Majestic mountains, serene beaches, spectacular wildlife, unique arts & crats, breathtaking waterfalls, interesting culture and some gorgeous landscapes – that’s how the charm of Odisha is! Wherever you visit, you’ll find something spectacular here, and the state will give you loads of memories to take back.
Ancient temples like the majestic Srimandir in Puri stand tall, adorned with intricate carvings that whisper stories of devotion and architectural marvels that defy time. Nearby, the Sun Temple of Konark, with its chariot-like structure dedicated to the sun god Surya, captivates with its grandeur and artistic finesse. Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Raja Rani Temple, Maa Samaleswari Temple, Huma Temple, Tara Tarini Temple among others can best be defined through its devotional and cultural amalgamation that lives through its heritage.
Venture beyond the temple cities, and Odisha unfolds its coastal beauty. Puri, a sacred city on the Bay of Bengal, welcomes pilgrims and beachgoers alike to its shores of golden sands and azure waters. Further inland, dense forests teem with diverse wildlife, from majestic elephants to rare birds in the Similipal National Park.
And then there are the waterfalls—Duduma’s & Barehipani’s cascades thundering down rugged cliffs, captivating all who stand before their raw power. The rolling hills of Deomali in Koraput, Odisha’s highest peak, transport you to a distant land of imaginations and natural canvases.
The list doesn’t end here because Odisha remains an enigma, as you traverse from East to West or North to South; every bend has an untold story, an untouched presence, like a surprise that’s waiting to be revealed. Odisha is a tapestry of natural wonders and cultural treasures, inviting travellers to unravel its mysteries, bask in its beauty, and discover the stories etched into its landscapes and temples across centuries.
Odisha is known as the land of Lord Jagannath (literally meaning the Lord of the Universe). The temple built in the 12th Century AD has been the epicentre of Jagannath cult and sees pilgrims flocking the temple town of Puri from all corners of the world throughout the year. It is the most sacred shrine in India, a vibrant and living temple. The Ratha Jatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a grand and historic festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, celebrated in Puri, Odisha. This happens during the month of June/July. It marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days.
This procession involves massive, elaborately decorated wooden chariots being pulled through the streets of Puri by thousands of devotees. It is the only festival where deities are brought out of the temple premises, allowing people from all faiths to witness and participate.
Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a 10th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its exceptional architectural beauty. It is considered the "Gem of Odisha" for its perfect proportions and artistic beauty, marking a transition in temple design that influenced later temples in the region.
The temple is famous for its exquisite torana (arched gateway), elaborately decorated with depictions of ascetics, celestial beings, and mythological scenes. The temple’s sanctum, adorned with fine sculptures, embodies the elegance of early Odishan architecture, and its compact yet richly decorated structure stands as a masterpiece of the period.
The Sun Temple at Konark is the pinnacle of Odisha Temple Architecture and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is a culmination of seven hundred years of grind in search of perfection. The temple was designed as a chariot of Sun God driven by twenty-four beautifully carved wheels and pulled by seven horses. Apart from its beauty what captivates historians are the scientific precision. For e.g.- the wheels are designed in such a way that one can gauge the time of the day by looking at the shadow cast on the spoke of the wheels by the sun. Not only that the carvings of the spoke and axesls denote the activities that one normally does at that time of the day. The wheels popularly known as Konark Chakra is a popular souvenir collected by the tourists visiting the temple.
The abode of Goddess Samaleswari -the presiding deity of Sambalpur is one of the most revered temples of the state. The benevolence of the Goddess spreads across Western Odisha up to Chhattisgarh and is worshipped as the divine embodiment of Shakti (Power). The temple is an important religious centre, especially during the Nuakhai festival, a major agrarian celebration. The temple’s architecture reflects traditional Odishan temple design, featuring a sanctum where the goddess's idol is housed and worshipped with great devotion by locals and visitors alike.
The abode of Lord Shiva worshipped as Vimaleswara (Shiva) is located on the banks of River Mahanadi, 23KM from Sambalpur and is a revered place of worship in the region. The highlight of the temple is its leaning structure, not only the main sanctum sanctorum is in an inclined position, but all the other shrines including the boundary wall are in a leaning position within the temple premises. So, while the main temple leans in one direction, the smaller shrines within the premise tilt in the other direction. Unlike its famous counterpart the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the degree of inclination has remained constant, a point which suggests that the leaning structure was more by design than by default. Believed to have been built in the 17th century by King Baliar Singh of Sambalpur, it is not only a place of religious importance but also a marvel of ancient architecture.
Odisha's cuisine is a rich blend of simple yet flavourful dishes, deeply rooted in its cultural and religious traditions. From the wholesome Dalma and sacred Abadha served at Puri's Jagannath Temple, to the tangy Macha Besara fish curry, each dish tells a story. Street favourites like Dahibara Aloodum offer a burst of flavour, while sweets like Rasagola and Chenna Poda showcase Odisha's expertise in desserts. The traditional Pithas—such as Chakuli, Sijha Manda, Kakara, Enduri, and Poda Pitha—are staples during festivals, reflecting the state's deep connection with its heritage and festivities.
Chilika Lake, located along Odisha's eastern coast, is India's largest coastal lagoon and the second largest in the world, covering over 1,100 square kilometres. Recognized as a Ramsar Site, it boasts rich biodiversity, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, and serves as a crucial wintering ground for over 160 species of migratory birds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. On the northern edge of Chilika, Mangalajodi village offers exceptional birding experiences, with its wetland ecosystem attracting thousands of resident and migratory birds. Community-led conservation efforts have transformed Mangalajodi into an eco-tourism hotspot, providing boat rides that offer close-up views of the birds in their natural habitat. Both Chilika and Mangalajodi present serene landscapes, diverse wildlife, and sustainable eco-tourism opportunities.
Bhitarkanika is India’s second largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sunderbans. The National Park is essentially a network of creeks and canals which are inundated with waters from rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra and Patasala forming a unique ecosystem. Bhitarkanika is home to the largest congregation of the endangered Salt Water Crocodile in the country. The Saltwater Crocodile is the apex predator of the region, besides it, the park is home to numerous reptiles like the water monitor lizard, pythons to name a few. Bhitarkanika is also home to numerous animals like the deer, hyenas, wild boar etc and migratory birds which make it their home during the winter season lending a vibrant hue to the eco system.
Located near Hirakud Dam in the Bargarh district of Odisha, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Spread across 347 square kilometres, the beautiful sanctuary is known for its easy sightings of animals particularly Indian Bison’s, Wild Boars, Sambhar and Peacocks to name a few. The dry deciduous forest attracts a host of winged visitors during the winters. The four-horned antelope or Chousingha as it’s called is one of the endangered animals also inhabits this sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to more than 40 species of mammals, 234 species of birds, 41 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians, 42 species of fishes, 39 species of odonates, 85 species of butterflies and is important Internationally because of significant population of Leopard, Bison and Chousingha. The sanctuary is also famous for magnificent waterfalls.
Simlipal, located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, is a renowned tiger reserve and national park, covering an area of 2,750 square kilometres. It is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Simlipal is home to a significant population of Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and over 300 species of birds, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.
The park’s rich biodiversity includes rare species of flora and fauna, with scenic spots like Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls adding to its natural beauty. Simlipal also offers eco-tourism opportunities, such as jungle safaris and trekking, allowing visitors to explore its vast landscapes and tribal heritage. The area holds cultural significance due to its indigenous tribes, making it a key destination for both nature and culture explorers.
The Blue Flag beach in Puri, Odisha, is one of the few beaches in India to earn the prestigious Blue Flag certification, awarded for meeting high environmental, safety, and cleanliness standards. Located near the iconic Jagannath Temple, this eco-friendly beach offers pristine sands, clean surroundings, and well-maintained amenities. Odisha Tourism has developed facilities like watchtowers, seating areas, and restrooms, while also promoting responsible tourism by ensuring waste management and accessibility. The beach is a perfect destination for visitors seeking a serene experience by the sea while contributing to sustainable tourism practices in Odisha.
The circular open roofed temple is one of the four surviving temples in India of the yogini cult which flourished in the country from the 8th Century AD to 13th Century AD. The temple located 15KM from Bhubaneswar at a hamlet called Hirapur was built in the 9th century AD and has been attributed to Queen Hiradevi, mother of King Subhakar Dev II of the Bhaumakar dynasty. There are four surviving yogini temples in the country. Out of the four such temples two are in Odisha (one in Hirapur and the other one in Ranipur-Jharial in Bolangir Dist and the other two are in modern day Madhya Pradesh). The yogini cult practiced yoga along with tantrism. The object of worship was usually a Chakra or Wheel which had sixty-four spokes, hence the name (Chausathi translates to sixty-four in Odia). The presiding deity is Goddess Kali. The yoginis are believed to be offshoots of the Saptamatrika and are incarnations of Shakti and depicted as vivacious and seem to embrace life rather than withdraw from it. The yoginis define and represent the ultimate feminine power.
Sonepur Beach, located in the Ganjam district of Odisha, is a serene and lesser-known coastal retreat. Nestled along the Bay of Bengal, the beach is famed for its tranquil ambiance, soft sands, and pristine surroundings. Its natural beauty, combined with the calm waters, makes it an ideal spot for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying peaceful moments by the sea. Relatively unexplored, Sonepur Beach offers a perfect escape for those seeking solitude away from tourist crowds. It is a hidden gem for nature lovers looking to experience the untouched coastal charm of Odisha.
The Dhauli Shanti Stupa or the Peace Pagoda as it is known was built by the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha in 1972. Built on the site where the famous Kalinga War was fought, the Dhauli Stupa commemorates the mission of peace that the Kalinga War achieved. Noted historian Shri. Ramesh Prasad Mohapatra aptly said - “The political history of mankind in reality is a history of wars, and no war has ended with so successful a mission of peace for the entire war-torn humanity as the war of Kalinga”.
Any article on Dhauli Shanti Stupa is incomplete without a brief on the Kalinga War- recorded as one of the bloodiest wars ever fought in the annals of the history of mankind.
The Diamond Triangle of Odisha refers to the ancient Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri, which are of great historical and religious significance. These sites, located in the Jajpur district, form an important part of Odisha's Buddhist heritage and are known for their exquisite sculptures, stupas, and monasteries. Excavations have revealed numerous relics, including Buddha statues and ancient inscriptions, showcasing the region's rich Buddhist past dating back to the 1st century CE. The Diamond Triangle is promoted as a key pilgrimage and tourist circuit, attracting both spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts with its serene ambiance and architectural marvels.
Odisha's rich tradition of handloom and handicrafts is renowned worldwide for its exquisite craftsmanship and intricate designs. Pattachitra, a traditional painting style on cloth or dried palm leaves, often depicts mythological narratives with vibrant colors and fine detailing. Applique work, particularly from Pipili, is famous for its colorful, embroidered textiles used in lampshades, umbrellas, and wall hangings. The state’s silver filigree or "tarakasi" from Cuttack showcases delicate, lace-like patterns crafted from thin silver wires, creating stunning jewelry and decorative items. Sambalpuri handloom, known for its ikat technique, produces beautiful sarees and fabrics featuring traditional motifs, embodying Odisha’s deep cultural heritage. Promoted by Odisha Tourism, these crafts reflect the state’s vibrant artistic legacy, offering visitors a glimpse into its timeless artistry.
The imposing temple standing at 180 ft strikes awe and respect amongst its visitors. Built during the 11th century AD. The temple has been described as “One of the finest examples of purely Hindu Temple in India” by noted critic and historian James Fergusson (1808-1886). The temple marks the culmination of the temple architecture in Bhubaneswar which was the cradle of the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture. The sprawling temple complex has one hundred and fifty subsidiary shrines. The temples are considered a masterpiece of Indian Architecture for its detailed plan, proportions, seamless joints, elegant craftsmanship and impressive dimensions.
Cuttack is famous for its Silver Filigree works. The shops located at Nayasadak offers visitors a plethora of souvenirs to choose from. Silver Filigree or fondly known as ‘Rupa Tarakasi’ received the GI tag on 3rd March 2024.
Gundichaghagi Waterfalls, located near Keonjhar in Odisha, is a serene natural retreat, known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Cascading from a height of around 50 feet, the waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The picturesque surroundings offer opportunities for picnicking, trekking, and photography. The site is gradually gaining popularity for its pristine environment and accessibility, attracting visitors looking for a peaceful escape amidst nature's splendor.
The heritage crafts village of Raghurajpur is Odisha’s best known for its Pattachitra art. The art form is used to decorate none other the Lord of the Universe- Lord Jagannath and his siblings. The attachment with the holy trinity elevated the art form helped it gain prominence. Steeped in ancient culture, portraying scenes from mythology with vibrant colours, superb craftsmanship, simplicity in design, the Pattachitra has captured the imagination of artists and art lovers alike. Located approximately 12 KM from Puri, Raghurajpur is a quaint village where 120 odd homes are neatly lined up facing each other in two rows. Every house has an artist engaged in the trade making it perhaps the only place in India where one can find such a large congregation of artists. The popular forms of Pattachitra are the paintings on cloth depicting scenes from mythology and epics.
Talasari is one of the most tranquil and unspoiled beaches of Odisha. The name Talasari is literally means (row of Palm leaves in Odia). The waters of Bay of Bengal are very calm which means it’s one of the safest beaches that one can come across. The rows of the Palm trees adds the beauty of the beach, the meandering Subarnarekha river accentuates the visual appeal of the beach by a few notches, the sand dunes and little red crabs lends character to the beach, the fishing hamlets and the nearby mangroves of Bichitrapur gives the location a purpose. If one is looking for a serene quiet holiday this is the place to be.
The Applique work at the heritage craft village Pipili are Odisha’s most famous art exports to the world. The applique work of the village was also showcased in the popular movie Sui Dhaaga starring Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma. Pipili is also used to adorn the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings during the annual Ratha Yatra. It is also used in other rituals associated with the Lord. Pipili was set up as an artisan’s village during the Somavamsi dynasty rule in Odisha somewhere in the 10th Century AD. The art exemplifies the perfect syncretisation of the culture of Odisha.
Duduma Waterfalls, located on the border of Koraput district, is one of the highest and most majestic waterfalls in eastern India. Plunging from a height of about 175 meters, it is a spectacular sight, surrounded by dense forests and rocky landscapes. The waterfall is fed by the Machkund River and is a key attraction in the Koraput district, drawing both tourists and adventurers. The region is also home to indigenous tribes, offering visitors a unique cultural experience alongside its natural beauty. Duduma is a perfect destination for trekking, nature walks, and experiencing the tribal heritage of the area.
