Major Travel Spots in Odisha (Orissa)
Odisha (formerly Orissa) is a culturally rich and geographically diverse state on the eastern coast of India. From sacred coastal towns and ancient temples to dense forests, tribal heartlands and unique lakes, the state offers a wide range of destinations for pilgrims, nature lovers, photographers and general travellers alike.
1. Puri
Puri is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Hinduism, renowned for the towering Jagannath Temple, grand Rath Yatra festival and an expansive golden sea beach along the Bay of Bengal. The city beautifully combines intense religious devotion with a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
2. Konark Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site designed as a colossal stone chariot of the Sun God, Surya. Its intricately carved wheels, horses and sculpted panels depict celestial beings, dancers, animals and everyday life, making it one of the finest examples of Kalinga architecture in India.
3. Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, often called the “Temple City of India”, houses hundreds of ancient shrines, including Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple and Rajarani Temple. The city blends archaeological heritage with modern infrastructure, and is also the gateway to nearby Buddhist complexes such as Dhauli, Udayagiri and Khandagiri.
4. Chilika Lake
Chilika is Asia’s largest brackish-water lagoon, spread across multiple districts and dotted with islands like Nalabana, Kalijai and Satapada. It is globally important for migratory birds and known for Irrawaddy dolphin sightings, scenic boat rides and tranquil views of endless water and sky.
5. Gopalpur-on-Sea
Gopalpur-on-Sea is a serene coastal town that once served as a bustling port during the colonial era. Today it is famous for its quiet beach, gentle waves, sea-facing promenades and laid-back ambience, attracting travellers looking for relaxation away from busy urban centres.
6. Dhauli Hills
Dhauli, located on the banks of the Daya River near Bhubaneswar, is associated with the historic Kalinga War and Emperor Ashoka’s transformation towards Buddhism. The site features Ashokan rock edicts, a striking white Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) and panoramic views over the surrounding plains.
7. Cuttack
Cuttack is one of Odisha’s oldest cities, known for its medieval Barabati Fort remains, picturesque riverside setting between the Mahanadi and Kathajodi, and refined silver filigree (Tarakasi) craftsmanship. It also acts as an important commercial and cultural centre of the state.
8. Satkosia Gorge
Satkosia is a spectacular gorge carved by the Mahanadi River as it cuts through the Eastern Ghats, creating steep forested cliffs and biodiverse habitats. The region is part of a tiger reserve and is popular for eco-camp stays, river cruises, crocodile conservation and birdwatching.
9. Similipal National Park
Similipal is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve dominated by sal forests, rolling hills and multiple waterfalls. It shelters a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, deer and numerous bird species, along with rare medicinal plants and orchids, making it an important ecological hotspot.
10. Sambalpur & Hirakud Dam
Sambalpur is known for the iconic Hirakud Dam, one of the longest earthen dams in the world, built across the Mahanadi River. The region combines engineering marvels, scenic reservoir views, traditional Sambalpuri handloom textiles and historic temples, offering a mix of culture and landscape.
11. Daringbadi
Daringbadi is a cool, forested hill station often referred to as the “Kashmir of Odisha”. Pine forests, coffee and spice plantations, misty valleys and quiet viewpoints create an unexpectedly cool climate in an otherwise tropical region, making it ideal for nature retreats.
12. Berhampur
Berhampur is a bustling commercial city known for silk sarees, thriving marketplaces and numerous temples. It also serves as a convenient base for visiting Gopalpur Beach, nearby hills and rural landscapes in southern Odisha.
13. Rajhans Island & Chilika Mouth
Located near Satapada at the point where Chilika Lake meets the sea, Rajhans Island is a narrow sandbar with water on both sides and a largely untouched environment. Boat trips here offer a combination of lagoon views, birdlife and a feeling of being far removed from urban civilisation.
14. Chandipur Beach
Chandipur Beach is uniquely known for its “vanishing sea” phenomenon, where the water recedes up to several kilometres during low tide. This unusual retreat and advance of the sea creates vast exposed sand and tidal patterns, offering a rare coastal experience.
15. Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika is India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem, criss-crossed by creeks and tidal rivers. It is famous for saltwater crocodiles, rich birdlife, mudflats, and dense mangrove forests, making it a prime destination for ecological tourism and wildlife photography.
16. Koraput
Koraput district is a tribal-dominated and hilly region marked by green valleys, coffee plantations and waterfalls. It is home to the Sabara Srikhetra Temple and provides deep insight into the traditional lifestyles, markets and cultures of indigenous communities.
17. Deomali Hills
Deomali, the highest peak in Odisha, lies in the Eastern Ghats and offers sweeping views of surrounding hills, forests and distant valleys. Its relatively untouched slopes are attractive for trekking, camping and nature exploration in a peaceful setting.
18. Jeypore
Jeypore, the cultural capital of the Koraput district, stands as one of Odisha’s most historically significant and naturally endowed towns. Surrounded by the undulating Eastern Ghats, lush forests, perennial waterfalls, expansive reservoirs and vibrant tribal settlements, Jeypore offers an immersive blend of heritage, nature and local life. Once the seat of the Jeypore Kingdom, this region still preserves the royal legacy of the Suryavanshi rulers while flourishing as a major centre for trade, agriculture, handicrafts and tribal cultures.
19. Rayagada
Rayagada is characterised by rugged hills, scenic valleys, terraced fields and a strong tribal presence. The famous hanging bridge at Chekaguda and several rural markets showcase both natural beauty and living indigenous culture.
Rayagada district is known for its vibrant tribal communities, especially the Dongria Kondh, Desia Kondh, Soura, Jhodia, and Paraja tribes. Their colourful weekly markets, traditional jewellery, vibrant costumes, and nature-based rituals form the cultural backbone of the region. Rayagada is also an important agricultural and forest economy zone, producing turmeric, ginger, pineapple, jackfruit, bamboo crafts, and tribal paintings.
20. Taptapani
Taptapani is a natural hot spring set amidst forested surroundings. The warm, mineral-rich water is traditionally believed to have therapeutic value, and the area provides a quiet retreat with views of hills and rural life.
21. Paradeep
Paradeep (also written as Paradip) is one of the most fascinating coastal towns of Odisha, where the deep–water port, the vast Bay of Bengal, lush mangrove belts and tranquil beaches come together in a striking contrast of industry and nature. Located at the confluence of the mighty Mahanadi River and the sea, Paradeep is not only a major maritime gateway of Eastern India but also a steadily emerging tourist destination known for its serene coastline, lighthouse views, river estuary, marine life and proximity to turtle–nesting beaches.
22. Baripada
Baripada, the cultural capital of North Odisha, is a historic town gracefully seated along the banks of the Budhabalanga River. Renowned for its rich tribal heritage, ancient temples, expansive forests, colourful festivals and the world-famous Chhau dance, Baripada offers an immersive travel experience where tradition, spirituality and nature coexist with harmonious elegance. Situated in the Mayurbhanj district, this town is blessed with the legacy of the Bhanja dynasty and stands today as a gateway to some of eastern India’s most enchanting landscapes, particularly the Similipal Tiger Reserve.
23. Chandrabhaga Beach
Chandrabhaga Beach, on the eastern coast of Odisha, is a place where legend, spirituality and the sea have been intertwined for centuries. Stretching along the Bay of Bengal with a backdrop of casuarina groves and sand dunes, it offers one of the most serene seascapes in eastern India. Once famed as a natural healing centre and now honoured with the prestigious Blue Flag eco-label, Chandrabhaga is both a sacred shrine of the Sun and a modern model of sustainable beach tourism.
24. Taratarini Temple
The Tara Tarini Temple, one of the most revered Shakti Peethas of India, stands majestically atop the picturesque Kumari Hills along the banks of the Rushikulya River in Ganjam district, Odisha. This sacred shrine—believed to be one of the earliest centers of the Mother Goddess cult—is deeply intertwined with mythological narratives, tribal traditions, Tantric worship, and classical Hinduism. The setting itself is dramatic: two ancient deities presiding over a hilltop blanketed with greenery, surrounded by rolling landscapes, and overlooking the shimmering river that flows gracefully through the plains below.
25. Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, located on the western outskirts of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, stand as magnificent remnants of India’s ancient rock-cut architecture. These twin hill complexes, carved during the reign of Emperor Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty (1st century BCE), represent a unique fusion of Jain heritage, artistic endeavour and historical documentation. Spread across two hilltops, the caves functioned as residential chambers for Jain monks and ascetics, offering them a peaceful environment for meditation, study and spiritual retreat.
26. Hirapur (64 Yogini Temple)
Hidden in a quiet village near Bhubaneswar lies one of India’s most intriguing and spiritually powerful monuments— the Hirapur 64 Yogini Temple, locally known as Mahāmāyā Temple. Built during the 9th century under the rule of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty, this circular open-to-sky shrine represents one of only four surviving Yogini temples in India. It is an architectural, cultural, and spiritual treasure that offers a rare insight into the esoteric practices of Yogini worship, Tantric philosophy, and ancient feminine energy cults.
27. Raghurajpur Heritage Village
Nestled along the palm-lined banks of the Bhargavi River, not far from the sacred town of Puri, lies one of India’s most celebrated craft villages—Raghurajpur Heritage Village. A place where every home is an art studio, where walls narrate stories in brilliant colours, and where centuries-old traditions are preserved with devotion, Raghurajpur represents the soul of Odisha’s artistic heritage.
28. Tikarpada
Tikarpada, nestled deep within the Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary of Odisha, stands as one of the most breathtaking eco-destinations in Eastern India. Here, the Mahanadi River cuts dramatically through the Eastern Ghats, forming a 22 km-long gorge—one of the most stunning river canyons in the country. Tikarpada is a sanctuary of raw nature: dense forests alive with wildlife, serene riverbanks, mist-covered hills, and a tranquillity that remains untouched by mass tourism.
29. Ansupa Lake
Ansupa Lake, cradled gently between the Saranda Hills and the bamboo-filled Banki forests, is a quiet paradise tucked in the heart of Cuttack district in Odisha. Famous as the state’s largest freshwater lake and one of the oldest natural wetlands in Eastern India, Ansupa mesmerizes visitors with its poetic charm, reflective waters, migratory birds, lotus-filled stretches, and lush greenery throughout the year.
30. Khiching
Khiching, a serene heritage town in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, stands today as one of the most culturally significant yet lesser-explored destinations in Eastern India. Once the capital of the Bhanja dynasty, this ancient town is renowned for its breathtaking temples crafted from black chlorite stone, its unique archaeological treasures, and its rich legacy of stone carving.
31. Balasore
Balasore (also written as Baleshwar or Baleswar) is one of the most dynamic cities of northern Odisha, gracefully balancing its historic legacy with its present role in India’s strategic and scientific landscape. Situated close to the Bay of Bengal and nourished by the Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha river systems, Balasore is at once a trade town, a cultural centre, a gateway to serene beaches, and a name closely associated with India’s missile and defence research programmes.
32. Talasari Beach
Talasari Beach, located at the northern tip of Odisha in Balasore district, is one of the most serene and picturesque coastal landscapes in Eastern India. The name “Talasari” is believed to originate from two sources: the rhythmic “tala” or beat-like rhythm of the waves and, alternatively, from the presence of abundant palm trees around the shoreline. Whichever interpretation one prefers, the destination remains an ethereal blend of soft waves, glistening sands, shallow tidal channels and tranquil estuaries enriched by the lush greenery of casuarina and palm groves.
33. Harishankar Falls
Harishankar, nestled on the southern slopes of the legendary Gandhamardan Hills in western Odisha, is a rare destination where sacred devotion and pristine nature exist in perfect harmony. The site is best known for the Harishankar Temple dedicated to the combined form of Lord Vishnu (Hari) and Lord Shiva (Shankar), and for the beautiful Harishankar Falls that tumbles down rocky terraces just beside the shrine. Wrapped in dense forests, rugged hillocks and refreshing streams, Harishankar offers a deeply spiritual yet refreshingly natural retreat for pilgrims, nature lovers, trekkers and cultural travellers alike.
34. Gandhamardan Hills
The Gandhamardan Hills stand like an ancient sentinel between Bargarh and Balangir districts of Odisha—an enormous, forest-clad massif enriched with rare medicinal herbs, mythological legends, and breathtaking natural beauty. Often described as a living museum of biodiversity, this mountain range is believed to have been part of the mystical herb-bearing hill carried by Lord Hanuman during the Ramayana. Even today, Gandhamardan exudes an aura of spiritual antiquity, ecological richness, and tranquil wilderness.
35. Bargarh
Bargarh, located in the western belt of Odisha, is one of the state’s most culturally vibrant and agriculturally significant districts. Known widely as the “Rice Bowl of Odisha,” Bargarh is celebrated for its extensive farmlands, rich folklore, traditional performing arts, and historical landmarks. From the grand Dhanu Yatra—the world’s largest open-air theatre—to ancient temples, irrigation marvels, wildlife landscapes, and tribal cultural pockets, Bargarh offers travellers a deeply immersive and fulfilling experience.
36. Sonapur Beach (Bahuda Mouth)
Sonapur Beach, located near the serene Bahuda River Mouth on the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border, is one of the most pristine, untouched, and ecologically rich coastal landscapes of Eastern India. Known for its vast golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and the unique confluence where the Bahuda River merges gracefully with the Bay of Bengal, the region is an haven for travellers who seek solitude, nature, and wilderness far from crowded beach destinations.
37. Kalahandi
Kalahandi, located in the southwestern part of Odisha, is one of India’s most culturally enriched and geographically diverse regions. Known for its ancient civilizations, tribal heritage, vibrant festivals, dense forests, gushing waterfalls, and majestic plateau landscapes, Kalahandi stands today as an extraordinary destination for nature lovers, researchers, historians, and travellers seeking raw, unfiltered beauty. Once marked by distress, the district has transformed significantly, now emerging as a symbol of resilience, ecological richness, and heritage preservation.
38. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located along the serene western fringes of Odisha, stands as one of the most captivating natural reserves of eastern India. Nestled around the magnificent Hirakud Reservoir and occupying over 350 square kilometres of rugged wilderness, Debrigarh is a sanctuary where nature thrives in its rawest form. Known for its dense dry deciduous forests, diverse wildlife population, historic landscapes, and enchanting lakeside serenity, the sanctuary attracts nature enthusiasts, wildlife researchers, photographers, trekkers, and travellers seeking profound immersion in the natural world.
39. Buddhistic Triangle: Ratnagiri, Udayagiri & Lalitgiri
The Buddhist complex of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri consists of monasteries, stupas, sculptures and excavated remains, collectively known as the “Diamond Triangle” of Odisha. These sites reveal the region’s major role in the spread of Buddhism and attract historians, pilgrims and cultural tourists.
40. Pipili
Pipili is a small town famous for its brightly coloured appliqué craft used in canopies, umbrellas, wall hangings and decorative items. The roadside shops lined with embroidered textiles make it an attractive halt on the route between Bhubaneswar and Puri.