TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN ODISHA
In this blog, we are going to know the best places to visit in Odisha. There are many beautiful states in India, but Odisha has a different charm. Odisha is very underrated in terms of visits in comparison to the other states. It is located on the eastern coast of India. Odisha, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, and beautiful beaches, offers a plethora of attractions for travelers. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Odisha:
Best places to visit in Odisha
1. Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is a city known for its rich history, architectural heritage, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the top attractions in Bhubaneswar.
The temple timings in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, can vary depending on the specific temple you’re interested in visiting. However, in general, most temples in Bhubaneswar follow a similar schedule. Temples usually open early in the morning, around 5:00 or 6:00 AM, and remain open until midday, around 12:00 PM. Afternoon hours are typically closed for a few hours and then reopen in the evening, around 4:00 or 5:00 PM, and remain open until around 9:00 or 10:00 PM.
It’s always a good idea to check the specific temple’s website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on their opening and closing times, as they can vary depending on the day of the week and any special occasions or festivals.
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry fee: N/A
Check out: Orissa Tribal Tour
2. Puri, Odisha
The main temple in Puri, Odisha, is the Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu), his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, where the deities are taken out in a grand procession on elaborately decorated chariots.
The temple is an important pilgrimage destination and is known for its architectural grandeur and religious significance. The temple complex is vast and includes several smaller temples and shrines dedicated to various deities.
Best time to visit: October to February
Entry fee: N/A
3. Konark, Odisha
The Konark Sun Temple, located in Konark, Odisha, is a stunning example of ancient Indian architecture and is dedicated to the Hindu sun god, Surya. The temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with 24 wheels, pulled by seven horses, representing the seven days of the week and the 24 hours of the day.
Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, the Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its intricate stone carvings and sculptures. The temple is designed in such a way that the first rays of the sun illuminate the main entrance every morning.
The temple complex is surrounded by a large number of smaller temples and shrines, as well as a beautiful garden. The temple was originally located on the seafront, but over the centuries, the sea has receded, and the temple is now several kilometers inland.
Best time to visit: October to March
4. Chilika Lake, Odisha
It is a salty-sweet water lagoon in the Odisha State, on the east coast of India. India has got the Biggest Coastal Lagoon in the country and it is the second biggest in the world. The lake is an isolated ecosystem and its vent to the Bay of Bengal is the thin sandbar that sets it apart. It is for this reason, that it is ecologically important. Places to visit: Rambha, Kalijai Island, Nalabana Island, Chourbar Shiva Temple etc. Chilika Lake, located in Odisha, is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. While there are no temples located directly on the lake, there are several temples in the surrounding areas that are worth visiting:
Best time to visit: November to February
Entry fee: N/A
5. Raghurajpur, Odisha
It is famed for its Pattachitra paintings, which is an ancient technique of depicting images on muslin cloths and palm leaves, using natural mineral colors. The village is equally known for having Gotipua dance troupes which are traditional dance gangs that use young boys dressed as girls for performance of classical Bharatanatyam. Places to visit: Pattachitra Galleries, Artisan Homes, Heritage Crafts Village, Harishankar Temple etc. Raghurajpur, located in Odisha, is a traditional artist village known for its Pattachitra paintings, Gotipua dance performances, and various handicrafts. While Raghurajpur is not specifically known for its temples, there are several small temples and shrines scattered throughout the village that add to its cultural and spiritual ambiance.
Best time to visit: October to February
Entry fee: N/A
6. Simlipal National Park, Odisha
It is ranked among the biggest and oldest national parks of the country, and it spans an area of around 2,750 square kilometers. The park lies in the Simlipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve, one of the nine reserves in the state of Odisha, which belongs to the Mahanati tiger reserve. There is a great deal that is associated with the area such as its natural beauty seen by the numerous waterfalls including Joranda and Barehipani. The beautiful landscape with the diversity of its terrain makes it a lovely area in which nature lovers and amateur photographers would love to spend their time.
Places to visit: Barehipani Waterfall, Joranda Waterfall, Chahala, Gurguria etc.
Simlipal National Park, located in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, is one of the largest and most important tiger reserves in India. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and dense forests. Here is some information about Simlipal National Park:
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- Location: Simlipal National Park is located in the northern part of Odisha, near the town of Baripada. It is spread over an area of about 2,750 square kilometers.
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- Flora and Fauna: The national park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including around 94 species of orchids, 231 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, and 29 species of reptiles. It is also known for its population of Royal Bengal tigers.
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- Tiger Reserve: Simlipal National Park is part of the larger Similipal Tiger Reserve, which was established in 1956 to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. The reserve is also home to other big cats like leopards and wild elephants.
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- Vegetation: The park is predominantly covered with thick deciduous forests, interspersed with grasslands and rocky outcrops. The forests are teeming with a variety of plant species, including sal, bamboo, and various medicinal plants.
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- Waterfalls and Rivers: Simlipal is dotted with several picturesque waterfalls, such as Joranda and Barehipani waterfalls, which are popular tourist attractions. The park is also crisscrossed by several rivers and streams.
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- Sightseeing and Activities: Visitors to Simlipal National Park can enjoy jeep safaris, nature walks, and birdwatching excursions. The park is also known for its rich tribal culture, and visitors can interact with the local tribes and learn about their way of life.
Best time to visit: October to February
7. Dhauli, Odisha
Shri Dhauli is an ancient monument in Odisha, that is located at a distance of 8 km from the state capital, Bhubaneswar. This is a crucial region because it is the site of the oldest rock edicts and other archaeological remains that go back to the 3rd century BCE. The Dhauli stands out as an important landmark to understanding the course of Indian civilization and Buddhism. Dhauli is not only a historical and archaeological site. Instead, it is a center of Buddhist worship for the Buddhists as well as a place visited by tourists interested in the history of Indian culture and spiritual life.
Places to visit: Ashokan Rock Edicts, Shanti Stupa, Dhauli Giri Hills, Dhauli Museum, etc.
8. Lingaraj Temple, Odisha
The Lingaraj Temple, a Hindu temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is found in the city of Bhubaneswar, in Odisha, a state in the south-eastern region of India. It is one of the outstanding temples of the region and is the most important place to visit in Odisha for people who consider Lord Shiva as their divinity. Places to visit: Bhairavi Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Bindusagar Tank etc.
Lingaraj Temple is one of the most famous temples in Odisha and is located in the capital city of Bhubaneswar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a revered pilgrimage site and an architectural marvel. Here is some information about Lingaraj Temple:
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- Architecture: The Lingaraj Temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture and is believed to have been built in the 11th century by the King Jajati Keshari. The temple is known for its towering spire (deul) that rises to a height of about 55 meters, making it one of the tallest temples in Bhubaneswar.
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- Deity: The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of a lingam (an abstract representation of Shiva). The lingam is adorned with various offerings and is bathed daily with milk, water, and bael leaves.
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- Architecture: The Lingaraj Temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture and is believed to have been built in the 11th century by the King Jajati Keshari. The temple is known for its towering spire (deul) that rises to a height of about 55 meters, making it one of the tallest temples in Bhubaneswar.
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- Architecture: The Lingaraj Temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture and is believed to have been built in the 11th century by the King Jajati Keshari. The temple is known for its towering spire (deul) that rises to a height of about 55 meters, making it one of the tallest temples in Bhubaneswar.
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry fee: N/A
9. Hirakud Dam, Odisha
The dam spans across the Mahanadi River, one of the major rivers of the subcontinent. The dam lies near the junction of the river near Swimambpur town and performs many functions such as flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric energy production, among others. Dam built between 1948 and 1957 and is thus one of the oldest large-scale river valley schemes of India. Places to visit: Hirakud Dam Reservoir, Gandhi Minar, Hirakud Wildlife Sanctuary, Sambalpur etc.
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry fee: N/A
10. Gopalpur-on-Sea, Odisha
It is one of the Seven Sisters, on the Bay of Bengal, has the talk-of-the-town beaches and hosts historical sites. The small town was once the pulse of trade in the British era and it was the key shipping point and a center of commercial activities. Visitors can look around the remnants of the old walls and warehouses reflecting the local’s sea-based history. Places to visit: Gopalpur Beach, Gopalpur Light House, Ruins of Old Jetty etc.
Best time to visit: November to February
Entry fee: N/A