10 Best Places To Include In Your Odisha Tour Packages

1. Bhubaneshwar

What’s Special: Beautiful temples, sightseeing spots, museums

Nearby Attractions: Chandipur, Puri, Dhauli, Cuttack, Paradip

Major Attractions: Dhauli Hills, Udayagiri & Khandagiri caves, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations, Bindu Sarovara

Transportation Options: Bus, auto rickshaw, cab, taxi

The temple city of India, Bhubaneswar is known for its architecture and beautiful temples, and one of the thriving centres for commerce and business. The beautiful historic temples of the city attract travelers from all around the world. Bhubaneshwar in literal sense means Lord of the Universe and this can rightly be explained by the large number of temples available in the area. With a perfect balance of history and present time, and is also the centre for religious tourism. Some of the best attractions in the city include Lingaraj Temple, ISKCON Temple, Hirakud Dam, Parasurameswara Temple, and Bindu Sarovara. With so much to explore and experience, you cannot afford to miss on this city when in Odisha.

2. Puri

What’s Special: Historical monuments, serene beaches

Nearby Attractions: Raghurajpur, Astaranga Beach, Konark, Chilika Lake, Pipili

Major Attractions: Sri Jagannath Puri Temple, Chilika Lake, Puri Beach, Jagannath Rath Yatra

Transportation Options: Bus, auto rickshaw, cab, taxi

One of the most visited pilgrimage sites for Hindus, the Jagannath Temple attracts travelers from all around the world. A beach city located on the coast of Bay of Bengal, this place is most visited by people of West Bengal for a short trip to this dreamy island. A popular destination among backpackers one may find a variety of accommodations here including hotels and homestays. The area near the New Marine Drive is the best for the travelers to stay. If you happen to visit the city between the months of June and July, the you must not miss the Rath Yatra that takes place here every year.

3. Konark

What’s Special: Sun Temple, unique architecture, historical and religious sites

Nearby Attractions: Puri, Cuttack, Bargarh, Jeypore

Major Attractions: Kuruma, Astaranga Beach, Varahi Devi Temple - Chaurasi, Maa Mangala Temple - Kakatpur

Transportation Options: Cab, taxi, bus, auto

House to a renowned world heritage site, the Sun Temple, Konark is known for its sand beaches and Annual dance festival. The Sun Temple in the city is one of the best places to visit in Konark. Visited by tourists every year, and offer prayers to the Sun God by taking dips into the sea. An architectural marvel is one of the most beautiful monuments in the city. If you are visiting Konark on your Odisha vacatio, then do not forget to be a part of the annual dance festival. This festival is a five day long event which invites dancing talents from all over the country. A variety of events and festivals are hosted all around the city throughout the year and if you are luck enough, you may also be able to be a part of any of these festivals in Konark.

4. Chilika Lake

What’s Special: Natural beauty, picnic spot

Nearby Attractions: Nalaban, Satapada, Kalijai Temple, Honeymoon Island

Major Attractions: NA

Transportation Options: Bus, taxi, auto, cab

An internal salt-water lake, this is the largest in Asia with a pear shape. A paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers, this place has one of the most diverse and flourishing ecosystems in the area. Dotted with a few small islands, the lake has fisheries and salt pans around its shore. You can find a wide variety of flora and fauna in the clear waters of the lake. Home to a large amount of flora and fauna, you can spot a myriad of avian charms in different hues and colors and also spot creatures like sandpipers, flamingoes and golden plovers. If you are up for some relaxing time away from the normal hustle of the city, the place also offers magnificent sunrise and sunset views. If you are lucky enough, you may also have the chance to spot endangered species of dolphins in the lake.

5. Golden Beach

What’s Special: Water Park, picnic spot, water activities

Nearby Attractions: Khandagiri Caves, Chilika Lake, Puri Beach, Shri Jagannath Puri Temple

Major Attractions: Golden Beach Golf Club, Leach Park, William Landsborough Memorial Park

Transportation Options: Taxi, cab, bus, auto rickshaw

One of the cleanest and beautiful beaches in Chennai, the area is perfect to spend quality time with friends and family. Also a part of the VGP Universal Kingdom, you can also visit the amusement park attached to the beach and enjoy some thrilling rides. The surging waves and swaying winds will let you enjoy a peaceful evening by the beach. You can also enjoy a relaxing dip into the water of the sea while children can build sand castles or go treasure hunting on the shores. With a lot of fun activities, the park offers an enjoyable vacation to all. Some of the popular attractions include VGP 2000 millennium Tower, Panerr fort and the Statue Man.

6. Simlipal National Park

What’s Special: Wildlife, safari, photography

Nearby Attractions: Maa Ambika Temple, Shri Jagannath Temple, and Mayurbhanj Palace

Major Attractions: Chahala, Ramatirtha, Devkund waterfall

Transportation Options: Bus, cab, taxi, auto

A beautiful and scenic park in India, the Simlipal National Park is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India. The National Park is situated in Mayurbhanj and was one a hunting ground for the rulers of the area. Rich in dense forests, striking meadows and startling waterfalls, the National Park is a great place to relax in the cozy surroundings. You can spot a great variety of wildlife here and go on safaris in the forest. A great variety of fauna is also available in the park with around a thousand species of plants and flowers. A forest rest house is also available here and you can rest and hire a jeep and go on a forest safari. Enjoy the thrilling experience and do not forget to visit this amazing place in Odisha.

7. Pipli

What’s Special: Beautiful Applique handicrafts and colourful bazaars

Nearby Attractions: Bindu Sagar, Brahmeshwar, Mukteswara, Chousath Yo

Major Attractions: Tau Devi Lal Park, Sri Krishna Museum, Pipli Mini Zoo

Transportation Options: Auto rickshaw, bus, cab, taxi, cycle rickshaw

Positioned 29 Km from Bhubaneswar, Pipli is a small quaint village that is not explored by many. The destination is best known for its amazing applique work made with bright and vibrant colors. Travelers from far and wide come to pipli to buy such marvelous handmade products of applique work. From handbags to umbrellas, and canopies, you will find various sorts of accessories here. Apart from this, the place is also renowned for its vivid culture that the locals celebrate.

8. Cuttack

What’s Special: Ancient pilgrim centres, forts, museums, lakes

Nearby Attractions: Deojhar Waterfall, Ansupa Lake, Deras Dam, Salia Dam

Major Attractions: Mahanadi Barrage, Fort of Barabati, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Ansupa Lake

Transportation Options: Bus, cab, taxi, auto rickshaw

One of the oldest cities in Odisha, Cuttack is popular for many reasons. The place is beautified with numerous ancient pilgrim centres, museums, forts, lakes, and islands. Apart from this you can also witness exotic wildlife here. Interestingly, the city is also known as Millennium City and Silver City owing to its 100 years of history and silver filigree works. The city can be seen dipped in culture throughout the year as the locals always partake in cultural activities and play with full zeal.

9. Rourkela

What’s Special: Vintage temples, parks, dams, and waterfalls

Nearby Attractions: Puri, Asansol, Cuttack, Digha, Konark

Major Attractions: Pitamahal Dam, Badaghagra Falls, and Khandadhar Falls, Nehru Traffic Park

Transportation Options: Bus, cab, taxi, auto

Located 340 km away from Bhubaneswar, Rourkela is famously known as the Steel City of Odisha. Travelers from far and wide visit this beautiful city to witness the amazing parks, dams, vintage temples, and waterfalls which also makes it one of the best cities to visit in Odisha. From sightseeing to shopping, you can enjoy numerous memorable experiences here. Some of the best ones that you can add to your itinerary include Darjeeling, Nehru Traffic Park, temples of Vedavyas & Vaishno Devi, Hanuman Vatika, Mandira Dam, Pitamahal Dam, Badaghagra Falls, and Khandadhar Falls.

10. Dhauli

What’s Special: Shanti Stupa, pilgrim/religious sites

Nearby Attractions: Berhampur, Gopalpur, Baripada, Puri, Konark, Cuttack

Major Attractions: Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Dhabaleswar, Kalinga War Battlefield, and CIFA Aquarium

Transportation Options: Taxi, cab, bus, auto rickshaw

Nestled on the banks of the river Daya, Dhauli is yet another ancient gem of Odisha that should be visited by all. Also called the white peace pagoda, Dhauli was built by the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha and the Japan Buddha Sangha in the 1970s. The famous Shanti Stupa is a place where you can experience utter tranquility. The significance from the Kalinga War and the sheer serenity of the place makes it one of the most-visited places in Odisha.Notably, there is no entry fee to visit Dhauli.

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Best Time To Visit Odisha

Local and travel experts would agree that the best time to book a holiday package for Odisha is from October to March i.e. during the winter season. The summers in Odisha are very uncomfortable with scorching heat and frequent rain showers during the monsoon from July to September become a hindrance in visiting the various Odisha points of interests. Hence, the winters serve as the best time to visit the tourist destination in Odisha with temperatures between 13°C to 27°C. Another advantage in winters is that it is the time for migratory birds here which can be observed at Chilka lake and other national parks.

Summer (March to June)

The summer season in Odisha starts in the month of March. The city experiences sunny days and scorching heat during the peak season. The temperature ranges between 35 to 40 degree celsius and the season stretches till June. However in the evening, there is a lot to do in the city. You can explore places like Bhubaneswar, Konark, Puri and other beautiful places. You can also enjoy sunset views at the Chilka Lake.

Monsoon (July to September)

The rainy season starts in July whereas, the beginning of showers in some area starts from June. Cyclones and tornadoes are frequent in the coastal areas and the state receives an average annual rainfall of 150 cm. However there are alot of things for you to do in Odisha during this time and you can enjoy the lush greenery around and go for walks and sightseeing.

Winter (October to February)

Probably the best time to visit Odisha, this season starts in the month of October and ends in early March. The temperature during this time falls down as low as 7 degree celsius and you can experience chilly days. However, you will truly enjoy the pleasant weather and the cold breeze. You can visit Daringbadi, the Kashmir of Odisha to witness its breathtaking natural beauty. You might catch a snowfall if it's your lucky day.

With much to offer ranging from the beautiful rivers, beaches, temples, Leeds, waterfalls and wildlife, it is quite natural to find the tourist destinations in Odisha packed all round the year. Some of the most famous and visited Odisha points of interest include the Puri beach, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, dhauli Giri hills, famous Chilka lake, the Sun temple in Konark, Satkosia Tiger Sanctuary, Koraput, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Jagannath temple in Puri, Tribal Museum, Nine Planet Shrine, and Chausath Yogini in Bhubaneswar. With so much to explore in Odisha, you cannot afford to miss this amazing destination. So plan your trip with DiscoverMytravel and venture on a hassle free vacation.

How To Reach Odisha?

Visiting Odisha from any state in India is very convenient due to the regular trains as well as the presence of an international airport in Bhubaneswar. Getting around from different tourist destinations in Odisha can be done by hiring taxis or cars. For a cheaper alternative, one can also use auto rickshaws to travel shorter distances.

By Air

Biju Patnaik Airport is the closest airport to the city centre, and this is the fastest and convenient way to reach Odisha. Major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata are well-connected to this airport.

By Rail

Trains to all the major cities run to and from Odisha. This is a budget-friendly way to travel to the city.

By Road

Odishais very well connected to other parts of the country by road. You can easily get taxi and buses for traveling to all cities.