The Best Things to See and Do in Odisha, India

Odisha is home to numerous ancient temples that remind visitors of the state’s rich cultural heritage and history. One of the oldest and most important temples is the Jagannath Temple, located in the temple town of Puri. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), the temple dates back to the 12th century and is one of the four sacred places of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. This temple is famous for its nine-day festival of Chariots (Ratha Yatra) held in the months of either June or July, every year. It is a vibrant Hindu festival that is marked by beautifully-decorated wooden chariots carrying the idols of Gods and devotees pulling that chariot. Several hundred thousand people from across the country attend this grand festival and pay homage to Lord Jagannath.

Jagannath temple, Jambhira, Sankhana, Odisha, India

Another noteworthy temple in Odisha is the Konark Sun Temple, which is in the form of a chariot driven by seven horses on 12 massive wheels. Situated in Konark, the temple was built in the 13th century and is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Its intricate stone carving, striking architecture and erotic sculptures of carnal unions (mithunas), along with its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, make it worth the visit.

Konark Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha, India, +91 06758 236 821

Other well-known temples in Odisha include the 11th-century Rajarani temple, also referred to as the ‘love temple’ due to its erotic carvings, and the Kalinga-style Lingaraja temple, which is the largest temple in Bhubaneshwar. Its carved stone towers are what truly sets it apart.

These ancient caves are partly man-made and partly natural, and one of the finest examples of the Jaina rock-cut architecture in India. Khandagiri consists of about 15 caves and the Udayagiri has 18 caves, all once served as residential sites for the Jain monks during the rule of King Kharavela. With intricate carvings, sculptures, Brahmi inscriptions and important historical, archaeological and religious significance, these caves are not to be missed.

Khandagiri Caves, Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

Udayagiri, Khandagiri-Chandaka Rd, Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

Odisha’s glorious past is best portrayed in its numerous forts, which may lie in ruins, but continue to stun visitors with its historic charm. Visitors can stroll among the ruins and gaze upon the remnants. The most well-preserved are the Barabati Fort, constructed in the 14th century by the Ganga dynasty, the Sisupalgarh Fort, dating back to the 3rd century BC and the 4th century AD, the Chudanga Gada Fort, built in the 12th century AD by Kesari dynasty and the Raibania Fort, which is a group of ancient forts dating back to the 13th century.

Barabati Fort, Biju Patnaik Colony, Cuttack, Odisha, India.

Sisupalgarh Fort, Mahaveer Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

Raibania Fort, Raibania, Odisha, India.

Nestled alongside the Bay of Bengal, Odisha boasts 485 kilometres of beaches, which are perhaps the state’s best asset. Some of the famous beaches visitors must go to include Puri beach, Chandrabagha beach and Chandipur beach. Located in the pilgrim city of Puri, the Puri beach is one of the largest beaches in the country, stretching up to 7 kilometres.

Chandrabagha beach is just a mile away from the Sun Temple at Konark and is known for its jaw-dropping sunsets as well as the cultural activities that are held here, especially the week-long Chandrabagha Mela, held in February, every year. Visitors can relax in the budget and luxury accommodations that line the beach.

Located in the Balasore district, Chandipur beach is the only beach in India where the sea recedes up to three miles, twice every day during low tide, thus providing a scope to walk on the sea bed and collect some marine particles. During the high tide, the water returns with full force.

Other beaches that are just as beautiful and pristine include the Paradip beach in the Jagatsinghpur district, Astaranga beach and Balighai beach in Puri and Aryapalli beach.

An integral part of the Odisha’s appeal is its stunning waterfalls. The highest waterfall in the state is the Barehipani Waterfall, tucked inside the Simlipal National Park. This spectacular waterfall flows from a height of 399 metres in two tiers forming a pool down below. Tourists can soak in the beauty of these majestic falls from afar. The best time to visit is between October and June.

Barehipani Waterfall, Odisha, India.

Located close to the Barehipani Waterfall is the Joranda Waterfall, located among tall trees and rich sal vegetation. It drops from a height of 150 metres over a lofty cliff in a single drop and spreads eventually – it’s a sight to behold. Other popular waterfalls in the state include Devkund Waterfall, Khandadhar Falls, Sanaghagara Waterfall and Harishankar Waterfall.

From mammals and exotic birds to marine life, Odisha is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Some of the beautiful places where you can get up-close and personal with the state’s incredible wildlife include Nandankanan Zoological Park, that houses about 166 animal species, along with 130 species of orchids, a reptile park and 34 aquaria; the Bhitarkanika National Park, that is home to diverse flora and fauna and known for its Water Monitor Lizard and the giant Salt Water Crocodile, which is approximately 23 feet in length; and the Simlipal National Park, home to 242 bird species, 42 mammal species, 30 reptile species and 96 species of orchids. It is a particularly good place to spot Bengal Tigers.

Nandankanan Zoological Park, Nandankanan Rd, Near Police Station, Barang, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, +91 0674 254 7850

Bhitarkanika National Park, Paramanandpur, Odisha, India, +91 080930 12303

Simlipal National Park, Dist. Mayurbhanj, Bhanjpur, Baripada, Odisha, India, +91 06792 252 593

Odisha is home to several Buddhist sites. In fact, about 200 Buddhist sites have been revealed by archaeological excavations recently. These sites date back to the 6th century BC and to the 16th century AD. They can be found in Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri, also known as the ‘Diamond Triangle”. These sites consist of numerous stupas, monasteries, temples, shrines, stone and terracotta sculptures. When in Odisha, pay a visit to these sacred sites to experience Buddhist heritage and to learn about Buddha and his teachings.