Sport Capital of India with the presence of quintessential sports stadiums, Odisha’s every angle has eye-popping arenas that include a coastline of 480 KM, 8 pristine Lakes, 11 virgin Beaches, and 24 Islands.

From thoroughfare by the ways of thick forests & temple walks to triumph the enticing hills and clicking photos with the pretty birds; Odisha has everything for everyone to experience tranquillity, seclusion, and festivity.

 

History 

 

The old names of Odisha are Kalinga, Utkal & Odra and its history go back to 140 million years past when Odisha was found as a component of the Gondwana supercontinent.

Places to Visit

Bhubaneswar

Capital & largest city of Odisha and acclaimed for its temples & rich culture, Bhubaneswar is also known as the ‘Temple City of India’. From historical monuments and breathtaking architecture of temples & Buddhist sites to artifacts villages and museums, Bhubaneswar has an array of tourist spots that never break off to captivate the beholder.

 

Major attractions: Nandankanan Zoological Park, Dhauli Giri Hills, Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts, Lingaraja Temple, Mukteswara Temple, ISKCON Temple, Udayagiri Caves

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

 

Puri

Besides, being the sacred polestar, bestowed with the splendid existence of Lord Jagannath temple, Puri is also a substantiated bonanza for beach lovers to take pleasure in Golden Sand, Soothing Sun, and Breaking waves. Ramachandi beach and India Surf Festival (ISF) pull surf riders not only from India but also from abroad.

 

Major attractions: Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach, Raghurajpur Artist Village, Konark Beach, Chilika Lake, Narendra Tank, Balghai Beach, 

Best time to visit: July-March

 

Cuttack

The bygone capital of Odisha, Cuttack has its roots back in millennia. The Millennium city is known for its ancient historical monuments, conspicuous sights of freedom & battle and & silver ornamental arts that label the place as Silver City as well.

 

Major attractions: Netaji Birth Place Museum, Odisha Maritime Museum, Dhabaleswar Island, Mahanadi Barrage, Barabati Stadium, Maa Cuttack Chandi Mandir, Paradeep Beach

Best time to visit: Oct-March

 

Balangir

Balangir is an epic place that perfectly defines an ultimate blend of commercialization and wealthy traditional heritage. Known for its age-old temples, shrines, and endemic tribes, the place – also known as the cultural center of Western Odisha is proud of its aesthetic beauty and cultural heritage. Balangir is famous for Kosali’s folk art & dance, temperate climate, historical architecture, temples, and the well-known Sambalpuri cotton fabric.

 

Major attractions: Bhima Dunguri, Kumuda Pahad, Turekela, Gaikhai M.I.P, Jogisarda, Saintala Chandi Temple, Ranipur Jharial, Pataneswari Temple, and Harishankar.

Best time to visit: Nov to March

 

Sambalpur

The biggest city in western Odisha and the Education hub of Odisha, Sambalpur holds an important place in Indian history as it has witnessed numerous freedom battles against the British. Besides internationally renowned Handloom textile work, Sambalpur is famous for amazing festivities such as Sital Sasthi, Shiva Ratri, Pua Juntia festival, Dola Yatra, etc.

 

Major attractions: Hirakud Dam, Ghanteswari Temple, Gudguda Waterfall, Huma Temple, Samaleswari Temple, Ushakothi Sanctuary, and Pradhanpat.

Best time to visit: Sept. to March

 

Angul

Angul is a major commercial & industrial town situated near the southern shoreline of Bay of Bengal and raised at 640 ft over sea level. Surrounded by Dhenkenal & Cuttack in East, Sundargarh in North, Sambalpur in West and Nayagarh in South, the land provides a junction to Central & Western Odisha and is gifted with many holy places, tourist spots, and industries like NALCO.

 

Major attractions: Saila Srikhetra/ Jagannath Temple, Tikarpada and Labangi Wildlife Sanctuaries, Goddess Hingula, Lovi Thakurani, Garh Santry, Kosala Ramachandi Temple, and Rengali Dam.

Best time to visit: Nov-Feb

 

Boudh

The Boudh district is established in the middle of Odisha and is blessed with the antique statues of Buddha. Besides, the land has an array of caves, century-old beautifully & meticulously crafted temples and shrines to steal the heart of the beholder. The innate artistry and mesmerism of this place hardly spare anyone from getting captivated.

 

Major attractions: Padmatola and Satkosia Sanctuary, Marjakud Island, Bhairabi Mandir Purunakatak, Jogindra Villa Palace, Jagati Temple) and Dambarugada.

Best time to visit: Oct-March

 

Delectable dishes of Odisha

 

• Rice dishes & Rotis.
• Khattas & chutneys.
• Dal and Curries.
• Pithas (sweet cakes)
• Saaga (salad greens)
• Fish and other seafood
• Egg, chicken, and mutton.

 

Best Places to Eat

• Dalma Restaurant, Madhu Sudan Nagar, Bhubaneshwar
• Eshwar Dahibara Aloodum at Biju Patnaik Chowk, Cuttack
• Dahibara stall at Ranihat, Cuttack
• Mishra Hotel, Redhakhol, Boudh
• Lemon Grass
• Nakli Dhaba
• Trumptee Veg Restaurant

 

Hotels

Budget

 

• Vintage Villa
• JSB Matri Inn
• The Suncity

 

Average

 

• Reba Beach Resort
• Hotel Akshay Cosmo
• Hotel Puri Inn

 

Luxury

 

• Trident Hotel
• May Fair Lagoon
• Swosti Premium