Iconic Attractions & Places to Visit in Odisha
Odisha, located on India’s eastern coast, is a land of ancient temples, scenic beaches, tribal culture, wildlife sanctuaries, and rich history. From world-famous UNESCO heritage sites to peaceful hill stations and vibrant port towns, Odisha offers something for every traveler.
Top Iconic Tourist Places in Odisha
1. Puri
Puri is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. The city is famous for the Jagannath Temple and the annual Rath Yatra, attracting millions of devotees every year.There was you can enjoy see beach at puri
2. Konark
Konark is home to the magnificent Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is designed in the shape of a giant chariot and is a masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture.
3. Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. It is famous for migratory birds, Irrawaddy dolphins, and breathtaking natural beauty.
4. Bhubaneswar
Known as the “Temple City of India,” Bhubaneswar showcases ancient Kalinga architecture. It also serves as the capital city and a modern educational and IT hub.
5. Cuttack
Cuttack, the Silver City of Odisha, is known for its silver filigree work, Barabati Fort, and rich cultural heritage.
6. Paradeep
Paradeep is a major port town of Odisha. It plays a crucial role in India’s maritime trade and also offers serene beaches and coastal views.
District-Wise Places to Visit in Odisha (30 Districts)
Angul
- Satkosia Gorge Satkosia Gorge is a stunning 14-mile-long gorge in Odisha, India, carved by the Mahanadi River, forming part of the Satkosia Tiger Reserve known for its diverse ecosystem, gharials, crocodiles, and tiger population, offering eco-tourism with boat rides, treks, and forest stays for adventure seekers. The name "Satkosia" means "seven kos," with a kos being two miles, referencing the gorge's length, and it spans multiple districts, providing a rich natural habitat.
- Hingula Temple The Hingula Temple refers to two major sacred sites for Hindus: the Maa Hingula Temple in Gopalprasad, Odisha, India, a significant Shakti Peetha linked to Lord Jagannath's kitchen, known for its annual Hingula Yatra festival; and the Hinglaj Mata Temple in Balochistan, Pakistan, an ancient cave shrine and major Shakti Peetha where Sati's head is believed to have fallen, revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Both are dedicated to Goddess Hingula (or Hinglaj Devi), a form of Durga/Shakti.
Balangir
- Harishankar Temple Sri Sri Harisankar Devasthana is a temple on the slopes of Gandhamardhan hills, Bolangir District of Odisha in India. It is popular for its scenes of nature and connection to two Hindu lords, Vishnu and Shiva.
- Nrusinghanath Temple Nrusinghanath Temple, is a Hindu temple in Western Odisha, India, situated at the foothills of Gandhamardhan hills near Paikmal, Bargarh. The King of Patna, Baijal Singh Dev laid the foundation of this historic temple in early 15th century CE.
Balasore
- Chandipur Beach Chandipur Beach in Odisha, India, is famous for its unique "hide-and-seek" phenomenon, where the sea water recedes up to 5 kilometers during low tide, exposing the seabed and allowing people to walk far out, only to return dramatically at high tide, creating a tranquil, otherworldly landscape with red crabs and marine life.
- Panchalingeswar Panchalingeswar Temple, nestled in the Nilagiri Hills of Balasore, is a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring five lingas submerged in a perennial stream.
Bargarh
- Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Debrigarh Sanctuary spreading over 347 Sq Kms is an excellent habitat for Leopard, Bison, Sambar, Elephants, Wild... Similipal Tiger Reserve which spreads over 2750 Sq. Kms is a part of Central Indian Landscape.
- Nrusinghnath Nrusinghanath Temple, is a Hindu temple in Western Odisha, India, situated at the foothills of Gandhamardhan hills near Paikmal, Bargarh. The King of Patna, Baijal Singh Dev laid the foundation of this historic temple in early 15th century CE.[1] It is only 45 feet in height, divided into two parts: the first being the seat of the Lord Nrusinghnath, the second allotted to Jagamohan (antechamber having 3 gates and each supported by 4 pillars.
Bhadrak
- Dhamra Port Dhamra is one of the deep draft ports of India which can accommodate super cape-size vessels. It is an all-weather, multi-user, multi-cargo port poised to become the largest and most efficient port in the east coast of India.
- Akhandalamani Temple Akhandalamani Temple at Aradi village, Odisha, India, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Aradi is about 37 kilometres away from Bhadrak. The present fifty-foot cement and concrete temple structure replaced a wooden temple some time between 1830 and 1840 AD.
Boudh
- Boudh Buddhist Sites Boudh, Odisha, is a significant, yet lesser-known, center for ancient Buddhist sites, especially for Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism), featuring ruins like Dambarugada (a tantric hub) and remnants at Pargalpur, with Buddhist figures and structures dating back centuries, often found integrated into Hindu temples like the star-shaped Ramesvara Temple complex.
- Ram Nath Temple "Ramnath Mandir" generally refers to the Shri Ramnath Temple in Ponda, Goa, dedicated to Lord Ramnath (a form of Shiva/Vishnu unity), known for its unique architecture without pillars and a lamp tower.
Cuttack
- Barabati Fort Situated in Barabati, near the merging waters of the mighty Mahanadi and Kathjodi rivers, this fortress occupies a strategic position that once brimmed with life and activity. Beyond its role as a formidable military stronghold, the fort was a bustling centre of trade and culture.
- Netaji Birthplace Museum At the heart of Cuttack stands an esteemed institution that pays homage to one of India's greatest freedom fighters: Subhas Chandra Bose. The Netaji Birth Place Museum stands as a testament to his legacy; housed within his ancestral house where he was born and boasting beautiful gardens filled with blooming flowers for an immersive journey through his extraordinary life. Step into the Netaji Birth Place Museum and become immersed in Subhas Chandra Bose's captivating life. Each gallery holds memorabilia that spans his political career - from birth, early upbringing and his vital role in India's fight for independence - to significant chapters from his early upbringing and birthplace itself.
Deogarh
- Pradhanpat Waterfall Towering waterfall surrounded by stone cliffs & tumbling into a pool, with a lookout area.
- Kundheijhar Waterfall Keonjhar district in Odisha is famous for several beautiful waterfalls, including the towering Khandadhar Falls, the popular picnic spot Sanaghagara Falls, the scenic Gundicha Ghagi (Gundichaghai) near Ghatagaon, the lush Badaghagara Waterfall, and the serene Handibhanga Waterfall, each offering unique natural beauty and spots for visitors.
Dhenkanal
- Kapilash Temple
- Saptasajya
Gajapati
- Mahendragiri Hills
- Paralakhemundi Palace
Ganjam
- Gopalpur Beach
- Taratarini Temple
- Taptapani(Hot Springs ♨ Water)
Jagatsinghpur
- Paradip Beach
- Sarada Temple
Jajpur
- Biraja Temple
- Udayagiri and Ratnagiri
Jharsuguda
- Hirakud Reservoir (Western side)
- Koilighugar Waterfall
Kalahandi
- Phurlijharan Waterfall
- Rabandhara Waterfall
Kandhamal
- Daringbadi
- Putudi Waterfall
Kendrapara
- Bhitarkanika National Park
- Gahirmatha Beach
Kendujhar (Keonjhar)
- Sanaghagara Waterfall
- Badaghagara Waterfall
Khordha
- Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
- Chilika (Rambha)
Koraput
- Deomali Hill
- Gupteswar Cave
Malkangiri
- Balimela Reservoir
- Satiguda Dam
Mayurbhanj
- Similipal National Park
- Devkund Waterfall
Nabarangpur
- Podagada Fort
- Rabandarh Waterfall
Nayagarh
- Kantilo Nilamadhab Temple
- Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary
Nuapada
- Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
- Yogimath Temple
Puri
- Jagannath Temple
- Golden Beach
Rayagada
- Hatipathar Waterfall
- Minajhola
Sambalpur
- Hirakud Dam
- Samaleswari Temple
Sonepur
- Sonepur Temple Town
- Tel River Viewpoints
Sundargarh
- Khandadhar Waterfall
- Mandira Dam
Conclusion
Odisha is a treasure trove of culture, spirituality, nature, and history. Whether you are a pilgrim, nature lover, historian, or casual traveler, Odisha’s diverse destinations promise a memorable experience.
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