States Odisha

ODISHA TRAVEL GUIDE

Justifying the extraordinaire, Odisha, the quiet and serene east part of India is a travel destination for those aspiring to see the elements that add up to make the country unique. Fringed by the Bay of Bengal on its eastmost side, Odisha is a lesser-known beach destination that by no means should stay a secret anymore. Home to a plethora of Hindu temples and surprisingly, Buddhist shrines, Odisha is tourism place that takes you back in the glorious time of Ashoka the Great. The architecture in this eastern state is one of the reasons to fall in love with but wait till you see the colossal chariot of Lord Jagannath, the articulate sand art by Sudarshan Patnaik, the lively tribal culture, and the surreal landscape.

Capital: Bhubaneswar Location: East India

Best Time to Visit Odisha:

The months between November and February are perfect to plan a holiday to Odisha.

Why Visit Odisha?:

For offbeat and less-crowded beaches, Jagannath Rath Yatra, pilgrimage (Chardham Yatra), tribal tourism, rural tourism, art & craft, fair & festival, wildlife, lakes (Chilika lake), waterfall, Oliver Ridley turtles, delectable cuisine.

Temperature
  • 24°C to 44°C

    Summer

  • 21°C to 35°C

    Monsoon

  • 10°C to 27°C

    Winter

An Insight into Odisha Tourism

It is indeed true a single word cannot express the beauty and experience of Odisha. Marking the eastern boundary of the peninsula of India, the cultural land of Odisha is a tourist destination that completes the jigsaw puzzle. Home to one of the four sacred Hindu pilgrimages, this eastern state satiates the curiosity of a traveller who is curious to learn about the vivid elements that paint its canvas. The state also boasts of stunning architecture both of the temples as well as the houses which will make you feel even more invited. You can certainly not miss the world famous Sun Temple at Konark when visiting Odisha. Fringed by the Bay of Bengal, and flaunting a long coastline, this east Indian gem has some of the most stunning beaches that are often less-frequented. The gorgeous Chandrabhaga Beach, which has been recognized the first blue flag beach in Asia can neither be missed nor should be kept out of your Odisha travel guide. Known to cure the lepers, this eco-friendly beach is one of the many surreal places you can expect to catch a sight of on your Odisha tour.

The famous Chilika Lake, also the second largest coastal lagoon in the world has so much to offer you if nature and bird watching attract you.

Yes, the lake is a perfect destination for the nature lovers looks for an escape from the hullabaloo of the urban life. Odisha is also home to some really picturesque waterfalls and rivers. The state offers a great family vacation destination and lovers getaway in the form of a hill station, Daringibadi where basking in the lap of nature can rejuvenate you. Looking for some enthralling experience in Odisha? Well, the state boasts of several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that offer an incredible experience of sighting diverse flora and fauna. Odisha is also a travel place for art connoisseurs and for anyone who takes delight in culture and traditions. From an amazing experience of shopping for Odishan Ikat to trying out the flavoursome Odisha cuisine, and from witnessing the rich culture of the varied tribes of the state to the classical dance form of Odissi, the state can leave one spoilt for choice. Looking forward to learning more about Odisha? Our travel guide can walk you through some authentic and must-have experiences in Odisha. Find detailed information on top attractions, best temples, lakes, hill stations and markets in our travel guide that endeavours to make your holiday the most memorable one.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Odisha

With its lesser-explored beaches; one of the biggest religious pilgrimage; unheard hill stations; opulent wildlife population; and tribal charm, Odisha is truly an unmissable destination. Celebrate life and pay gratitude at different destinations in Odisha including the Jagannath Temple; be at awe of the Chandipur or Ayarpalli beaches; get thrilled with the rich wildlife of Simlipal and Bhitarkanika National; and also be mesmerized by the architectural grandiose of Konark Sun Temple. Odisha has so much for you to go back home with an impeccable experience.

Top Things to Do on Your Holiday to Odisha

Odisha has sea of opportunities for those wanting to give this destination in east India a try. The opulent state proffers unforgettable experiences. From offering an enthralling experience of exploring the wild to attaining peace of mind during a pilgrimage tour, and from losing oneself in the history of the state to basking on the surreal beaches, Odisha things to do list is overwhelming, and hence, one holiday cannot be enough here.

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    Pilgrimage

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    Pilgrimage

    Dotted with architectural wonders and magnificent temples, the divine land of Odisha is a perfect place for a religious holiday in North East India. The State experiences pilgrims coming to the state across the globe all around the year with friends, family or even solo.

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    Heritage

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    Heritage

    Having archaeological treasure preserved dating back to the prehistoric times upto the end of the Muslim rule, a trip to Odisha will give you the opportunity to relive the historic era along with witnessing Odisha’s art and architecture.

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    Beaches

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    Beaches

    Endowed with palm and coconut trees, silver sand, crystalline blue skies and calm water, Odisha is a home to the pristine beaches that would steal your heart with its surreal beauty. Make the most out of your trip to Odisha by relaxing at the beach.

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    Hill Stations

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    Hill Stations

    With its scenic, serene, and sublime natural beauty of the hill stations, Odisha offers a relaxing and rejuvenated holiday for those looking for peace amid towering mountains, beautiful lakes and dancing rivers. Discover yourself in the hills of Odisha.

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    Wildlife

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    Wildlife

    A home to a number of rare flora and fauna, Odisha is renowned for its wildlife parks and sanctuaries in India which is visited by tourists from across the globe. Having the thickest Mangrove Forest, abundant Red Silk Cotton Trees, Asiatic Lions and more makes Odisha one of the best wildlife holiday destinations in India.

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    Adventure

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    Adventure

    Full of activities, the state of Odisha has a lot to offer to those who are bitten by the adventure bug. Right from boat cruising in Satkosia to wild animal gazing in Bhitarkanika, Odisha would help you quench your adventure thirst with activities. Make the most out of your adventure experience in Odisha at its best.

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    Lakes

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    Lakes

    With other popular attractions in the state, the beautiful and pristine lakes of Odisha remains crowded with tourists across the globe all year around. Planning a trip to Odisha would help you get a visual feast of nature and gather memories to cherish for a lifetime.

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    Caves in Odisha

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    Caves in Odisha

    The Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves, in Bhubaneswar are the top tourist attractions in Odisha which are located on two adjacent hills facing each other. Planning a trip to Odisha, don’t miss out visiting the caves which holds the historic, archaeological and religious significance.

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    Museums in Odisha

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    Museums in Odisha

    Odisha showcasing its vibrant culture, it even holds an unrivalled position in the field of history, art, culture and music that are showcased in the museums that acquaint the tourists with the glorious ancient past of the state.

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    Waterfalls

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    Waterfalls

    Apart from being a home to beautiful beaches, splendid temples and exotic wildlife sanctuaries, Odisha has a list of waterfalls that makes it visited by many tourists every year. Almost every city Odisha have one or more waterfalls which are worth exploring.

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    Hot Springs

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    Hot Springs

    What could be more soothing to the body than getting a warm dip in a natural hot spring in the mineral rich water! Odisha boasts incredible hot water springs that provide amazing sight and relaxing bath. So, experience the immense pleasure when on a trip to Odisha.

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    Art & HandiCrafts

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    Art & HandiCrafts

    Having distinct traditions of painting, handicrafts, architecture, sculpture and more, Odisha boasts of a long and rich cultural heritage. Visiting Odisha, get a glimpse at the numerous art forms and handicrafts that reveal the ancient beauty and brilliant skills of Odisha’s artisans.

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    Fairs & Festivals

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    Fairs & Festivals

    It is the varied fairs and festivals of Odisha that are a fine extension of the state's identity and culture. Odisha celebrates all its fairs and festivals that showcase the rich religious fervor and presence of colour that simply delights the tourists visiting Odisha.

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    Tribes in Odisha

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    Tribes in Odisha

    The state having largest numbers of tribes in India, the most inhabit the Eastern Ghats hill range that runs in the north-south direction. The largest tribes in the states like the Santal, Munda, Oram and Gonds settles on agriculture while supplementing their economy by hunting and gathering.

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    Dances & Music

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    Dances & Music

    The heavenly state of Odisha, unfurls many aspects of traditional dance forms and musical styles that have been flourishing since ages. Out of all the other dance forms, the Odissi and Chhau are famous all over the world.

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    Cuisine

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    Cuisine

    The cuisine of Odisha is certainly heavenly that must be given a try. With rice being the staple food when paired with vegetables makes the food delicious. Other than this a small population of Odisha relishes fish and other seafood delicacies that are a must try and are found in plenty at the vast coastline of the state.

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    Shopping

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    Shopping

    Odisha doesn’t disappoint the shopaholics. Visiting the state, you’ll get the opportunity to shop mementoes and souvenirs from this treasure trove that suits your budget. Shopping in Odisha have always been a fascinating experience for a tourist searching for traditional fabrics and knick-knacks.

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Odisha Travel Information at a Glance

Get authentic information on how to plan an incredible trip to Odisha. Tour My India brings to you all the important details on how to reach Odisha by different means of transport along with information on where to visit and what to do on your Odisha tour. Find information on best time to visit Odisha and a comprehensible travel guide to varied destinations in the state that are worth visiting.