Discover 46 travel destinations across 7 regions of Odisha.
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Hidden Gem
Athagarh block, Banki road, Cuttack district
A picturesque horseshoe-shaped freshwater lake spread across 141 hectares beneath the verdant Saranda Hill. Home to migratory water birds, lotus ponds, bamboo cottage eco-resorts, and walking trails leading to historic ruins atop Saranda Garh.
Biju Patnaik Colony, Cuttack
Built in the 14th century by the Ganga dynasty rulers, this historic fort stands surrounded by an expansive water-filled moat on the banks of the Mahanadi. Renowned for its monumental stone arched gateway, 9-storey palace ruins, and the adjacent Barabati cricket stadium.
Core area, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Mayurbhanj district
Located deep inside the core of Similipal National Park, Barehipani is India's second-highest waterfall, plunging 1,309 feet (399 m) in two tiered leaps over a dramatic red cliff. Nearby Joranda Falls drops in a single uninterrupted veil of 492 feet into a mist-shrouded gorge.
Dangamal, Kendrapara district
India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem and a premier Ramsar wetland site. A scenic boat safari through the tidal creeks of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers brings visitors face-to-face with massive saltwater crocodiles (some exceeding 20 feet in length), monitor lizards, and eight species of kingfishers.
Chandipur, Balasore district
A one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon where the seawater recedes up to 5 kilometres twice a day during low tide, allowing visitors to safely walk, cycle, or even drive right onto the seabed. Teeming with tiny red ghost crabs and horseshoe crabs left behind by the receding waves.
Chandrabhaga, Konark, Puri district
A quiet, pristine coastal stretch 3 km east of the Konark Sun Temple where the sacred Chandrabhaga River once joined the sea. Blue Flag certified with crystal clean waters, rolling sand dunes, and tranquil morning walks beneath casuarina tree canopies.
Satapada, Puri district
The mouth of Chilika Lake where the massive brackish lagoon meets the Bay of Bengal, famous for sightings of rare, playful Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat. Boat safaris from Satapada take visitors across scenic sand spits and the sea mouth.
Near Hirakud Dam, Bargarh/Sambalpur district
Bordering the scenic backwaters of the Hirakud Reservoir in the Barapahad hills, Debrigarh was historically the hideout of celebrated freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. Renowned for frequent sightings of Indian bison (gaur), leopards, sambar deer, and winter waterbirds along the reservoir edge.
Near Doodhari, Pottangi block, Koraput district
The highest mountain peak in Odisha, soaring 1,672 metres (5,486 ft) above sea level in the Chandragiri-Pottangi subrange of the Eastern Ghats. Features rolling montane shola grasslands, crisp mountain winds, paragliding launches, and breathtaking panoramic cloud inversions at dawn.
Dhauli Hills, near Bhubaneswar
Set on the peaceful banks of the Daya River where the fateful Kalinga War was fought in 261 BCE, transforming Emperor Ashoka to Buddhism. The hill features a gleaming white Peace Pagoda built jointly in 1972 by the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha, along with 3rd-century BCE Ashokan rock inscriptions and a sculpted stone elephant.
Machkund, Koraput district
A thunderous horsetail waterfall cascading 574 feet (175 m) down a sheer granite amphitheatre on the Machkund River along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. Surrounded by dense deciduous forests and traditional tribal villages of the indigenous Bonda and Gadaba communities.
Gahirmatha Beach, Kendrapara district
The world's largest mass nesting site (Arribada) for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. Every year between January and March, hundreds of thousands of turtles emerge from the Bay of Bengal onto the isolated sandy beaches of Gahirmatha to lay their eggs under the moonlit sky.
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.
Grand Road (Badadanda), Puri
The sacred Garden House of Lord Jagannath, where deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra reside for seven days during the annual Ratha Yatra festival. Built in light-grey sandstone within lush walled gardens, it represents the sanctified home of Queen Gundicha, consort of King Indradyumna.
Near Boipariguda, Koraput district
An ancient subterranean limestone cave set within lush deciduous forests near the Kolab (Sabari) River. Houses a massive self-manifested (Swayambhu) stone lingam that increases in size according to local tradition, attracting thousands of pilgrims during Bolbom and Shivratri.
Hirakud, Sambalpur district
One of the first major multipurpose river valley projects after India's independence, Hirakud is the world's longest earthen dam stretching 25.8 km across the Mahanadi. Features Gandhi Minar and Nehru Minar watchtowers offering panoramic vistas over the vast 743 sq km inland reservoir.
Hidden Gem
Jamboo / False Point, Kendrapara district
An uninhabited sandy island off the Kendrapara coast built by the British East India Company in 1867 following the Great Orissa Famine (Na'anka Durbhikhya). Features a colossal stone building designed as a rice storehouse with innovative rainwater harvesting roof structures.
Hidden Gem
Huma village, Sambalpur district
A curious architectural marvel standing on a rocky outcrop along the Mahanadi River, where the main 17th-century stone temple tilts noticeably at a 47-degree angle while its pinnacle remains perpendicular to the ground. The river pool below is populated by friendly holy Kudo fish that feed from visitors' hands.
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.
Khiching, Sukruli block, Mayurbhanj district
An architectural masterpiece constructed entirely of lustrous black chlorite stone, originally built between 920 and 925 CE by the Bhanja dynasty rulers. Dedicated to Goddess Kichakeswari, the exterior walls are adorned with refined carvings of celestial maidens, dancers, and floral scrolls.
Jeypore-Koraput road, Koraput district
A picturesque water reservoir formed by the Upper Kolab hydroelectric dam at an altitude of 3,000 feet. The adjoining hilltop Kolab Botanical Garden features terraced flower beds, fountains, children's play parks, and panoramic sunset viewpoints over the shimmering blue lake waters.
Konark, Puri district
A 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage architectural triumph conceived as a colossal chariot for the Sun God Surya, complete with 24 exquisitely carved stone wheels and 7 galloping horses. Renowned worldwide for its monumental scale, intricate chlorite sculptures, and geometrical precision.
Hidden Gem
Nilgiri block, Balasore district
A tranquil dense forest corridor of 272 sq km linked with Similipal, renowned for wild elephant herds, leopards, giant squirrels, and hornbills. Offers secluded nature camps and watchtowers at Rissia Dam where wildlife gathers at dusk to drink.
Hidden Gem
Lalitgiri, Cuttack district
The earliest established Buddhist monastery in Odisha's celebrated Diamond Triangle, flourishing continuously from the 3rd century BCE to the 10th century CE. Excavations revealed a massive apsidal chaitya, four monastic complexes, and a stone Mahastupa enclosing sacred gold and silver relic caskets.
Old Town, Bhubaneswar
The crowning glory of Kalinga architectural style, this 11th-century temple dedicated to Harihara (Lord Shiva and Vishnu) stands 180 feet tall with a sprawling sandstone compound containing over 50 smaller shrines. Located near the sacred Bindusagar Lake.
Jajpur Town, Jajpur district
An ancient 13th-century Adi Shakti Peetha situated on the banks of the sacred Vaitarani River in Jajpur (Navigaya Kshetra). The presiding deity, Goddess Biraja, is depicted as two-armed Mahishasuramardini piercing the demon with her spear while pulling his tail, worshipped with Vedic rituals.
Kunjelpada, Sambalpur
Built in the 16th century by Balram Dev, the first Chauhan king of Sambalpur, on the banks of the Mahanadi. Dedicated to Goddess Samaleswari (the presiding deity of Western Odisha), it features unique proto-Odia temple architecture and is the cultural epicentre of the famous Nuakhai harvest festival.
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
Mangalajodi, Tangi block, Khordha district
A globally acclaimed community-led eco-tourism village on the northern wetland marshes of Chilika Lake. Once poachers, local villagers now guide silent, non-motorized wooden boat tours through thick reeds sheltering over 300,000 migratory waterfowl, whistling ducks, godwits, and purple swamphens.
Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Khordha district
Hailed as the 'Gem of Odisha Architecture', this 10th-century Kalinga monument dedicated to Lord Shiva features an iconic arched torana (gateway) adorned with intricate miniature carvings of smiling women, peacocks, and floral motifs. Marked as the culmination point of early Kalinga style.
Chandaka Forest, Bhubaneswar, Khordha district
Literally 'The Garden of the Heavens', Nandankanan spans 437 hectares of natural moist deciduous forest along the scenic banks of Kanjia Lake. World-renowned as the first captive breeding facility for white tigers and the Indian pangolin, featuring open-moat safari enclosures and a ropeway.
Jobra, Cuttack
Housed inside the restored 19th-century British Maritime Workshop on the banks of the Mahanadi near Jobra Barrage. Comprises 13 interactive galleries showcasing ancient Kalinga maritime expeditions to Bali, Java, and Sumatra, traditional boat-building tools, and a 4D theatre.
Hidden Gem
Nilagiri, Balasore district
Perched on the verdant Nilagiri hill range, this sacred shrine is famous for five naturally sculpted stone Shiva lingas continuously washed by a cold perennial mountain spring. Devotees lie flat on the rock slab and feel the sacred lingas underwater amidst dense green forest canopies.
Rajnagar block, Kendrapara district
A tranquil, virgin sea beach on the edge of the Bhitarkanika mangrove forest, bordered by Geo-tube seawall protection and dense casuarina groves. Known for gentle waves, red crabs scurrying across golden sand dunes, and tranquil sea vistas.
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.
Chakratirtha Road / Sea Beach, Puri
One of India's prestigious eco-labeled Blue Flag certified beaches, featuring fine golden sands, wide promenades, lifeguard surveillance, and safe swimming zones. Famous for spectacular Bay of Bengal sunrises and the sand art creations of renowned master artists.
Hidden Gem
Putsil, Semiliguda block, Koraput district
Often called the 'Switzerland of Odisha', Putsil is a hidden highland tableland nestled at 3,500 feet near Deomali. Known for dramatic cloud seas enveloping pine plantations, rolling grasslands, cool mountain breezes, and offbeat eco-camping under starry night skies.
Hidden Gem
Raghurajpur, near Chandanpur, Puri district
A living museum village where every household is an artisan family dedicated to traditional master crafts, including Pattachitra cloth paintings, palm-leaf etchings, tassar silk art, cow dung toys, and Gotipua traditional dance troupes. The birthplace of legendary Odissi maestro Kelucharan Mohapatra.
Rajarani Colony, Old Town, Bhubaneswar
An 11th-century architectural marvel constructed entirely of warm yellowish-red sandstone locally known as Rajaraniya. Standing within impeccably manicured lawns, it is famous for its curvilinear spire and sensuous stone sculptures of nayikas, musicians, and guardian deities, without any presiding idol.
Hidden Gem
Ratnagiri, Jajpur district
The crowning jewel of Odisha's Buddhist heritage, this major centre of Mahayana and Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhism flourished from the 5th to the 13th century CE. Features a grand carved chlorite entrance portal, a colossal seated Buddha with compassionate expression, and hundreds of votive stone stupas.
Badmul / Tikarpada, Angul & Nayagarh border
A stunning 22-kilometre-long deep canyon carved by the Mahanadi River through the Eastern Ghats hills. The sanctuary features freshwater river crocodiles (gharial and mugger), elephant herds, and luxury eco-resort river tented camps at Badmul and Chhotkei with river rafting and nature trails.
Grand Road, Puri
One of the sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites, dating to the 12th century under King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. Towering 214 feet with its soaring curvilinear sikhara, famous for the magnificent annual Ratha Yatra (chariot festival) and the world's largest traditional temple kitchen (Mahaprasad Anand Bazar).
Mayurbhanj district (entry via Pithabata or Jashipur gates)
A massive 2,750 sq km UNESCO World Network Biosphere Reserve comprising dense sal forests, meadows, and rolling hills. Shelters Bengal tigers, wild elephants, leopards, four-horned antelopes, and over 1,000 plant species including 96 species of rare wild orchids.
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.
Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar
Partly natural and partly rock-hewn caves dating to the 2nd century BCE under King Kharavela of the Chedi dynasty. Udayagiri ('Sunrise Hill') has 18 caves including the famous multi-storeyed Ranigumpha (Queen's Cave) and the Hathigumpha inscription, while Khandagiri ('Broken Hill') features 15 ancient Jain hermit cells.
Hidden Gem
Jajpur District, Odisha
The largest Buddhist complex of the Diamond Triangle (Pushpagiri University circuit) featuring a monumental Mahastupa, rock-cut Avalokiteshvara sculptures, and large monastery quadrangles.
