Top 7 Places to Visit in Odisha

India, as you might already know, has a variety of culture. If you are or have visited one direction of the country and visit another direction, you will see a huge difference in culture, language, cuisine and what not. 

Odisha is in the eastern parts of India. I hail from West Bengal, another East Indian state. They both are adjoining states. I was posted in Bhubaneswar, Odisha for 2 years, which allowed me to see this beautiful land. 

There are definitely a few of the places that are a must-visit if anyone travels to Odisha. I have already mentioned a few of them in my previous post where I gave detail about how you can spend the day in Odisha. Now, here goes the list.

1.     Chilika Lake

I have clicked one of the most picturesque images of beaches at this lake. But this lake is not famous for being beautiful. It is famous for the Irrawaddy dolphins that can only be found in very rare lakes. It is not an easy enough task to spot them. The prime times to spot one is during early mornings or the evenings. 

There is not much to do at this lake but only one thing. Hire a boat and spend an hour or so in the lake trying to spot a dolphin or you can also feed the birds. Stop the boat agencies also offer to take you up to a nearby island, Barkuda island. You can have some snacks and laze around or you can even walk around and see the clear sea from afar. 

My views: I visited this lake just once, but it was worth to make an impression on me. The view, the excitement of spotting a dolphin, feeding the birds, everything together was one of a kind experience. 

2. Shri Jagannath Temple

One of the most sought out places to visit in Odisha is Jagannath Temple. I have been to this temple for around 4-5 times. Whenever someone came to visit me or any of my friends, this was one place that you cannot miss showing them. Especially if they are religious.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an avatar of God Vishnu. This is the place where the annual Rath yatra takes place. 

Just a word of advice, be prepared to stand in long lines. Also, you are not allowed to carry any gadgets like phones or cameras or even belts with metal inside. You have to submit them outside and also your shoes.

My views: I am not that a religious person. But whenever someone asks me about the places to visit in Odisha, somehow, this is the first place that pops in my head. The architecture of this whole area is itself worth enough to visit. 

Just one advice, beware of the priests. You can be asked to pay money on every step so just don’t fall in their traps.

3. Puri Beach

Every coastal state has one beach that is the most famous and every tourist visits. In Odisha, Puri beach is the one. Due to its popularity, it is also the one which is the most crowded. 

The beach is always lined with stalls and food vendors. Especially from evenings. You can find various food vendors selling seafood, fried items, phuchka, jhalmuri, and of course my favourite, coconut water.

My views: I am a beach lover. But this was too crowded for me. It was literally very difficult to find a spot where you can sit leisurely and enjoy the waves. One good thing is that all the different types of street foods that you want to try in Odisha, you can find in this one place.

4. Konark Sun Temple

Timings: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian- Rs.40  & Foreigner- Rs.600

As you might have guessed from the name of the temple itself, Konark Sun Temple is dedicated to Sun God. The temple is shaped in the form of Sun God’s chariot. You can even spot huge wheels around. Oh, and also, the walls of this temple have sculptures of erotic nature. So yeah, don’t be surprised.

My views: It is a very old temple so the structure is the kind of falling apart. But it has been kept erected with many wooden structures. Just be sure to carry an umbrella because it can be very hot.

5. Chandipur Beach

Have you ever been to a beach where the sea vanishes? Yupp! You read it right. A sea that vanishes. 

Chandipur beach is also known as the vanishing beach. And this phenomenon of vanishing happens due to tides. During high tide, you cannot see the beach. There are only stairs that you can descend from. But during low tide, the sea recedes so much that you can literally walk on the sea bed for around 4 to 5 km. 

My views: I visited the Chandipur beach once and it was a very magical moment for me when I saw the sea bed for the first time. Such vastness. You just cannot miss this destination. 

6. Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves

Timings: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian- Rs.15  & Foreigner- Rs.200

The names of these caves are given after the name of the hills that they are on. Both of these caves are said to have residential quarters for Jain monks. They are quite intricately carved out. It really seemed that from a single rock, all those blocks have been created. Really fascinating.

My views: It is a place that I found to be very peaceful. On such a height, you get to see the beautiful view and just have some time to yourself. Of course, I was also quite amazed at the structure as I am someone who loves architecture. Not that I understand much, but still.

7. Tribal Museum in Odisha

Timings: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: No fee

Odisha has quite a culture. And visiting this museum is all the proof you might need. It has 5 different halls with various artefacts from different tribes in Odisha. With types of clothes worn to weapons used and even replicas of tribal homes. They have a research institute right in the museum itself. 

There are artists in a few rooms where they are trying their best to keep the traditions alive. They have paintings and many other day to day things like glasses and earrings. Of course, they charge for them. But thanks to people like them, the past is not forgotten.

My views: You CANNOT miss this place. Seriously! Even I visited this place right before I was to leave Bhubaneswar. But I am really glad I did. As I told about the artists, I myself bought a few glasses from them.

Every place has its own charm. And not everyone has the same taste as the other. Hope this list can help you guide for your next visit to this beautiful state of India.