The first time I looked at Konark during the sunrise, it almost looked good, so beautiful, so spectacular that I couldn’t take my eyes off it for a while. I was too stunned to speak, staring at probably one of the most beautiful temples in the country. That’s the thing about the state of Odisha, you can have the most beautiful temples, the most clean beaches, the highest waterfalls, the famous rath yatra and the state still wouldn’t feel too crowded for you as tourists.
Calling Odisha an underrated tourist spot is an understatement. This state has it all, from hills, to beaches to waterfalls to temples, everything. Odisha has 480 km of coastline along the Bay of Bengal, approximately over 62 tribal communities, 3 UNESCO-linked heritage connections and almost 500+ ancient temples. It is a promised land for all people who want to explore a state which has everything, is stunning and yet it isn’t very crowded.Â
So here I have made an Odisha travel guide so that you understand the state well and pick and choose accordingly. There is so much to explain in Odisha that you might be a little overwhelmed or hesitant, so here we have curated a blog where you fully understand what Odisha has to offer and then take well informed decisions.
Why Visit Odisha?
Tourist places like Rajasthan and Goa are so popular that you could be living anywhere from Himachal to Kanyakumari and you would know what you’re getting yourself into. You can talk about Rajasthan, you know there are going to be majestic palaces, desert and spicy food, for God, beautiful beaches, Church and Goan delicacies but what do you think about when I say Odisha? Probably nothing or maybe Jagannath temple.
Odisha Tourism is thriving but not at the scale of what it has to offer. There is vast difference between what you know about Odisha and what beautiful gems it hides in its state. There are several famous places in Odisha. You can start by visiting the Jagannath temple and if you’re on the right time, you can witness the breathtaking Rath Yatra, where huge wooden chariots with idols are pulled through the streets, this is once in a lifetime opportunity for people to witness.
You can then move on to the Konark temple which is the sun temple, and is also an UNESCO world site. If you want to visit the beaches, there is a 480 km Bay of Bengal coastline with so many developed beaches but there are plenty which are so secluded and beautiful.
Odisha also has one the biggest waterfalls in India called the Barehipani Falls which is approximately 399 ft. It is the second tallest waterfall but you have probably never heard of it.
Beyond all this, Odisha is home to over 62 tribal communities, each with distinct languages, art, and weekly markets. So much to explore that it might take you several years.
Best Time to Visit Odisha
Winter (October–February)
The best time to visit Odisha has to be winters, ask anyone and they’ll say that. Also I am telling this from my own experience, the days are sunny, dry, perfect time to visit temples, waterfalls, treks like Bhitarkanika and what not. It is the best time to visit this place, plus during the time Durga Pooja is around the corner which is one of the most visually stunning festivals in this state. From temples, to beaches to waterfalls you can truly enjoy it without the heat of India or monsoons.
Summer (March–May)
Summers are genuinely hot in Odisha, the cities can sometimes touch the temperature of 40°C. It feels like work to explore the outdoors of this stunning state during winters. The tours and treks are difficult to enjoy in the scorching heat. Only hill stations can offer relief so if you are planning to visit that specific area, you can for it, otherwise weather the beaches or the waterfalls, the heat does not spare any place in Odisha.Â
Monsoon (June–September)
The monsoons are the underrated time to visit Odisha but it can get a little bit tricky for the travellers. Duduma, Barehipani, and Khandadhar all fill up with water and the experience in the monsoon is different, more like out of the world for people. It is definitely a haven for photography people as the monsoon really brings out the best in it. But rains are unpredictable, so it can ruin your itinerary. Also roads can get slippery, so make sure you are ready and prepared for the rain with appropriate measures.
Best Month-by-Month GuideÂ
You can easily visit Odisha in November-February for the best time. June-September is for people who are particularly curious about waterfalls and monsoon photography. If you are into experiencing festivals in the different states then visit Odisha in October for Durja puja.
How to Reach Odisha?
By Air -Airports in Odisha
Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) is the main airport people use to enter Odisha by air. This airport is connected with most of the big cities of India and also a few international airports as well.Â
There is another airport called Jharsuguda Airport (JRG) which is used by people whose trip is solely based towards Western Odisha.
By Train-Major Railway Stations
Trains are a more budget friendly option and are also time efficient as the rail network is spread all across Odisha. There are several big railway stations that are interconnected with each other and also connected with stations of metropolitan cities of India like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, or Puri Berhampur railway station is in the southern coast well, Sambalpur is for people who want to straight away visit the west, and Rourkela is a better option for tourists who enter from the north.
By Road -National Highways & Interstate BusÂ
Odisha is well connected by road to Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. Several interstate buses run regularly from neighboring states. The highways are good, seamless and you won’t have any problem travelling by a bus.Â
Getting Around Odisha -Local TransportÂ
Odisha trip planning has to include the local transport. There are several such places where you have to use the local transport to reach the destination. Although interstate buses and autos are cheap and helpful, sometimes you have to hire a private taxi in order to save some time. Make sure your budget accordingly.
Top Tourist Places in Odisha
Odisha is home to so many beautiful places and the best part about this place is that it is so diverse that you can find anything from beaches to Waterfalls to templesÂ
Famous Temples of Odisha
Odisha has so many famous temples. I visited the beautiful Jagannath Temple Puri.Then there is Konark Sun Temple which is a UNESCO heritage site. The Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar has unique Kalinga architecture.
Best Beaches of Odisha
You will find the best beaches in Odisha. It is a home for underrated, breathtaking beaches such as Blue Flag in Puri, we have the famous low tide phenomenon in Chandipur, Gopalpur for its charm. There are other beaches such as Chandrabhaga, Talasari and Astaranga.
Best Waterfalls of Odisha
The best waterfalls in Odisha are Barehipani which is almost 399 ft and India’s 2nd tallest waterfall. The Duduma is 175 metres and is majestic, the Khandadhar is often compared to Niagara due to its width. There are underrated gems such as Bhimkund, Joranda, and Pradhanpat.
Hill Stations & Scenic Retreats
Hill stations in Odisha such as Daringbadi are called as “Kashmir of Odisha,” due to its pine forests). The Deomali is the highest peak in this state. The hills of Mahendragiri, Malayagiri, Gandhamardan are also quite breathtaking.
Wildlife & National Parks in Odisha
Odisha is a home to various wildlife and national parks. I visited the Similipal Tiger Reserve where I spotted tigers and elephants.
Bhitarkanika national park has the second largest mangroves. Also you can spot saltwater crocodiles. There are also other national parks in Odisha as well like Kuldiha, Karlapat, Satkosia, and Tikarpada.
Lakes, Dams & Water Bodies
Lakes in Odisha such as Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish lagoon. You can spot various migratory birds and dolphins during the season. The Hirakud Dam is the world’s longest earthen dam. There are other water bodies to explore as well like Ansupa and Tampara.Â
Heritage, Caves & Ancient Sites
Heritage sites like Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are near Bhubaneswar. They have carved Jains inscriptions on them. These inscriptions date back to 2000 years. The Dhauligiri is the site of the Kalinga has the Shanti Stupa. There are also Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri Buddhist sites for tourists to explore.
Islands, Mangroves & Nature Escapes
Islands in Odisha like Rajhans Island and Parikud offer boat-access-only exploration within the stunning Chilika ecosystem. The Bhitarkanika’s mangroves in Odisha are more of an underrated spot for nature lovers.
Odisha Tourism by Region
Odisha is so diverse that every region has its own charm, its own unique ways to attract the tourists.
Coastal Odisha (Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar Circuit)
The Odisha tourism regions of Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark is such a perfect mixture of places you’d really like. This trip will have temple visits with beach time. It is best for first-timers and for families who want to explore the state for 3-4 days.
Northern Odisha (Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar)
This circuit focuses more on nature, looking at the wildlife like tigers at the Similipal Tiger Reserve. Visit the Barehipani Falls, and quieter beaches near Balasore anchor. This trip is built more around nature, and is best for people who are nature enthusiasts under 4-5 days.
Western Odisha (Sambalpur, Balangir, Bargarh, Sundargarh, Deogarh)
This circuit will centre around Hirakud Dam, one of the longest earthen dams in the world, including temples and the Sambalpuri textile tradition. Deogarh, hill station is the change of flavour on trip. It is a good fit for people interested in craft and textile under 4-5 days.
Central Odisha (Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh)
This circuit is a mixture of heritage and wildlife.
Cuttack has the silver filigree craft tradition with Satkosia’s river gorge wildlife along the Mahanadi including the waterfall Dhenkanal and Nayagarh. Also this is more of add on with the coastal trip under 3-4 days.
Suggested Odisha Itineraries
Odisha itinerary can be a bit tricky as there is so much to explore with limited time so make sure you have an itinerary. Here I have personally curated a few more for you as well
3-Day Odisha Trip- (Bhubaneswar–Puri–Konark)
This one is basically an Odisha weekend getaway trip. Bhubaneswar’s temples on day one, Puri’s beach and Jagannath Temple on day two, and a day trip to Konark’s Sun Temple on day three. It’s perfect who wants an introduction to OdishaÂ
5-Day Odisha Itinerary-Temples, Beaches & Chilika
Odisha 5 day itinerary is basically the first days of visiting Bhubaneswar, Jagannath and Konark temples along with the puri beach. Plus two more days at Chilika Lake for dolphin-and birdwatching.Â
7-Day Odisha Itinerary-Adding North & Wildlife
This itinerary includes 2 days at offbeat places in Odisha like Similipal Tiger Reserve or Bhitarkanika in addition to the above 5 days itinerary. This trip gives you a mini tour of the whole Odisha from its famous temples, to beaches to other water bodies to the wildlife life reserve, you’ll get to see all.Â
10-Day Complete Odisha Itinerary-All Regions
This one gives you a tour of Odisha, where the first days are focused on the main temples like Jagannath, Konark and Puri beach. The next 2 days at Chilika Lake, 2 days in Northern Odisha for wildlife. The remaining 3 days are split between Western Odisha’s Hirakud Dam and textile circuit and Central Odisha’s Cuttack-Satkosia. It demands more driving time between regions so this trip is only for people who have ample amount of time to spend here.
Odisha FestivalsÂ
Festivals in Odisha might not be popular but they are celebrated to its fullest. Here are a few festivals such as Rath Yatra, Durja pooja, Konark dance festival etc.-
Rath Yatra (June-July)
This is one of the most popular and iconic festivals of Odisha. People all around India come here to witness the huge, majestic wooden chariots approximately 46 metres pulled in the streets of Puri by the crowd with the idols to the temple.Â
Durga Puja & Navratri (September-October)Â
Beautiful pandals are built all across the streets of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Every pandal is unique in its own way and in the evening the prasad is distributed after aarti.Â
Konark Dance Festival (December)Â
A five-day classical dance festival is hosted in Konark Sun Temple, featuring art forms like Odissi and other classical Indian dance forms.
Bali Yatra, Cuttack (November)
Marks Odisha’s ancient maritime trade history, celebrating the journey of Odia people to Bali and Southeast Asia.Â
Chandan Yatra & Snana PurnimaÂ
This is basically a ritual of Lord Jagannath where sandalwood paste is applied to temple deities, while Snana Purnima is then bathed before Rath Yatra.
Tribal Festivals (Chaitra Parva, Nuakhai)Â
There are so many harvest festival celebrated by the tribal community such asÂ
Nuakhai marks the new rice harvest with community feasting, while Chaitra Parva welcomes the new year for the tribal people.
Tribal OdishaÂ
Odisha tribal tourism is unique in its own way. Odisha is home to over 62 tribal communities, including the Bonda, Kondh, Gadaba etc each with own languages and customs. The best way to understand and experience them is by visiting these weekly haats like Onkadeli, Kunduli, and Chatikona, where trade and daily life has been taking place for generations. You can also visit the Tribal Museum in Koraput
Odisha Food Guide
If you are wondering what to eat in Odisha, I am here to help you. You’ll get introduced to Odia cuisine by the Puri’s mahaprasad tradition, food offered at the Jagannath. You can try various Odia cuisines like Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, especially Dahi Bara Aloo dum at Cuttack. You can also try coastal seafood at Gopalpur/Puri.
Art, Handicrafts & Souvenirs
Pattachitra painting at Raghurajpur art village is such a stunning piece. Sambalpuri sarees remain the state’s most recognized textile export, and Cuttack’s silver filigree work of art.Â
Where to Stay in Odisha?
The biggest question is always where to stay so I have created a list of options depending on your budget-
Best Hotels in Puri
There are several budgeted hotels along Chakratirtha Road and near Swargadwar Sea Beach such as Hotel Sonar Bangla and Pipul Hotels & Resorts with the cost per room is 1500-3000/- per night.
Hotels such as Park Inn Puri or Gandhara, which is a heritage property converted from the former palace of the Maharaja of Panchkot, offers a different experience altogether if you decide to splurge a little on hotels. You can also go for any well rated hotels in marine drive. It is much quieter and a better option than Swargadwar area. The budget is from Rs.4,000–7,000/night.
If you want to have a luxurious experience then MAYFAIR Heritage is a 4-star property with direct beach access which makes it such an attractive option. Also Mayfair Waves is named among Puri’s best hotels.Toshali Sands, a well-known resort to enjoy luxurious access. The budget is from Rs. 8,000–15,000/night.
Where to Stay in Bhubaneswar?
If you are looking for budgeted places the Hotel Venus Inn, Hotel Priya, and Hotel Sambit Palace sounds perfect for you with rooms costing from Rs.1,200–2,500/night. If you want to splurge on your stay then Ginger Bhubaneswar, Swosti Premium Hotel and Hotel Hindusthan International costing from Rs. 3,500–6,000/night
If you want to go all out and have a luxurious experience then Trident Bhubaneswar, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, and Mayfair Lagoon are the perfect options for you costing from ₹8,000–18,000+/night.
Nature Camps & Eco-Retreats
- Dangamal, Habalikhati, and Gupti are the top nature camps inside Bhitarkanika National Park, run by the Odisha Forest Development Corporation, with rooms costing approximately ₹5,000 per night.
- Bhitarkanika Eco Resorts in Nalitapatia offers a more resort-style option with different packages for you to choose.Â
- In Similipal, OFDC-run nature camps offer forest-lodge style stays in a similar ₹3,000-5,000/night range
- The Hill Resorts Daringbadi, a 3-star property with WiFi and parking, runs roughly ₹1,800-2,200/night, budget picks like Hotel Mid Town Daringbadi can go as low as ₹900-1,000/night.
Budget vs. Luxury Options
Odisha is very diverse when it comes to hotels, you find hotel/resort according to your budget without comprising on the quality of the rooms or the safety of its tourists.
Odisha Trip Budget
The Odisha tour package cost will depend on your budget. This state is more on the budget friendly side. A Budget Trip can be around ₹1,500–2,500 per day, covering your stay and food.Â
A Mid-Range Trip can cost around ₹3,500–6,000 per day, with better hotels and private transport.
A Luxury Trip can start from ₹8,000+ per day, covering luxurious stays and guided experiences.
Essential Travel Tips for Odisha
- Make sure you dress modestly for temple visits, particularly at Jagannath Temple, which has a specific dress code.
- Various temples prohibit photography so check before clicking pictures.
- If you know a few words and phrases in Odia, it really helps in rural and secluded areas.
- Make sure you carry cash.
- Please book train tickets and hotels early during peak season.
- If you are traveling along the coast in October–November, stay aware of cyclone season timing.
Odisha for Different Types of Travelers
Odisha attracts different kind of travellers to its state and different travellers prefer to visit different locationsÂ
Families
For families with kids, the best combo had to be a 3 day weekend getaway of visiting temples and beaches. A temple trip to Bhubaneswar, Jagannath and Konark all while enjoying the beaches of Puri.
Couples & HoneymoonersÂ
For Couples and Honeymooners, Odisha has something different to offer. Chilika Lake’s boat rides at sunset, the hill of Daringbadi are more calm and underrated spots for couples. Beaches like Talasari or Astaranga are also less crowded and a nature camp near Bhitarkanika adds more charm to the tripÂ
Solo TravelersÂ
For Solo travellers Puri and Bhubaneswar are the most safest and easy starting points. You can easily explore these places without feeling unsafe. The best thing about both these cities is that they stay lively throughout the day and night.
Adventure SeekersÂ
Odisha is a haven for adventurous places. You can trek to Deomali, witness the majestic waterfalls and Similipal’s forest trails really change your life. all Southern Odisha has more hilly terrain around Koraput. There is just so much to explore in Odisha as an Adventurous enthusiast.
Spiritual SeekersÂ
You can visit the Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple and Lingaraj Temple during the rath yatra and Durga Pooja. You can also visit the Sarnath-style Buddhist heritage sites near Dhauligiri for people who are interested in the history of Buddhism.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
How many days are enough for Odisha tourism?Â
3-5 days is enough for you to explore Odisha.
What is the best time to visit Odisha?Â
The best time to visit Odisha from November through February
Is Odisha safe for tourists?
Yes, Odisha is safe for tourists.
What are the famous temples in Odisha?Â
The famous temples are Jagannath Temple and Konark Sun Temple.
Is there an airport in Odisha?
Yes we have Biju Patnaik International Airport in BhubaneswarÂ
Is Odisha good for a solo female traveler?Â
Yes, it is good for female solo travellers
How much does an Odisha trip cost?
Budget trips can start around ₹1,500 per day.
Can I visit Jagannath Temple as a non-Hindu?Â
No, you cannot.
What is the local food to try in Odisha?
I think you should try the mahaprasad at Jagannath templeÂ
Is Odisha good for a monsoon trip?
Yes, it become quite beautiful in monsoonsÂ
What are the offbeat places to visit in Odisha?Â
Daringbadi and Koraput’s tribal circuit are offbeat location
Where should I visit in Odisha for just one day?
You should visit Puri as it give you a mixture of temples and beaches
Odisha is really an underrated state that everyone should visit once in their lifetime. From temples to beaches, to hills to historical exploration to tribes, you have so much to explore. So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets for Odisha and finally explore this beautiful state.
