Odisha Uncovered: 10 Hidden Gems to Explore

By Katie May | Update on: Jul 08, 2024

With its wealth of culture and history, Odisha, also known as Orissa, stands as a captivating destination in the eastern part of India. Whether marveling at the architectural grandeur of Konark Sun Temple, immersing in the spiritual aura of Jagannath Temple, relaxing on the serene shores of Puri Beach, or witnessing the grace of Odissi, the oldest surviving Indian classical dance form, a journey through this state promises unforgettable experiences. If you're planning a vacation here, ensure these top destinations in Odisha are on your must-see list.

When compiling your itinerary, don't miss out on the 10 best places to visit in Odisha, each offering a unique glimpse into the state's rich heritage and natural beauty.

Table of Contents

Explore The Top Places To Visit In Odisha

Explore The Top Places To Visit In Odisha

1. Puri

Puri, renowned for the famous Jagannath Temple, is a major religious site attracting pilgrims worldwide. Beyond its temples, Puri offers a relaxing beach vacation with sun-kissed beaches and bustling markets selling unique products and souvenirs. Visitors can enjoy water sports like boat rides, swimming, and surfing, and the scenic sunset views make Puri Beach popular among millennials. The nearby markets enhance Puri's charm with handmade products and dresses. As one of the famous places to visit in Odisha, Puri is a must-visit destination year-round.

Best time to visit – July to March
How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (59 km away). Take a taxi or bus from there.
- By Train: Take a train to reach Puri Railway Station
- By Road: NH316 and NH60 are the main national highways to take when visiting the town by road.

Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri

Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri

2. Gopalpur

Gopalpur is one of the best tourist places in Odisha for couples, offering relaxation and sunlight on its beautiful beaches, known for Olive Ridley Sea Turtle breeding. The golden sands and blue waters create an enchanting ambiance, making it a must-visit destination. Known as the state's commercial capital, Gopalpur boasts a rich history and nearby Berhampur provides opportunities to shop for silk fabrics and homemade pickles. The area offers a comprehensive experience with spiritual sites, restorative hot springs, and more.

Best time to visit – November to February
How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (171 km away) and then take a bus or taxi.
- By Train: Reach Berhampur Railway Station (15 km away) and hire a taxi.
- By Road: NH 516 and NH 16 are the two highways that connect Gopalpur to other parts of Odisha.

3. Konark

Konark is the best tourist place in Odisha when it comes to temples. It is one of the three prominent sites in Odisha's Golden Triangle, which includes Bhubaneshwar, Puri, and Konark. Konark, Odisha's most prominent historical monument, is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sun Temple, which is devoted to the Sun God. This architectural masterpiece is modeled after the chariot of Surya Dev, the Sun God. Seven horses are carved at the base to represent the days of the week, and 24 wheels represent each hour of the day. The temple's position guarantees that sunshine illuminates the inside all day. Konark is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Odisha.

Best time to visit – November to February
How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (61 km away) and take a taxi.
- By Train: Puri Railway Station (37 km away) is the nearest option. Take a cab or bus from there.
- By Road: There are two ways to reach Konark by road either take the Puri-Konark Marine Drive or Konark-Kakatpur Road.

Konark is the best tourist place in Odisha when it comes to temples

Konark is the best tourist place in Odisha when it comes to temples

4. Rourkela

Rourkela, renowned for its leading steel and iron manufacturing facility, also offers numerous attractions such as shopping malls, parks, temples, waterfalls, luxury restaurants, trekking tracks, and picnic spots. It draws tourists nationwide for its diverse experiences and is a popular inclusion in Odisha travel packages, making it an ideal destination for an exciting family vacation.

Best time to visit – November to March
How to reach –
- By Air: Take a flight to Rourkela Airport
- By Train: Reach Rourkela Junction and take a taxi
- By Road: NH 143 connects Rourkela to other parts of Odisha.

5. Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Odisha, is renowned for its temples. Along with Konark and Puri, it forms the Golden Triangle of Odisha, making it a significant tourist destination in the state. Many of its ancient temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, with the 10th-century Lingaraja Temple being a top attraction. Additionally, Bhubaneswar was among the first planned cities in India, along with Chandigarh and Jamshedpur.

As a hub of religious tourism, Bhubaneswar boasts many magnificent temples that were built centuries ago and have preserved their original designs over the years.

Muktesvara Temples of Odisha 10th century

Muktesvara Temples of Odisha 10th century

6. Dhauli

Dhauli, near Bhubaneswar on the banks of the Daya River in Odisha, is known for its calm beauty and historical significance. Dhauli, known for Emperor Ashoka's historic rock edicts commemorating his conversion to Buddhism during the Kalinga War, provides a peaceful refuge with breathtaking natural settings. The Shanti Stupa, a white peace pagoda atop the hill, adds to the attraction with panoramic vistas and a spiritually uplifting atmosphere, making Dhauli a must-see for history buffs and environment lovers.

Best time to visit – November to March
How to reach –
- By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is only 11 km away from Dhauli. Take a taxi from there.
- By Train: Reach Bhubaneswar Railway Station and hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: Take a cab or bus from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri and other nearby places to reach Dhauli.

7. Rayagada

Rayagada, with its ancient landmarks and temples, stands out as a captivating destination in Odisha for history enthusiasts. The city is famous for its handicrafts, locally crafted products, delicious cuisine, and vibrant indigenous tribal communities. Visitors have the opportunity to explore prominent attractions such as the Maa Majhighariani Temple, Laxminarayan Temple, and Chatikona Falls while visiting Rayagada.

Best time to visit – October to February
How to reach –
- By Air: Visakhapatnam International Airport (189 km away) is the nearest option. Board a bus from the bus stand (10 km away) or book a taxi to reach Rayagada.
- By Train: Take a train to Rayagada Railway Station.
- By Road: NH 326 connects Rayagada to the rest of Odisha and other surrounding parts of the country.

Bada Chandili Village Rayagada Odisha

Bada Chandili Village Rayagada Odisha

8. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary

Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River, Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for nature and wildlife lovers. It is spread across 795.52 sq km and houses different species of birds and wild animals, like gharials, leopards, tigers, and sloths. What’s more, the sanctuary also offers different activities for adventure seekers, like river rafting, boating and trekking. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Odisha

Best time to visit – October to March
How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (147 km away) and book a cab.
- By Train: Take a train to Angul Railway Station (41 km away) and then hire a taxi.
- By Road: The wildlife sanctuary enjoys good road connectivity with Angul, Dhenkanal, Bhubaneswar and other cities.

9. Balasore

This coastal city with historical significance was a prominent maritime town in the medieval period. Among the notable Balasore tourist places, you'll find beautiful beaches, verdant hills, ancient temples, and palaces that are a testament to its impressive and unforgettable history. Some prominent attractions include Chandipur Beach, Jagannath Temple, and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best time to visit – October to February
How to reach –
- By Air: The nearest option is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (206 km away). Take a bus or taxi from there.
- By Train: Board a train to reach Balasore Railway Station.
- By Road: Balasore has well-maintained roads and national highways with many private and state-run buses plying to and from the city.

Sri Sri Jagannath Temple in Balasore

Sri Sri Jagannath Temple in Balasore

10. Sambalpur

Sambalpur entices travelers with its natural beauty and cultural diversity. This city, located along the banks of the Mahanadi River, is known for its stunning landscapes and historical sites. The famed Hirakud Dam, one of the world's longest dams, adds to the beauty of the surroundings with its expansive reservoir and panoramic vistas. Sambalpur is well-known for its vivid Sambalpuri textiles, which have intricate designs and vibrant hues that represent the region's creative past. The city's quiet parks, such as the Gandhi Minar and Deer Park, provide peaceful respites amidst lush foliage. As one of the top places to visit in Odisha, Sambalpur, with its natural appeal and cultural legacy, welcomes visitors to discover its distinctive allure and hidden gems.

Best time to visit – October to March
How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur (263 km away) or Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (281 km away) and then take a cab or bus.
- By Train: Take a train to Sambalpur Railway Station
- By Road: To reach Sambalpur, take NH 55, NH 10, NH 15 and NH 53

In essence, Odisha presents an adventure full of exploration and awe, melding ancient temples, natural splendor, and a vibrant cultural fabric. Whether you're exploring the architectural marvels of Konark or witnessing the migratory birds at Chilika Lake, each destination offers a glimpse into Odisha's rich heritage and natural beauty. Embrace the spirit of exploration and embark on an unforgettable odyssey through these 10 best places that define the essence of Odisha.

So, pack your bags, get an Indian visa online with Indian Immigration Services, and uncover the hidden gems of Odisha waiting to be discovered.

Odisha Uncovered: 10 Hidden Gems to Explore