Odisha (Orrisa) is a historical and culturally rich state in East India. Not many people are aware of this hidden beauty. From stunning beaches, biosphere reserves, temples, museums, and other attractions, there are a lot of tourist places in Odisha to visit this year. So, while this place has spiritual and religious reins, you can expect beautiful temples and architecture here. The well-known Bhubaneswar and Puri are just a few names to the myriad of temples Odisha has. But, at the same time, Odisha is a hub of green paddy fields, habituated wildlife and serene beaches. In this blog, we bring you the top 9 tourist places to visit in Odisha in 2024.
9 Tourist Places in Odisha to Visit in 2024
From the sun temple to the tiger reserves, here’s a complied list of top 9 places to visit in Odisha this year. Check them below!
1. Bhubaneshwar
The capital of Odisha also referred to as the City of Temples, Bhubaneshwar, is one of the top tourist places in Odisha. Today, this vibrant city has a well-integrated past with a forward-thinking, contemporary present. Being the epicentre of religious tourism, Bhubaneshwar is home to several magnificent temples that were constructed centuries ago and have remained true to their original design over the years. The Lingaraj and Parasurameswara temples are two of the most important ones to visit. Mukteshwara Temple, Parashurameshvara Temple and Rajarani Temple also add to the list.
Apart from temples, this city is now a bustling hub of commerce and trade. Some other top attractions places to visit in Bhubaneshwar include:
- Regional Science Centre
- Udayagiri Caves
- Shanti Stupa
- Nandankanan Zoo Park
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal duration to explore: 3-4 days
2. The Sun Temple of Konark
Korak is known for one place, and that is one of the UNESCO-renowned sites – The Sun Temple. This temple is a classic display of the Orrisan style of architecture, with intricate carvings and miniature designs and sculptures. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya.
- Timings to visit Sun Temple: The Konark Sun Temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The entry fee for Indian citizens and visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries is Rs. 50 per person. While for other visitors, it is US $ 5 or Rs. 300 per person.
- Ideal duration to explore: 1 day
- Best Time To visit: Between September to March
Besides visiting the Sun Temple, there are other places to explore in Konark. About 30 kilometres from Konark is Astaranga Beach; make sure to try their seafood. Or you can unwind your tiredness at Chandrabhaga Beach. Also, the Konark Dance Festival takes place in December every year. It features a variety of Indian classical dance styles, which is another attraction for tourists.
3. Puri
Image Credit: WikiPedia
Puri, the coastal city of Odisha, is also a popular tourist spot. The reason being its diverse attractions, which include ancient temples, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene. One of the main attractions in Puri is the Shree Jagannath Temple, attracting millions of devotees from all around the country. Even the Rath Yatra festival, held twice annually, is an experience of spirituality. For shopaholics, the Swargadwar Market is like a paradise. You can buy local hand-crafted items while enjoying local street food from the streets of Puri. While, for those interested in art and culture, the Raghurajpur Artist Village is a must-visit. It is home to many traditional artists
Travel Tips By Tripgala:
- Make sure to have the Mahaprasad, which is the food offerings of Lord Jagannath’s temple.
- When planning a trip to Puri, it is recommended to visit during the Ratha Yatra festival, which takes place in June or July, or during the Durga Puja festival in September or October.Â
- Be aware of the local weather conditions, as Puri experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
Best Time To Visit:Â The best time to visit Puri is during the winter months when the weather is cool and comfortable.
4. Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is a hupspot of endangered dolphins and several migratory birds. These include birds, such as flamingos, pelicans, cranes, storks, herons, egrets, and more. The lake also harbors a diverse population of mammals like deer, wild boar and leopards. Some popular activities at Chilika Lake include boating, birdwatching, fishing, and dolphin sighting.
Best Time To Visit: October To March
Also Check out: Top 9 Tourist Places in Kozhikode for an Unforgetful Experience
5. Cuttack
Cuttack tops the list here for popular places to visit in Odisha. Also known as the cultural capital of Odisha, this city has plently of tourist attractions. These include Mahanadi Barrage, Fort of Barabati, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Ansupa Lake, and Temples of Singanatha & Bhattarika. Moreover, this places also boasts a lot of artisan handicrafts. It is also famous for its silver work. Hence, Cuttack is also names as the silver city.
Ideal duration: 1 day
Best Time: July to March
6. Chandipur
Another delightful seaside village of Odisha is Chandipur. If beaches fasinate you, then do visit the Chandipur beach. What fascinating here is that the sea here disappears and reappears twice a day. In addition to the beach, there are other tourist attractions nearby, such as the Panchalingeswar Temple, Nilagiri, Sajanagarh, Remuna, and Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary. Youcan also enjoy local cuisine, particularly seafood, and there are accommodations available near the beach
Best Time To Visit: November To March
7. Hirakud Dam
Hirakud, the largest human-made dam in the country, is a top attraction in Bhubaneshwar city of Odisha. Constructed on the banks of Mahanadi River in Sambalpur, Hirakud is over 56km long. One of the major draws is a drive-through road that crosses the dam 21 kilometres over as you marvel at its skill and ingenuity. Of course, the panoramic viewpoint that the Gandhi and Nehru Minarets, which are situated toward the northern facade of the dam, provide is another remarkable aspect of the structure. With trees and lots of water all around, it’s a great place to go birdwatching as well.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Ideal duration to explore: 1 day
How To Reach Hirakud Dam?
To reach Hirakud Dam, you can opt for a bus, take the nearest train or go by air. Here are more details:
- By Rail: You can take a train from the neighbouring Hirakud Railway Station, which is situated across the Mahanadi River.
- By Air: The next best alternative is Raipur Airport. You can book a cab from the airport and reach Hirakud Dam.
- By Road: Buses are the best option, with both local and private bus options available.
8. Jeypore
Surrounded by high hills, Jeypore is a historical town in Odisha. It is one of the largest cities of odisha, known for offering spellbinding views of rocky outcrops, picturesque waterfalls, and fresh water lakes.Â
Best Time To Visit:Â October to February
9. Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Satkosia is a picturesque town located in the border of Angul and Nayagarh district of Odisha, India. It is popularly known for the tiger reserve. The Satkosia Tiger reserve is considered to be one of the best tourist places in Orissa. Located in the Eastern Highlands, this reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Best Time to Visit : November to March
Timings :Â 6am to 5pm
Entry Fees:Â INR 20 per person (Indians), INR 100 per person (Foreigners)
So, what’s the wait for? Pack your bags and make your next visit to this underrated eastern state, Odisha. From ancient temples to serene beaches and historic handicrafts, Odisha is a full package destination.
