What To Do And Where To Go During An Odisha Tour

Picture Credit: Odisha Tourism

What you don't usually find elsewhere in India is what you can probably find in the state of Odisha, located along the country's eastern coast, with a coastline of about 485 kms. The state in itself is easily accessible, and its major airport is in Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital city.

Odisha has been given many names until now – some call it India’s sports capital, some know it as a place rooted in deep history and heritage, some refer it to as the “green state” as it is calm, serene and laid back, while others refer it as the humble abode of Lord Jagannath, where the annual Rath Yatra festival is celebrated.

However, the state is known as “India’s Best Kept Secret” which is gradually being explored by tourists from near and far, who are visiting Odisha to soak in its enchanting beauty.  While on one side, you can find a radiant flaunt of heritage and history in the monuments of this state such as Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, on the other side, Odisha is home to exotic beaches, significant shrines, breathtaking forts, sparkling waterfalls, sprawling biodiversity, vibrant ethnicity, and most importantly friendly people.

Although it’s almost impossible to list down every tourist spot in Odisha, here is a compilation of a few enchanting places that you can explore through Odisha Tour Packages.

1) Dhauligiri

The great Kalinga war took place here, and Dhauligiri also witnessed King Ashoka’s transformation into a Buddhist follower. The Buddhist teachings still reverberate on the walls of Dhauligiri. Well, if the tales sound interesting, this place should form a part of your must visit list in Odisha. What you are going to take back from here are the beautiful sight of the Shanti Stupa, fantastic learnings of the Buddhist culture, and some wondrous natural views of the Dhauli hills.

2) Temple Hopping in Bhubaneswar

If you’re a religious person, Bhubaneswar has lots to offer with more than 600 temples spread across the city. You might not be able to cover all of them in a couple days, but you ought to visit a few important ones such as Lingaraj temple, Ram Mandir, Iskcon Temple, Rajarani Temple and Mukteswar Temple to pay obeisance and receive blessings. Even if being religious is not how you want to spend your days in this city, it is still suggested that you visit these places. One would definitely be enthralled gazing at the architectural beauty and uniqueness which each of these temples exhibit.

Lingaraj Temple (Photo Credit: Odisha Tourism)

Mukteshwar Temple (Photo Credit: Odisha Tourism)

3) Puri Temple & Beach

A tour of Odisha is never complete without taking a trip to the land of Lord Jagannath. After visiting the Puri Temple, head straight to the Puri Beach to rejuvenate yourself by the beach. In case you are looking for more serenity, then take the Puri-Konark Marine Drive route, and make your way towards the Ramchandi Beach. The journey is interesting with gorgeous scenic views laced all along.

4) Wildlife escapade

Odisha is a land of exotic birds, crocodiles, tigers, deer, elephants, dolphins, turtles and many more species. While Bhitarkanika sanctuary is where you’ll spot saltwater crocodiles, Gahirmatha marine sanctuary is where the Olive Ridley turtles pay their annual visit. If you really want to enjoy the wild side of Odisha, and don’t have much time to travel to far-off places, then do visit Nandankanan Zoological Park and Chilika wildlife sanctuary, as both of them offer wonderful wildlife moments.

Apart from these, one can visit Koraput for an ultimate ‘surreal trip’, or head to Raghurajpur village for a hands-on experience on Pattachitra art, or join any of the eco-tour nature camps for a memorable stay and an adventurous experience. Odisha truly and definitely has a lot to offer for visitors.

P.S.: This post is in collaboration with Best Choice Holiday