Odisha

Located on the eastern coast of India, Odishais a state where the presence of divinity is deeply acknowledged and nature abounds. Odisha Indiais a state of beaches and temples and forts and rivers, while it also tries to catch up with the modern, urbanized world. Set on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, this state is a melange of culture, tradition, nature, and modernization.

Places to Visit in Odisha

This state attracts thousands of tourists, both devotees and vacationers, every year. Odisha tourismis an expansive, profitable industry in the state. While the majority of tourists flock to Puri or Konark, this state has much more to offer; from wildlife to natural excellence. The top 5 tourist places in Odishaare listed below.

Puri

Puriis perhaps one of the most famous tourist places in Odisha.Apart from the stunning beach, this place has religious significance, the famous Jaganath temple, one of thefamous temples in Odisha,is located here. Every year during the rath yatra and even otherwise devotees come with their prayers and wishes. The beach of Puri is one of the most happening tourist sites in the country.

Bhubaneshwar

Famously dubbed as the 'temple city of India', this place is one of the major Odisha tourist attractions.The numerous temples present here have astonishingly intricate designs dating back to almost the 12-13th century. Some of the famous temples here are Lingaraj Templeand Rajarani Temple.

Konark

Konarkis famous majorly for its architecture and temples. This place also has a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Konark Sun Temple. To add to that there are sandy beaches and they hold an annual dance festival with the temple as its backdrop. This is why it is one of the best places to visit in Odisha.

Cuttack

Known as the business capital of this state, Cuttack also has the Fort of Barabati, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, and Ansupa Lake as attractions. Cuttack is also famous for its handicrafts. Like the rest of this state,Cuttack, too, has a lot of temples and a few museums of interest to visit.

Jeypore

Jeypore is for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. It has gurgling waterfalls, biosphere reserves, and rocky outcrops. Less popular than some of the other places in this state, nonetheless it deserves mention in the list of tourist spots in this state.

Best Time to Visit Odisha

Like the majority of the country, Odisha,too, experiences extreme summer followed by heavy rains and a post-monsoon rainy period between October and November. The pleasant three months of winter, between December and February could be considered the best time to visit in Odisha.However, a lot of heat-exhausted people flock to the breezy beaches during the summer season as well.

Foods to Try in Odisha

Odishacuisine is known for simple dishes but packed full of flavour. They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes catering to the needs of all. Some of the Odisha famous foodare Kanika, Pakhala Bhata, chhena poda, gaja. Some non-vegetarian delicacies are Macha Ghanta and Chungdi Malai.

Festivals in Odisha

If there is one thing that this state is known for then it has to be rath yatra. Every year devotees flock in thousands to the shore of Puri to witness this auspicious occasion. Another famous festival of Odishais Durga Puja. The Konark Dance Festival is one important cultural festival celebrating the heritage of the state. The Chhau festival, one of the tribal festivals of this state is also celebrated with much fervour.

Culture in Odisha

This state is a state of stunning architecture, splendid temples, dances, and festivals, and all these form a part of the culture of this state. There are many tribes in the state and their culture informs the culture of this state. Pattachitra is one of the famous forms of art here. In recent history, sand art done on beaches has gained immense popularity.

Adventures in Odisha

Parasailing in Barunei Hills

This is a perfect sort of gateway adventure for the brave at heart. The trek to reach the point of parasailing is full of picturesque scenery.

Deomali Trek

Deomali is the highest peak in this state. Trekking and staying in tents overnight is a popular activity. The scene of sunrise from the peak is one worth the hike.

Mahendragiri Trek

If you search for ‘tourist spot Odisha’on Google, then Mahendragiri Trek comes up at the top. It is a 4-hour trek through the eastern ghats. The trek is adorned with many animal sightings and sublime scenery.

Conclusion

Odishais a cauldron bubbling with heritage and culture. Architecture from the Ashoka and Kalinga periods, fervent zeal for festivities, sandy beaches, sand art, and dance festivals make up this eastern state of India.