East India’s Odisha, is a state rich in history and culture. Odisha is a state that travellers must visit because of the abundance of beaches, biosphere reserves, temples, museums, and other tourist attractions. This coastal state offers stunning natural beauty like sun-kissed beaches and tranquil lakes, as well as magnificent architectural marvels like forts and temples. Here is a list of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Odisha
- Puri – Due to the Jagannath Temple, which is a component of India’s Char Dham, Puri in the state of Odisha is one of the four holy places that every Hindu must visit. One of the most popular destinations for quick trips for residents of West Bengal is the beach city of Puri, which is situated on the Bay of Bengal coast.
- Bhubaneswar – The Indian city of Bhubaneswar, formerly renowned for its architecture and magnificent temples, is today a bustling hub for trade and business.
- Konark – The Sun Temple, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Annual Dance Festival, and its stunning sandy beaches have made Konark, in the state of Orissa, famous throughout the world.
- Cuttack – Cuttack, often referred to be the cultural centre of Odisha, is a bustling urban centre with several eye-catching tourist attractions.
- Baripada – Baripada, located 248 kilometres from Kolkata and 256 kilometres from Bhubaneshwar, is a city renowned for its exquisite culture and the purity of the environment. Because Baripada’s Rath Yatra is the largest and oldest after that of Puri, the city is also known as Dwitiya Srikhetra (Second Puri)
- Gopalpur – A charming, tiny hamlet named Gopalpur, a seaport teeming with trade and business during the Colonial Era, is situated along Odisha’s southern coastline approximately 15 kilometres from the city of Behrampur.
- Chandipur – On Orissa’s coast, in the Baleshwar district, sits the quiet beach community of Chandipur. Locally, Chandipur is sometimes referred to as Chandipur-on-sea. Chandipur Beach is a beautiful spot to be if you’re fascinated by nature’s wonders.
- Sambalpur – The entry point into Orissa’s western region is in Sambalpur. It has abundant rivers, opulent hills, luscious green forests, and wealthy wildlife. It is a stunning fusion of culture and modernity. The area is notable historically, and it’s textile and handloom industries are thriving.
- Talasari beach – The Talasari beach is pristine, tranquil, and blessed with stunning scenery. It is situated in the Baleswar region of Odisha, 10 kilometres from Digha.
- Rourkela – The city of Rourkela is situated in the state of Odisha and is surrounded by hills and rivers. It is one of the first locations in the nation to become commercialised for the manufacturing of steel and is also known as Ispat Nagar and the “Steel City of Odisha.”
Both early summer (March–April) and winter (October–February) are the healthiest and driest times of the year to visit Odisha. The hottest part of the summer in Odisha comes from March to May. While June often experiences the monsoon up until the end of September. Visitors to Odisha can also see the festive spirit all year round.
One of Odisha’s most well-known celebrations is Makar Mela, which takes place on a tiny island in Chilika Lake in the middle of January. Additionally, in mid-April, Northern Odisha celebrates the Chaitra Parba festival. Additionally, the largest celebration in Odisha, known as Rath Yatra, is celebrated from Puri’s Gundicha Mandir to Jagannath Temple in June or July.
Most importantly, the people of Odisha are proud of their rich and unique cultural history. There are considerable historical and religious landmarks in the state’s coastal lowlands. Even though the Puri is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site, the Bhubaneswar temples and their old rock-cut caves should not be discounted.