10 Best Places in Odisha For Your Next Trip

Popularly known as the temple state of India, Odisha is one of the most visited places in the country. The land of Jagannath has so many things for tourists. From ancient temples to artistic villages, this coastal state can be your favorite destination. Moreover, the culture and festivals have enriched this beautiful state. In the following, we have handpicked the ten best places in Odisha that you can visit for your next trip. 

Best Place in Odisha

As we mentioned above, Odisha has so many religious places. However, it’s not the only reason to plan a trip to this East Indian state. This is why we are covering the best places in Odisha. So, let’s explore more about this cultural state. 

1. Puri

Whenever someone thinks about Odisha, Puri comes to their mind first. So, Puri is one of the most religious places in India. However, this city is more than a pilgrimage. The neutral beauty is enough to attract nature lovers. Moreover, if you are a culture enthusiast, Puri hosts various festivals that represent Odia culture. 

Attractions

• Jagannath Temple
• Puri Beach
• Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Raghurajpur Artistic Village
• Pipili

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Puri anytime. However, the best time to visit this holy place is during Ratha Yatra. 

How to Reach

Puri is easily reachable by air, rail, and road. Biju Patnaik is the nearest international airport. So, it takes around one hour to reach Puri from there. On the other hand, Puri railway station is well connected with most cities in India. Moreover, bus services are available from neighboring states like West Bengal, Andra Pradesh, and Jharkhand. 

2. Konark

Located around 40 km from Puri, Konark is one of the best places in Odisha. So, it would be unfair if you are not visiting this ancient place while visiting Puri. Konark is famous for the Sun Temple ruin. This place is ideal for both religious people and history lovers. 

Attractions

• Sun Temple
• Konark Beach
• Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Ramachandi Temple

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Konark throughout the year. 

How to Reach

Most people visit Konark from Puri. In fact, Puri railway station is the nearest one. You can take a bus or cab to reach this place. Similarly, Biju Patnaik is the nearest airport, you can also hire a cab from there. 

3. Bhubaneswar

Popularly known as the Temple City of India, Bhubaneswar, the capital of India attracts thousands of tourists every year. In fact, this 2500 years old city has the perfect combination of ancient and modern life. It is believed by locals that Bhubaneswar had over 2000 temples but most of them are destroyed by Muslim invaders. On the other hand, you can see some Buddhist sites here. 

Attractions

• Parasurameswara Temple
• Lingaraja Temple
• Mukteswar Temple
• Udaygiri and Khandagiri Cave
• Odisha State Museum
• Nandankanand Zoological Park

Best Time to Visit

All the year.

How to Reach

Bhubaneswar railway station is well connected with big cities in India. You can also reach Bhubaneswar by air as Biju Patnaik international airport is the nearest one. If you want to reach by road, Odisha State Road Transport Corporation runs inter and intra city buses. 

4. Daringbadi

If you are looking for an offbeat place in Odisha, you need to visit Daringbadi. This hilly town is popularly known as the Kashmir of Odisha. Daringbadi can be the greatest treasure of this temple state which is situated at the altitude of 3000 feet. You can reconnect with nature in this picturesque hill station. 

Attractions

• Eco Retreat Odisha
• Lush green Valley
• Local villages

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Daringbadi throughout the year. However, try to avoid the monsoon season.

How to Reach

You can reach Daringbadi from other places of Odisha by taking a bus. However, it’s better if you are hiring a cab from the nearest locations.

5. Simlipal National Park

Simlipal is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India.

Located in Mayurbhanj, Simlipal national park is one of the best places in Odisha. Simlipal once used to be a hunting ground of the rulers, but now it’s one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in India. The main attraction of this national park is over 1000 varieties of plants.

Attractions

• Barehipani Waterfall
• Debakunda
• Uski Waterfall Similipal
• Kala Dam

Best Time to Visit

You can visit this wildlife sanctuary anytime except monsoon months. 

How to Reach

Balasore is the nearest railway station, you can hire a cab to reach Simlipal. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik international airport. 

6. Sambalpur

Sambalpur is popularly known as the gateway of western Odisha. From lush green forests to lavish hills, Sambalpur is enriched by natural beauty. Plus, you can find various temples and historical sites. So, make sure you are including this iconic tourist spot on your next trip plan.

Attractions

• Maa Samaleswari Temple
• Hirakud Dam
• Budharaja Shiv Temple
• Raja Veer Surendra Sai Palace
• Gandhi Minar

Best Time to Visit

The best time to reach Sambalpur is from September to March.

How to Reach

If you want to reach Sambalpur by air, Swami Vivekananda Airport is the nearest one. On the other hand, you can reach this place by rail. Sambalpur railway station is well connected with other cities. 

7. Cuttack

The former capital city is one of the best places to visit in Odisha. Just like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack has a perfect combination of the ancient and modern era. You will find numerous temples and historical destinations in Cuttack. Moreover, this place is famous for Odia cuisines and handicrafts. 

Attractions

• Lalitgiri
• Barabati Fort
• Netaji Birthplace Museum 
• Chandi Temple

Best Time to Visit

Tourists can visit Cuttack all over the year.

How to Reach

Cuttack Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in Odisha. If you want to reach this place by air, Biju Patnaik international airport is located around 28 km from Cuttack. 

8. Jeypore

Jeyepore is home to around 62 tribal communities. 

If you are thinking that Odisha is only famous for ancient places and temples, Jeypore will prove you wrong. Enriched by scenic natural parks, waterfalls, and hills, this is one of the best places in Odisha. Just include Jeypore on your next trip and enjoy the creation of mother nature. 

Attractions

• Bagara
• Raja Mahal
• Gupteshwar Caves
• Kolab Botanical Garden

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jeyepore is from October to March.

How to Reach

Jeyepore railway station is well connected with all cities in Odisha. You can also reach this place by air. Jeypore airport is a domestic airport and only connected with Biju Patnaik airport. Regular buses are available from neighboring states including Andra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

9. Rourkela

Rourkela is known as the ‘Steel City’ of Odisha.

You should know about this place being India’s one of the most developed industrial cities. However, the surprising factor is it’s also a fantastic tourist spot. From picturesque hills and natural wonders, Rourkela has a rich culture. 

Attractions

• Khandadhar Falls
• Badaghagra Falls
• Vedavyas Temple

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Rourkela from October to March.

How to Reach

Being an industrial city, Rourkela is well connected with every part of this state. The best way to reach this place is by rail as Rourkela railway station is connected with most cities in India. Yet, you can travel here by air or road. 

10. Dhauli

Situated at the bank of river Daya, Dhauli is a small town near Bhubaneswar. So, this beautiful town carries the history of Ashoka’s character reform. Moreover, Dhauli is very popular among Lord Buddha’s followers. 

Attractions

• Dhauli Shanti Stupa
• Bindu Sagar
• Chausathi Jogini

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Dhauli anytime. However it’s best to visit this place from July to February.

How to Reach

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha is about 8 km from Dhauli. So, you can easily reach this place from there. On the other hand, many people include Dhauli as a sightseen of Bhubaneswar. 

FAQs

Q: Which is the most visited place in Odisha?

Some most visited places in Odisha are Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Cuttack.

Q: What is famous in Odisha?

Odisha is famous for its culture, tribal tressure, and beautiful tourist destinations. Moreover, this state has some delicious cuisines. 

Q: Is Odisha safe for solo travelers?

Basically, Odisha is totally safe if you are being aware of everything. However, it’s better if you are not roaming around at late night, especially when you are in a less populated area. Cities like Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Sambalpur are much safer than remote places. 

Q: What are some best foods in Odisha?

Some best foods in Odisha are Chhena Poda, Pakhala Bhata, Chhena Jalebi, and Khechadi.

Conclusion

Finally, you know about the best places in Odisha. This state is very rich in culture, historical, and religious sites. So, no matter if you are a religious person or a nature lover, Odisha will make your journey more memorable.