Best Tourist Places to Visit in Odisha - Complete Travel Guide

Discover Odisha - The Soul of Incredible India

Odisha (formerly Orissa), located on India's eastern coast, is a land of temples, culture, beaches, and biodiversity. Known for its deep spiritual roots and artistic heritage, Odisha offers travelers a mix of heritage, nature, wildlife, and coastal charm.

Let's explore the best Odisha tourist places city by city, in the perfect travel sequence.

1. Puri - The Spiritual Capital of Odisha

Puri is one of India's Char Dham pilgrimage sites and the heart of Odisha tourism. This coastal town blends spirituality, sand, and sea.

Top Places to Visit in Puri

Shree Jagannath Temple: A 12th-century temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, world-famous for the Rath Yatra festival.

Puri Beach: Perfect for sunrise views, camel rides, and beach festivals.

Chilika Lake (Satpada): About 50 km from Puri, this brackish water lagoon is famous for dolphin spotting and migratory birds.

Raghurajpur Artist Village: Home to traditional Pattachitra paintings and handicrafts — a must-visit for art lovers.

Swargadwar Beach: Sacred cremation ground and popular for evening strolls.

2. Bhubaneswar - The Temple City of India

The capital city, Bhubaneswar, is known for its ancient temples, modern architecture, and historical caves. It forms part of the Golden Triangle of Odisha (Puri-Bhubaneswar-Konark).

Best Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar

Lingaraj Temple: A masterpiece of Kalinga architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Mukteshwar Temple: Known for its exquisite carvings and ornate torana (archway).

Rajarani Temple: Famous for its erotic sculptures and beautiful sandstone work.

Dhauli Peace Pagoda: A serene Buddhist site symbolizing peace, built by Japan and India.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: Ancient Jain rock-cut caves offering panoramic city views.

3. Konark - The City of the Sun Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Konark is world-renowned for its magnificent Sun Temple, symbolizing ancient Odisha's architectural brilliance.

Top Attractions in Konark

Konark Sun Temple: A 13th-century temple designed as a colossal chariot of the Sun God with 24 carved wheels and stone horses.

Konark Beach: A serene and less crowded beach ideal for sunsets.

Chandrabhaga Beach: A Blue Flag certified beach known for cleanliness and water sports.

4. Chilika Lake - Asia's Largest Brackish Water Lagoon

Spanning across Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts, Chilika Lake is Asia's largest lagoon and a biodiversity hotspot.

Famous Attractions

Satpada Dolphin Point: Spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Nalbana Bird Sanctuary: Home to thousands of migratory birds during winter.

Mangalajodi: A paradise for birdwatchers — known for the Chilika Bird Festival.

Activities: Boating, bird photography, and local seafood tasting.

5. Cuttack - The Silver City of Odisha

Cuttack, the former capital of Odisha, is famous for its silver filigree work, ancient forts, and cultural festivals.

Places to Visit

Barabati Fort: A medieval fort on the Mahanadi Riverbank.

Netaji Birthplace Museum: Dedicated to Subhas Chandra Bose.

Mahanadi Barrage: Offers scenic river views.

6. Gopalpur - The Coastal Getaway

Gopalpur-on-Sea is a charming beach town perfect for relaxation and water adventures.

Top Attractions

Gopalpur Beach: Ideal for water sports and beachside resorts.

Lighthouse Point: Offers panoramic sea views.

Nearby Chilika Lake (Tampara): Great for boating and bird watching.

7. Hirakud Dam - The Longest Dam in India

Located near Sambalpur, Hirakud Dam is built on the Mahanadi River and stretches over 25 km.

Attractions

Hirakud Reservoir: Perfect for boating and picnics.

Gandhi Minar Viewpoint: Offers breathtaking sunset views.

8. Bhitarkanika National Park - The Mini Amazon of India

A UNESCO-recognized Ramsar site, Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district is famous for its mangrove forests and saltwater crocodiles.

Activities

• Boat safari through creeks
• Crocodile watching
• Bird spotting at Bagagahana

9. Satkosia Tiger Reserve & Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated along the Mahanadi River gorge, Satkosia is one of India's best tiger reserves.

What to Do

• Tiger and elephant spotting
• River cruise and eco-camping in Tikarpada

10. Daringbadi - The Kashmir of Odisha

A hidden gem in Kandhamal district, Daringbadi is known for its pine forests, coffee plantations, and cool weather.

Places to Visit

• Hill View Point
• Putudi Waterfall
• Lover's Point

11. Chandipur & Talasari Beaches - Where the Sea Disappears

Chandipur Beach: Famous for its receding sea phenomenon — the water disappears up to 5 km during low tide.

Talasari Beach: Near Baleswar, known for its peaceful charm and red crabs.

12. Simlipal National Park & Baripada

Located in Mayurbhanj district, Simlipal is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to tigers, elephants, and lush forests.

Highlights

Barehipani & Joranda Falls: Among India's highest waterfalls.

Baripada Town: Cultural capital of Mayurbhanj, famous for Rath Yatra.

13. Rourkela - The Steel City of Odisha

A modern industrial hub surrounded by hills and waterfalls.

Top Attractions

Hanuman Vatika: Houses one of India's tallest Hanuman statues.

Vedavyas Temple: Located at the confluence of rivers Koel and Sankh.

14. Rayagada, Jeypore & Putsil

These southern districts of Odisha are ideal for offbeat travelers.

Rayagada: Known for tribal culture and Chatikona market.

Jeypore: Famous for waterfalls and ancient caves.

Putsil Hills: Offers panoramic views and scenic sunsets.

15. Raghurajpur Artist Village - Heritage of Handicrafts

Located near Puri, Raghurajpur is Odisha's craft capital, known for Pattachitra art, palm-leaf engraving, and Gotipua dance.

At BuzzinTrips, we craft Odisha journeys that blend authentic cultural experiences with spiritual depth, creating memories that resonate with the soul of Incredible India.

Why Odisha Should Be Your Next Travel Destination?

Odisha offers an incredible tapestry of experiences that captivate every type of traveler:

✅ Spiritual Richness - From the sacred Jagannath Temple to the magnificent Konark Sun Temple, every monument tells a divine story.

✅ Natural Wonders - Asia's largest lagoon, pristine beaches, dense mangroves, and majestic waterfalls await exploration.

✅ Wildlife Paradise - Home to tigers, elephants, saltwater crocodiles, and rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

✅ Artistic Heritage - World-famous Pattachitra paintings, Odissi dance, and traditional crafts showcase living traditions.

✅ Authentic Experiences - Tribal culture, village tourism, and warm hospitality create unforgettable connections.

BuzzinTrips' Odisha Promise

With BuzzinTrips, discover Odisha like never before through carefully curated experiences:

🎭 Cultural Immersion - Temple visits, Odissi dance performances, Pattachitra workshops, and tribal village experiences.

🎯 Customized Itineraries - Whether you're spiritual, adventurous, a wildlife enthusiast, or traveling with family.

🏡 Unique Stays - From heritage hotels near temples to eco-resorts by Chilika Lake and beach resorts in Puri.

🚗 Seamless Travel - Experienced drivers, comfortable vehicles, and local expertise that enriches your journey.

BuzzinTrips' Odisha Travel Mantra: Experience the Soul of India

🙏 Respect sacred sites & local customs
🍛 Savor authentic Odia cuisine - dalma, chhena poda, pakhala
🎨 Support local artisans & craftspeople
🌿 Practice responsible wildlife tourism
📸 Capture memories while preserving heritage

Our Commitment to Travelers: Experience authentic spirituality - Connect with temple traditions! Taste local flavors - Support village communities. Respect wildlife & heritage - Travel sustainably. Discover Odisha's hidden gems - Create lasting memories.

Conclusion - Explore the Soulful Odisha

Odisha beautifully balances spirituality, nature, and heritage — from Jagannath Temple in Puri to Konark Sun Temple, the serene Chilika Lake, and wild jungles of Simlipal and Satkosia.

Plan your Odisha trip with BuzzinTrips and uncover the state's unique blend of tradition, tranquility, and timeless beauty.