Vinod K
Top 31 Places to Visit in Odisha
Boasting an upscale culture and heritage, Odisha or Orissa may be a fascinating destination within the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. Be it the architectural brilliance of Konark Sun Temple, the spiritual atmosphere of Jagannath Temple, the calmness of Puri Beach, or the charm of the oldest surviving Indian classical dance Odissi, a visit to the state leaves an enduring impression. If you’re planning a vacation to the present state, confirm to feature these top places to go to in Odisha to your itinerary.
1. Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Popularly mentioned because the ‘Temple City of India’, Bhubaneswar may be a perfect blend of old and modern cultures. From ancient caves and temples exhibiting the Kalinga sort of architecture to beautiful parks and lakes, there’s no dearth of places to explore in Bhubaneshwar. Lingaraj Temple, Parasurameswara Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, and Nandankanan Zoological Park are some popular attractions here.
- Best time to visit – October to mid-March
- Ideal duration – 3-4 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport
- By Train: Take a train to Bhubaneswar Railway Station
- By Road: NH 16 and NH 316 are the main highways that connect Bhubaneshwar to the rest of Odisha.
2. Puri, Odisha
A must-visit destination for devotees and leisure travelers, Puri is full of tourist attractions. The well-known Jagannath Temple, one among the Char Dhams, is found in Puri. aside from paying your respects at the various temples within the city, you’ll relax by the ocean, try exciting activities at the shoreline and spot a spread of birds at Chilika Lake aviary.
- Best time to visit – July to March
- Ideal duration – 3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (59 km away). Take a taxi or bus from there.
- By Train: Take a train to reach Puri Railway Station
- By Road: NH316 and NH60 are the main national highways to take when visiting the town by road.
3. Cuttack, Odisha
Also referred to as the ‘Millennium City’, ‘Silver City’ and therefore the cultural capital of Odisha, Cuttack boasts of over 1000 years of history and crowd-pleasing silver, brass, and ivory filigree works. While the Barabati Fort and Cuttack Chandi Temple here will transport you back in time, the Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary will reveal many of nature’s secrets.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (30 km away) is the nearest option. Hire a taxi from there.
- By Train: Reach Cuttack Junction
- By Road: To reach Cuttak, take NH 16 or NH 55
4. Konark, Odisha
One main reason to go to this city in Odisha is that the popular Konark Sun Temple. This temple dedicated to the Sun God may be a UNESCO World Heritage Site admired for its intricately carved architecture around the world. the town also houses an engrossing Archaeological Museum and a few beautiful and serene beaches like Chandrabhaga Beach and Ramachandi Beach.
- Best time to visit – November to February
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (61 km away) and take a taxi.
- By Train: Puri Railway Station (37 km away) is the nearest option. Take a cab or bus from there.
- By Road: There are two ways to reach Konark by road either take the Puri-Konark Marine Drive or Konark-Kakatpur Road.
5. Rourkela, Odisha
The ‘Steel City of Odisha’ with important industrial centers may be an excellent spot to go to in Odisha with family. With its hilly terrain, open forests, and luxurious waterfalls, the town may be a treasure trove for nature lovers. you’ll also find some important temples, gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries here like Hanuman Vatika, Gandhi Park, Vaishno Devi Temple, and Deer Park.
- Best time to visit – November to March
- Ideal duration – 3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Take a flight to Rourkela Airport
- By Train: Reach Rourkela Junction and take a taxi
- By Road: NH 143 connects Rourkela to other parts of Odisha.
6. Chandipur
Have you heard about the receding or disappearing sea or beach? This unique phenomenon happens at Chandipur Beach! the ocean here recedes by the maximum amount as 5 km during the low water and comes back. you’ll walk deep into the seabed when the water recedes, enjoy spectacular views during sunrise and sunset, and treat your taste buds to some freshly prepared seafood.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (217 km away) and then take a bus or taxi.
- By Train: Reach Balasore Railway Station (14 km away) and hire a taxi.
- By Road: Take the Chandipur Road from Balasore to reach the town.
7. Baripada, Odisha
Popular because the cultural center of Odisha, Baripada may be a preferred destination for religious trips. it’s also referred to as ‘Dwitiya Srikhetra’ as, after Puri, the most important Rath Yatra takes place here. Jagannath Temple, Jwala Mukhi Temple, Simlipal park, and therefore the Palace of Mayurbhanj are some top attractions here. Art lovers must attend the favored Chhau event in April.
- Best time to visit – October to April and June-July for Rath Yatra
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata (230 km away) is the nearest option, from where you can take a bus or taxi.
- By Train: Reach Baripada Railway Station from nearby places.
- By Road: Many national highways connect Baripada to nearby cities in Odisha such as NH19, NH61, and NH18
8. Gopalpur, Odisha
This port town on the coast of the Bay of Bengal is among the simplest places to go to in Orissa. An offbeat yet relaxing destination, Gopalpur houses the gorgeous and serene Gopalpur Beach where you’ll also enjoy interesting seaside activities. Although there aren’t many tourist attractions within the town, Bala Kumari Temple, Maa Tara Tarini Hill Shrine and Chilika Lake are within the vicinity.
- Best time to visit – November to February
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (171 km away) and then take a bus or taxi.
- By Train: Reach Berhampur Railway Station (15 km away) and hire a taxi.
- By Road: NH 516 and NH 16 are the two highways that connect Gopalpur to other parts of Odisha.
9. Sambalpur, Odisha
The culturally rich Sambalpur is that the place to go to in Odisha with friends and family. The topography and ecology of the district also attract nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. you’ll also seek blessings at Maa Samaleswari Temple and Maa Pataneswari Temple and spend time amidst nature at Debigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Hirakud Dam.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur (263 km away) or Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (281 km away) and then take a cab or bus.
- By Train: Take a train to Sambalpur Railway Station
- By Road: To reach Sambalpur, take NH 55, NH 10, NH 15, and NH 53
10. Berhampur, Odisha
The Abode of Lord Brahma, Berhampur, or Brahmapur is frequented by the religious-minded. the town is replete with temples, popular ones being Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple, Sri Sri Sri Siddhi Binayak Pitha, and Nilakantheshwar Shiva Temple. Beach lovers can enjoy the tranquillity of Dhabaleswar Beach and Gopalpur Beach, while shopaholics can head to the local markets and buy Ikkat silk sarees and other specialty products.
- Best time to visit – November to April
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (173 km away) and then take a bus or taxi.
- By Train: Take a train to Berhampur Railway Station
- By Road: Berhampur is connected to the nearby towns and cities with NH 22, NH 17, NH 59, and NH 16.
11. Balangir, Odisha
A well-planned city with an upscale cultural heritage, Balangir is understood for varied ancient temples, beautiful parks, and native tribes that have lived there for hundreds of years. When within the city, you’ll seek blessings at Maa Pataneswari Temple and Someswar Shiva Temple and luxuriate in the luxurious green surroundings of Rajendra Park. Nature lovers must also visit Karanga Kata Lake, one of the oldest lakes in Odisha, known for boating, picnic, and photography.
- Best time to visit – October to February
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur (275 km away) or Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (317 km away) and take a bus or taxi to Balangir.
- By Train: Balangir Railway Station is well-connected to Kolkata, Chennai, and other cities.
- By Road: State government buses run via NH42, NH26, and NH57 between Balangir and other places in Odisha.
12. Dhauli, Odisha
A small town near Bhubaneswar, Dhauli is popular among the followers of Lord Gautam Buddha. it’s believed that the Kalinga War, a deadly battle between King Ashoka’s Maurya Empire and therefore the state of Kalinga, was fought in Dhauli. The Buddhist Peace Pagoda called Shanti Stupa, Ashoka Rock Edicts and Dhabaleswar and Bahirangeswar Temple are the most attractions here.
- Best time to visit – November to March
- Ideal duration – 1-2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is only 11 km away from Dhauli. Take a taxi from there.
- By Train: Reach Bhubaneswar Railway Station and hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: Take a cab or bus from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and other nearby places to reach Dhauli.
13. Jeypore, Odisha
Beautiful waterfalls, dense forests, and mystical valleys make Jeypore a romantic place to go to in Odisha for couples. What’s more, this historic city also houses ancient limestone caves, palaces, and temples. Some prominent attractions in Jeypore include Bagara Waterfalls, Gupteshwar Caves, and therefore the magnificent Jeypore Palace.
- Best time to visit – October to February
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Visakhapatnam International Airport (208 km away) and take a bus or taxi. The nearest bus stand is about 10 km away from the airport.
- By Train: Take a train to Jeypore Railway Station
- By Road: Book a cab or take the bus from nearby places, like Raipur, Cuttack, Brahmapur, and Visakhapatnam.
14. Daringbadi, Odisha
This serene hill station is popularly referred to as the ‘Kashmir of Odisha’. Replete with pine forests, milky white waterfalls, colorful meadows, and rolling hills, Daringbadi may be a perfect destination far away from the hustle and bustle of a city. Putudi and Badangia Waterfalls, Coffee Garden, and Belghar Sanctuary are some prominent attractions here.
- Best time to visit – November to February
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (248 km away) and take a cab or bus. Baramunda bus stand is 6 km away from the airport.
- By Train: Reach Berhampur Railway Station (121 km away) and take a bus or taxi.
- By Road: The best way to reach Daringbadi by road is via NH59.
15. Rayagada, Odisha
Dotted with historical monuments and temples, Rayagada is a stimulating place to go to in Orissa for history buffs. the town is additionally known for its handicrafts, handmade products, delectable cuisine, and native tribal population. Maa Majhighariani Temple, Laxminarayan Temple, and Chatikona Falls are some places of interest in Rayagada.
- Best time to visit – October to February
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Visakhapatnam International Airport (189 km away) is the nearest option. Board a bus from the bus stand (10 km away) or book a taxi to reach Rayagada.
- By Train: Take a train to Rayagada Railway Station.
- By Road: NH 326 connects Rayagada to the rest of Odisha and other surrounding parts of the country.
