ODISHA

Useful Info & Guides

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  AREA

  155,707 km2
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  POPULATION

  4.5 crores approx
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  MAJOR FESTIVALS

  Holi, Diwali, Eid, Makar Sankranti / Lohri, Navratri, Dussehra

  Festivals in Jagannath‎, Badabadua Puja, Balangir Lok Mahotsav, Bali Jatra, Bring Your Own Film Festival, Chaiti Festival, Rayagada, Danda Nata, Dhanu jatra, Dola Puja, Dola Yatra, Durga Puja, Festivals of Kalahandi, Festivals of Odisha, Gamha Purnima, Jagaddhatri, Jiuntia, Kalahandi Utsav, Kalasi Jatra, Kali Puja, Konark Dance Festival, Lanka Podi, Mage Parab, Manabasa Gurubara, Mondei, Nuakhai, Pana Sankranti, Prathamastami, Puspuni, Raja (festival), Samba Dashami, Sharad Purnima, Snana Yatra, Sulia Jatra, Vasant Panchami
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  NATIONAL PARK

  Simlipal National Park, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhitarkanika National Park
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  UNESCO HERITAGE SITE

  Sun Temple Konarak

CITIES OF ODISHA

BHUBANESWAR

Once the city had more than a thousand temples which made Bhubneswar (meaning Lord of the Universe) known as the Temple City of India, now the city has only around 50 of them. Most of the temples here are constructed in the Kalinga style of architecture. These temples here are the center of attraction with their grand architecture built here centuries ago making the city a religious place. Along with Puri and Konark, this city makes the Golden Triangle of Orissa Tourism. An important economic center, the city is now emerging manufacturing and IT hub. Otto Königsberger (German architect) designed the modern city of Bhubaneswar in 1946.

 

PLACE TO VISIT

Nandankanan Zoological Park, Dhauli Giri Hills, Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri Caves, Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts, Mukteswara Temple, Odisha State Museum, Ram Mandir, Khandagiri Caves, Rajarani Temple, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation, Chausathi Jogini Temple, Deras Dam, Parasurameswara Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Bhubaneswar

PURI

Call it Jagannath Puri or Puri, this one of the four sacred cities represents a great religious significance for Hindu people. Located on the Eastern side of the coastal front of the Bay of Bengal, Puri is thronged with sadhus and devotees during the Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival). But the charm of the city doesn’t limit itself to ancient temples only, one can get away from the crowd and enjoy a silent and sandy beach to stroll, surf, or swim. Having a great historical background, the city has its roots of existence in the 3rd century BC. The city had received great mass attention among hippies since Bhang was legislated back then.

 

PLACE TO VISIT

Jagannath Mandir, Puri Beach, Swargdwar, Raghunandan Library, Markandeya Tank, Narendra Tank, Raghurajpur Artist Village, Konark Beach, Chilika Lake, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Daring Badi, Puri Lighthouse

Shri Jagannath Mandir, Puri

KONARK

Home to one of the most iconic Sun Temple built in the 13th century (UNESCO World Heritage Site); Konark treats its guests with the splendor of golden sand beaches and the annual Konark Dance Festival which lasts for five days in December. Other than this, the Sun Festival dedicated to God Sun is celebrated with great zeal and faith. The weather gets pleasant from October to January. One can seek tranquil moments at Konark beach which attracts visitors due to its clean sand and soothing wind.

 

PLACE TO VISIT

Konark Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, Ramchandi Beach, ASI Museum, Vishnu Temple, Sun Temple Museum, Amareswara Shrine

Konark Sun Temple

Sambalpur

Famous for its Sambalpuri Saree, the Sambalpur District is the western part of the state of Odisha. The District is surrounded by Deogarh District in the East, Bargarh Districts in the West, Jharsuguda District in the North, and Sonepur and Angul Districts in the South. The District of Sambalpur has a history full of events including the Indian freedom struggle representing the different sections of the society. Sambalpur is mentioned in the book of Ptomely as Sambalaka on the river Manada. Sambalpur District was subsequently divided into four separate districts. Bargarh District was separated in 1993, and Jharsuguda and Deogarh Districts were separated in 1994.

PLACE TO VISIT

Cattle Island, Debrigadh Wildlife Sanctuary, Hirakud Dam, Ghanteswari Temple, Leaning Temple Of Huma, Nrusinghanath Temple, Pradhanpat Waterfall, Samaleswari Temple, Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary

Hirakud Dam, Sambalpur

Balasore

Balasore, the headquarters of the district, was an important maritime town in medieval times. Some portions of the town were occupied by the French and the Dutch which were named Farasidinga and Dinamardinga. The ruins of foreign possessions still exist. The main Baleshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (who is also known as Baleshwar). 

PLACE TO VISIT

Chandipur, Panchalingeswar, Balaramagadi, Chandaneshwa, Maninageswar, Remuna, Chandbali

Chandipur

Cuttack

Cuttack is Odisha's oldest city and was established in 989 AD. A relaxed and laid-back city, Cuttack is today mainly a farmer and trader town, offering a refreshing array of landscapes, activities, and characters, and whether one is a city-lover keen on shopping, a history or archaeology enthusiast, or a religious person, there is something on offer for everyone. Steeped in history, Barabati Fort is one of the principal visitor attractions in Odisha. The fort casts its historical shadow on the natural surroundings, and both history and nature blend into a rich, seamless harmony. Although many travelers love to visit the city all through the season, the winter season is the best time to visit Cuttack.

PLACE TO VISIT

Dhavaleswar, Quadam-I-Rasool, Chatia, Chandikhol, Barabati Fort, Ashokjhar, Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-Udaygiri, Gurudwara Guru Nanak Datan Sahib, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Memorial Museum, Chandi Temple , Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Chandaka Sanctuary, Similipal National Park

Barabati Fort

Gopalpur

Gopalpur is a coastal town located on the southern boundary lines of Orissa. The place is situated near the Bay of Bengal and is considered one of the top three tourist destinations of the state with beautiful beaches to grab some sunlight and relaxation. Thousands of tourists visit the place every month in order to get a glimpse of the exotic place. The East India Company used it as a significant trading center. The town is close to the state of Andhra Pradesh. The daily trading with the other southern states becomes easier for this commercial hub of Orissa.

PLACE TO VISIT

Pati Sonapur Beach, Gopalpur Lighthouse, Maa Tara Tarini Hill Shrine

Gopalpur Beach