📍 Odisha, India
Odisha · 5 destinations & hidden spots
Gopalpur, Ganjam district
An old maritime port of the Kalinga seafarers that later flourished under the British East India Company, now a peaceful seaside retreat. Known for clean sand dunes, rolling breakers, fresh seafood, and an active 1871 striped lighthouse offering sweeping coastal vistas.
Chilika Lake (via Barkul/Balugaon), Khordha/Ganjam border
A picturesque, blue-water island perched in the heart of Chilika Lake, home to the revered shrine of Goddess Kalijai, the guardian deity of Chilika fishermen. Reachable by a refreshing 40-minute boat cruise from Barkul jetty through schools of jumping fish.
Purushottampur, Ganjam district
One of the revered ancient Shakti Peethas (Stana Peetha), perched atop the holy Purnagiri Hill (Taratarini Hill) beside the sacred Rushikulya River. Reachable via 999 stone steps, a motorable ghat road, or a modern passenger ropeway.
Hidden Gem
Ganjam town, Ganjam district, Odisha
A historic star-shaped maritime fort constructed in 1768 CE on the banks of the Rushikulya River estuary at the Bay of Bengal. Built with composite Muslim, French, and British colonial masonry, the fort features underground escape tunnels, moat ramparts, and atmospheric river-facing maritime ruins.
Chhatrapur, Ganjam district
A pristine 5.8-kilometre-long freshwater lake nestled parallel to the Bay of Bengal coastline amidst cashew plantations and pine groves. Offers developed eco-tourism parks, pedal boating, water scooters, kayaking, and wooden viewing decks.
