird species, Nalabana Bird Sanctuary<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best Time<\/span><\/td>\nNovember to February (migratory bird season)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Key Activities<\/span><\/td>\nBoat ride, bird watching, dolphin spotting, Kalijai Temple visit<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Chilika<\/p>\n

Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lake in Asia \u2014 a UNESCO Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, spread across three districts. From November to February, the lake hosts over 160 species of migratory birds arriving from Siberia, Mongolia, Iran, and the Himalayan foothills \u2014 flamingos, herons, pelicans, grey-lag geese, and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins that live in the lake year-round.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Nalabana Bird Sanctuary within the lake is the primary nesting ground for the migratory birds and sees the highest concentration between December and January. A boat ride from Barkul or Rambha on the lake shore to the sanctuary islands is one of the finest wildlife experiences in eastern India. The Kalijai Temple, located on a small island in the middle of the lake, is a pilgrimage site for local devotees, accessible by boat.<\/span><\/p>\n

05. Simlipal National Park \u2014 Odisha’s Flagship Tiger Reserve<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Location<\/span><\/td>\nMayurbhanj district<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Area<\/span><\/td>\n2,750 sq. km (one of India’s largest tiger reserves)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Famous For<\/span><\/td>\nRoyal Bengal tigers (95+), elephants (400+), leopards, 230+ bird species<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best Time<\/span><\/td>\nNovember to June (closed during monsoon July\u2013October)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Key Attractions<\/span><\/td>\nBarehipani Waterfall (399m), Joranda Waterfall, Chahala meadows<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Entry<\/span><\/td>\nForest department permit required \u2014 book in advance<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Simlipal<\/p>\n

Simlipal is one of India’s largest and most important tiger reserves \u2014 a Project Tiger reserve in the Mayurbhanj district, covering 2,750 sq. km of sal forest, grasslands, and plateaus. The park hosts over 95 Royal Bengal tigers, 400+ elephants, leopards, mugger crocodiles, and more than 230 bird species. The two major waterfalls within the park \u2014 Barehipani (399 metres, one of India’s highest) and Joranda \u2014 are spectacular during and after monsoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

In real life, Simlipal remains significantly less crowded than Ranthambore or Jim Corbett \u2014 which means better wildlife sighting odds and a more authentic safari experience. Forest department permits must be arranged in advance from the District Forest Officer, Baripada. The park is closed from July to October during monsoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

06. Daringbadi \u2014 The Kashmir of Odisha<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Daringbadi\"<\/p>\n

Located 1,100 metres above sea level in the Kandhamal district, Daringbadi<\/a> is a hill station covered in coffee plantations, pine forests, and orchid gardens. Temperatures drop to near-zero in winter, and frost on the ground in December\u2013January earns it the nickname ‘Kashmir of Odisha.’ The Phulbani pine forest, Hill View Park, and the Daringbadi Nature Camp are the key attractions. Best visited: November to February.<\/span><\/p>\n

07. Bhitarkanika National Park \u2014 India’s Second Largest Mangrove<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Bhitarkanika<\/p>\n

Located in the Kendrapara district, Bhitarkanika is home to India’s second largest mangrove forest and the world’s largest nesting colony of olive ridley sea turtles. The park hosts saltwater crocodiles, fishing cats, spotted deer, and over 200 bird species. The annual mass nesting of olive ridley turtles at Gahirmatha Beach (November to March) draws wildlife researchers and tourists from across the world \u2014 thousands of turtles arrive on a single night (called ‘arribada’). Forest department entry permit required.<\/span><\/p>\n

08. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves \u2014 Jain Rock-Cut Heritage<\/b><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Udayagiri<\/p>\n

Located just 6 km from Bhubaneswar, Udayagiri and Khandagiri are twin hills with 33 rock-cut caves dating to the 1st century BCE \u2014 built during the reign of King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty. The caves were used as residential quarters for Jain monks. The inscriptions here include the famous Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela, which provides one of the earliest accounts of early Indian political history. Entry: approximately \u20b925 (Indians) \/ \u20b9300 (foreigners).<\/span><\/p>\n

09. Raghurajpur \u2014 Pattachitra Crafts Village<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Raghurajpur<\/p>\n

Located 14 km from Puri, Raghurajpur is India’s only heritage crafts village \u2014 where every household is home to a traditional artist. The village is famous for Pattachitra (scroll painting on cloth\/palm leaf with natural colours), stone carving, Tussar silk painting, and palm leaf engraving. A Government of Odisha-supported heritage site, visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase directly from the craftspeople. No entry fee. A 2-hour visit is sufficient.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Dhauli Shanti Stupa \u2014 Ashoka’s Transformation Site<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Dhauli<\/p>\n

Located 8 km from Bhubaneswar on the Dhauli Hills above the Daya River, Dhauli is where Emperor Ashoka witnessed the devastation of the Kalinga War in 261 BCE \u2014 an event that prompted his conversion to Buddhism and non-violence. The ancient rock edicts of Ashoka are carved directly into the hillside. The modern white Japanese-built Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) at the top is a Buddhist pilgrimage site. Entry free. Excellent views of the Daya River valley from the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

More Places to Visit in Odisha<\/b><\/h2>\n

The ‘other places’ list from the original page, with fuller context:<\/span><\/p>\n