20 Best Tourist Places in Odisha You Must Visit

source: revv

Odisha, formerly written as Orissa, is a state located in the eastern part of India. Regarding tourism, this state has a rich tribal culture to share with its visitors and magnificent Hindu Temples that date back many years. People often call Odisha “India’s best-kept secret”, and here you will be able to experience spirituality alongside historic architecture and landscapes.

Through this blog, we will help you to plan your next trip to Odisha. So, scroll down to know about the 20 best places to visit in Odisha.

Odisha is packed with a vibrant cultural history. This state houses temples that exhibit stunning architectural excellence. Additionally, the beaches along the coastline are delightful. Over the course of this blog, we will cover the top 20 tourist places in Odisha so that you can know more about this state.

1. Bhubaneswar

source: tripsavvy

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is sometimes known as the temple city of India because of the plethora of ancient temples. It is a lively city that is rich in culture. This city is one of the pillars of the Golden Triangle of traditions and cultures of East India.

• Best Time to Visit- October to March 
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,500 - 2,500 for hotel per night
• Places to Visit- Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Hirakud Dam, Bindu Sarovara, Bhaskareswara Temple.
• Things to Do- Visit ISKCON Temple, tour the Odisha State Museum, explore Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts, walk around Biju Patnaik Park, and eat Odia food.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Biju Patnaik International Airport.
• By Train- Bhubaneswar Railway Station.
• By Road- You will easily get taxis, deluxe buses, AC coaches and Government coaches that will take you to and from Bhubaneshwar.

2. Puri

source: tosshub

Puri or Jagannath Puri is a must-visit pilgrimage for almost all Hindus as the Jagannath Temple is one of the holy places or Dhams in Char Dham Yatra. It celebrates the largest Rath Yatra in the country. This beach city of Odisha is situated 60 km away from capital city, Bhubaneswar. There are a lot of famous places in and around Puri that you must visit while you come here for pilgrimage.

• Best Time to Visit- July to March 
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,000 - 2,000 for hotel per night
• Places to Visit- Sri Jagannath Puri Temple, Puri Beach, Narendra Tank, Chilika Lake, Sudarshan Crafts Museum. 
• Things to Do- Complete one of the Dhams in Char Dham Yatra, pray at the various temples, walk around the beaches, shop from local vendors at the beach, and eat seafood.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Nearest airport is 49 km away from Bhubaneswar.
• By Train- Puri has a railway station of its own.
• By Road- Buses are available from Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Vizag to Puri.

3. Cuttack

source: delhimetrotimes

Cuttack is Odisha's cultural capital and has numerous tourist attractions. Even though it is the cultural capital, it is also a commercial city. People have nicknamed this place the Silver City due to the abundance of silver works that take place in this city. Furthermore, if you travel in January, you will get to attend many festivals that exclusively take place here.

• Best Time to Visit- July to March 
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,500 - 2,500 for hotel per night
• Places to Visit- Barabati Fort, Chandi Temple, Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, Netaji Birth Place Museum, State Botanical Garden. 
• Things to Do- Attend festivals like Baliyatra, fly kites at the Kite festival, visit Odisha State Maritime Museum, see deer at Deer Park, and shop from locals.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Biju Patnaik Airport is 30 km away.
• By Train- Cuttack Junction
• By Road- Buses and taxis travel via NH 16 and NH 55 to reach Cuttack.

4. Konark

source: wikimedia

Konark is famous worldwide because this is where the iconic Sun Temple is located. This SUN Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It depicts the extraordinary architecture of 13th century. Besides marvelling at the beautiful architecture, tourists can visit the pristine and clear beaches in Odisha. Here they can dip their feet in soft sand and enjoy the views of crystal-clear sea.

• Best Time to Visit- September to March 
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,000 - 1,500 for hotel per night 
• Places to Visit- Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, Astaranga Beach, ASI Museum, Ramchandi Beach.
• Things to Do- Camping, walking around the beaches, eating local food, shopping from local stores, attending Konark Dance Festival.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Airport at Bhubaneswar is 50 km away.
• By Train- Nearest railway station is at Puri, 35 km away.
• By Road- Buses are available regularly from most parts of Odisha to Konark.

5. Rourkela

source: mayfairhotels

Rourkela is also popularly referred to as the Steel City of India or Ispat Nagar because this was among the first few cities that had commercialised steel production in India. Hills and rivers surround this beautiful city that falls under Sundergarh district. Moreover, Rourkela holds much religious significance to Hindus as it prominently appeared in both Ramayana and Mahabharata.

• Best Time to Visit- October to March 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 500 - 1,000 for hotel per night
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day 
• Places to Visit- Vedvyas, Ghogar, Hanuman Vatika, VIP Market, Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium. 
• Things to Do- Sightseeing, city shopping, exploring Indira Gandhi Park, driving around the city, trying delicacies from local food joints. 

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Nearest airport is Rourkela Airport.
• By Train- Rourkela Junction.
• By Road- State and private buses are available from all parts of Odisha.

6. Chandipur

source: wikimedia

Chandipur is a quaint seaside village from where one can witness the beautiful coastline of Odisha. Tourists come here to see the spectacular beaches and breathtaking sunset and sunrise views.

• Best Time to Visit- November to March 
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,000 - 1,200 for hotel per night
• Places to Visit- Chandipur Beach, Similipal Forest Reserve, Remuna, Sajangarh, Panchalingeswar Shrine. 
• Things to Do- Go sightseeing, do city shopping, eat seafood, walk around beaches, and pick sea shells from beaches.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Biju Patnaik Airport is 217 km away.
• By Train- Balasore Railway Station is 14 km away.
• By Road- You will easily get taxis and buses from Bhubaneswar and Balasore.

7. Baripada

source: wikimedia

Baripada is among the famous places in Odisha, and it welcomes visitors from Odisha and other parts of India. Furthermore, Baripada is Dwitiya Srikhetra because it hosts the second oldest and largest Rath Yatra after Puri. Another speciality of Baripada's Rath Yatra is that only women pull Maa Subhadra's Rath. We suggest you visit Baripada during the Rath Yatra to be a part of this unique spiritual experience.

• Best Time to Visit- October to June 
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,500 - 2,000 for hotel per night
• Places to Visit- Jagannath Temple Baripada, Similipal National Park, Baripada Museum, Jwala Mukhi Temple, Palace of Mayur Bhanj. 
• Things to Do- Visit Kichakeswsari Temple, eat at local restaurants, explore Lulung, go sightseeing, and book a safari at a national park.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Nearest Airport is at Kolkata, which is 248 km.
• By Train- It has a railway station of its own, but not many trains cross this station. You will find trains from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
• By Road- Buses and taxis are easily available from Balasore, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Cuttack, and Kharagpur.

8. Gopalpur

source: tripadvisor

Gopalpur once used to be a busy seaport during the colonial era. Even though the port has been deserted, Gopalpur is still a prominent coastal town in eastern India. Here visitors can enjoy a serene lifestyle for a few days and enjoy the magnificent sea view.

• Best Time to Visit- November to February
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,200 - 1,500 for hotel per night 
• Places to Visit- Aryapalli Beach, Gopalpur Beach, Satapada Dolphin Sanctuary, Sri Sri Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Pitha, Maa Tara Tarini Hill Shrine. 
• Things to Do- Fishing, pilgrimage, walking on the beaches, photography, shopping at local shops.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar which is 190 km away.
• By Train- Behrampur Railway Station is 15 km.
• By Road- Public and private buses from Behrampur and Bhubaneswar are easily available.

9. Sambalpur

source: wikimedia

Sambalpur has abundant rivers, lavish hills, lush green forests, and abundant wildlife. It serves as the entry point to Odisha's western zone. Furthermore, it has a flourishing handloom and textile industry that grows yearly. Sambalpur also has a lot of historical significance as the location of several skirmishes during the struggle for independence of India. Thus, this place is a great mix of modernity and culture.

• Best Time to Visit- September to March 
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,000 - 1,500 for hotel per night
• Places to Visit- Leaning temple of Huma, Samaleswari Temple, Deer Park, Hirakund Dam. 
• Things to Do- Sightseeing, shopping at local malls and stores, eat a local place, driving around the city, photography.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Swami Vivekananda Airport at Raipur is 263 km away.
• By Train- Sambalpur has a railway station of its own.
• By Road- Buses and taxis are easily available from all parts of Odisha.

10. Berhampur

source: bdabrahmapur

Berhampur is famous for its amazing silk Ikkat sarees, and that's why people often refer to this place as Odisha's silk city. This place is also home to the Hindu deity, Lord Brahma and this is where this place gets its name. Alongside the numerous temples, there are also many beaches where people can come and relax. 

• Best Time to Visit- November to April 
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1- 2 days 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 700 - 1,500  for hotel per night 
• Places to Visit- Nilakantheshwar Shiva Temple, Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple, Bomokei village, Ganjam Kala Parishad, Prakasam Hall. 
• Things to Do- Buy Ikkat saris, purchase brass and metal products, take a city tour, and walk around the beaches.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar which is 173 km away.
• By Train- Berhampur has a railway station of its own.
• By Road- It is well connected via roads, and you will easily find private and state buses to and from Berhampur.

11. Balangir

source: wikimedia

Balangir or Bolangir is a small town in Odisha that is a marketplace for agricultural products and a centre of handicrafts in this state. This town was the capital of the feudatory state Patna during the 1880s. Furthermore, Gandhamardhan hills are found on the northwestern side of this town. As a result, many hill streams pass through this town.

• Best Time to Visit- October to February
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 2,000 - 3,000 for hotel per night
• Places to Visit- Karanga Kata Lake, Someswar Shiva Temple, Maa Pataneswari Temple, Rajendra Park, Sailashree Palace. 
• Things to Do- Walking around parks, picnics, boating, and photography at Karanga Kata Lake.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Nearest airport is at Raipur, 275 km away.
• By Train- Trains from various major cities like Kolkata and Bhubaneswar stop at Balangir Railway Station.
• By Road- You will easily find state buses that run to and from Balangir.

12. Dhauli

source: tripadvisor

This small town on river Daya's bank is just 8 km away from Odisha's capital. Dhauli is significant for Buddhists and holds historical significance because this place has witnessed Ashoka's reformation into a non-violent ruler.

• Best Time to Visit- July to February
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day 
• Average Vacation Cost -  It is a sight-seeing place hence there is no cost
• Places to Visit- Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Ashoka Rock Edicts, Dhabaleswar and Bahirangeswar Temple. 
• Things to Do- Visit historical sites, go sightseeing, and click photographs.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Biju Patnaik International Airport is 11 km away.
• By Train- Bhubaneswar Railway Station is closest to Dhauli.
• By Road- Visitors can easily get rental cars, buses and taxis from Bhubaneswar, Puri and Cuttack.

13. Jeypore

source: indiarailinfo

This city is located in Odisha's southern region and is very close to Andhra Pradesh. Jeypore is one of Odisha's largest ciiesy, and people often visit this place to see its freshwater lakes, valleys and waterfalls. Additionally, this city is home to 62 indigenous communities like Dhruba, Koya, Gond and Paraja.

• Best Time to Visit- October to February
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 700 - 1,500  for hotel per night 
• Places to Visit- Duduma Waterfalls, Sunabeda, Bagara, Shakti Waterfalls, Gupteshwar Caves. 
• Things to Do- Visit Jeypore Palace, explore Kolab Hydro Electric power reservoir and Botanical Garden, visit Patraput Bridge, go sightseeing, and click photographs.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Vishakhapatnam International Airport is 208 km away.
• By Train- Jeypore Railway Station.
• By Road- Travelers will easily find cabs, buses and rental cars from Cuttack, Raipur, and Vishakhapatnam.

14. Daringbadi

source: toiimg

Daringbadi is the mini-Kashmir of Odisha, as this hilly town is no less than paradise. Moreover, this hill station is at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level. It is said that if you want to feel the natural and beauty of Odisha, then Daringbadi should be in your travel itinerary. This place is a hidden gem, but it offers its visitors many amazing experiences. 

• Best Time to Visit- September to May
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,500 - 2,000 for hotel per night
• Places to Visit- Belghar Sanctuary, Coffee Garden, Badangia Waterfalls, Putudi Waterfalls, Hill View Park. 
• Things to Do- Watch the sunset from Sunset point, go for a picnic at Pine Jungle Picnic ground, click photographs, explore Nature's Park, and visit Surada Dam. 

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar which is 248 km away.
• By Train- Berhampur Railway Station is 121 km away.
• By Road- You will easily find rental cars and taxis that will take you to Daringbadi via NH59.

15. Rayagada

source: wikimedia

Rayagada is a district in southern part of Odisha and is famous for its longest human history in this state. This place is famous for its Lord Shiva Temple, and the lavish Shivaratri festival celebrated here. Tourists will find ample natural beauty in Rayagada with dense forest and wildlife.

• Best Time to Visit- October to February
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 750 - 1,500 for hotel per night
• Places to Visit- Laxminarayan Temple, Maa Majhighariani, Chatikona Falls, Minajhola, Hanging Bridge.  
• Things to Do- Shop for handicrafts, visit native tribal villages, eat delectable local food, do sightseeing, and do photography.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Nearest airport is Vizag, which is 189 km away.
• By Train- Rayagada had a railway station of its own.
• By Road- You will easily find private and state buses that will take you to Rayagada via NH 326.

16. Barbil

source: thrillophilia

Barbil is one of the best tourist places in Odisha if you want magnificent waterfalls. This place is located on the banks of River Karo near Keonjhar. Barbil is a lesser-known tourist destination, but it offers incredible views and provides refuge from the busy city life.

• Best Time to Visit- October to March 
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days
• Places to Visit- Hawa Mahal, Murga Mahadev Waterfalls, Gonasika, Uliburu Reserved Forest, Thakurani Hills. 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,100 - 2,500 for hotel per night
• Things to Do- Witness the ancient paintings at Ravan Chhaya Rock Shelter, picnic, click photographs, go sightseeing, and pray at Shiva and Hanuman Temple.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Nearest airport is at Rourkela, 119 km away.
• By Train- Barbil has a well-connected railway station via trains from Bhubaneswar, Puri and Kolkata.
• By Road- Tourists will easily get OSRTC buses to Barbil.

17. Pipili

source: purimarkets

Pipili was established during Somavamsi dynasty in 10th century AD, and here you will find some of the best appliques for products like cushion covers and handbags. Locals also believe that the king of Puri employed artisans and craftsmen from this town to build the Jagannath Temple. Pipili is a must-visit place if you want to satiate the shopaholic in you.

• Best Time to Visit- July to January 
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day
• Places to Visit- Mukteshwar Temple, Chausathi Yogini Temple, Shanti Stupa. 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 700 - 1,000 for hotel per night
• Things to Do- Shopping for decorated bedsheets, cushion covers, bags and souvenirs, pilgrimage tourism.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Biju Patnaik International Airport is 20 km away.
• By Train- Bhubaneswar Railway Station is 20 km away.
• By Road- Tourists will easily find buses and taxis from most major parts of Odisha.

18. Balasore

source: wikimedia

Balasore or Baleswar is a major city in Odisha and an economic and cultural hub of Northern Odisha. Many ruling dynasties like the Mughals, Marathas and British have annexed this city throughout its history. You will still find remnants of these dynasties in some of the architecture in Balasore.

• Best Time to Visit- October to April
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 700 - 1,500 for hotel per night
• Places to Visit- Bichitrapur Mangrove Reserve, Talasari Beach, Chandipur Beach, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Khirachora Gopinath Temple.
• Things to Do- Sightseeing, walking around beaches, eating seafood from local shops, picking seashells from seaside, photography.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Biju Patnaik International Airport is 206 km away.
• By Train- Balasore Railway Station is well-connected via various trains.
• By Road- You will get private and state-run buses that will take you to and from Balasore.

19. Bhadrak

source: cloudfront

Bhadrak got its name from the Hindu Goddess Bhadrakali. In history, this place is well known for housing places like Gohiratikiri, Rakta Tritha Earm and Sahidnagar, all important sites of struggle for independence. Bhadrak has also contributed hugely to agricultural and maritime trade both in past and present.

• Best Time to Visit- October to February
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,000 - 2,000 for hotel per night
• Places to Visit- Bhadrakali Temple, Akhandalamani Temple, Baba Lokanath Shiva Temple, Maa Banka Basuli Temple, Baitarani River. 
• Things to Do- Attend Pana Sankranti, Dol Purnima, Rath Yatra, and pilgrimage tourism.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Nearest airport is 137 km away at Bhubaneswar.
• By Train- Bhadrak has a railway station of its own.
• By Road- You will easily get buses and taxis that will take you to Bhadrak from all parts of Odisha.

20. Malkangiri

source: wikimedia

Malkangiri is one of the most beautiful places in Odisha to visit if you want to explore dense forests, undulating plateaus, rivers and incredibly rich tribal culture. This place also houses an ancient Shiva Temple now submerged in Chitrakonda Reservoir. It is believed that Sri Chaitanya Deva had also visited this second oldest Lingaraj of Odisha.

• Best Time to Visit- July to February
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days 
• Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,500 - 3,000 for hotel per night 
• Places to Visit- Tarini Temple, Bhairabi Temple, Mallikeswar Temple, Goi Hill, Satiguda Dam. 
• Things to Do- Visit Ammakunda, explore Balimela Dam and visit tribal communities at Bonda Hill.

How to Reach-

• By Plane- Nearest airport is at Vishakhapatnam, 286 km away.
• By Train- Jeypore Railway Station is closest.
• By Road- You will find buses and taxis from all parts of Odisha.