BEST PLACES IN ODISHA

Odisha, also known as Orissa, is a state located on the east coast of India, and it is home to a variety of tourist destinations. Some of the most popular places to visit in Odisha include:

1. Konark Sun Temple- A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous temples in India.

Konark Sun Temple, located in the state of Odisha, India, is a 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the sun god Surya. It is also known as the "Black Pagoda" because of its dark color, and it is one of the most famous temples in India. The temple is in the shape of a giant chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels, which are said to represent the days of the week and the months of the year.

The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which cover almost every inch of the temple's walls. These carvings depict various scenes from Hindu mythology, as well as everyday life in the 13th century. The temple's central spire, or shikhara, is now missing, but the rest of the temple remains well-preserved.

The temple was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century. It was later abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the 19th century, the British colonial government took steps to preserve the temple and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Konark Sun Temple is one of the most visited tourist attraction in Odisha. It is open all days of the week, and it is considered as one of the most important architectural and archaeological heritage of India.

2. Puri- Known for its famous Jagannath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath and one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

Puri is a city located in the state of Odisha, India, and it is known for its famous Jagannath Temple. The temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, and it is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India, along with Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Badrinath.

The temple is a major religious and cultural center for Hindus, and it is visited by millions of devotees every year. The temple's main festival, the Rath Yatra, or "Chariot Festival," is particularly famous and attracts large crowds of devotees.

The Jagannath Temple is a 12th century temple and it is an example of Kalinga Architecture. It is an architectural masterpiece with a richly decorated facade and a towering spire. The temple's principal deities are Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The temple is also known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.

The temple is open all days of the week and it is a must visit place for religious people or for those who are interested in cultural heritage.

Puri is also famous for its beaches, notably the golden beach of Puri, which is one of the most famous beaches in India, and a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and beach sports.

3. Lingaraj Temple- A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar.

Lingaraj Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the state of Odisha, India. It is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar and it is a significant religious and architectural site. The temple's construction is estimated to have been completed in the 11th century and is considered as the most impressive and largest temple in the city.

The temple is built in the Kalinga style of architecture and it is considered as a fine example of Orissan temple architecture. The temple complex is enclosed by a high wall and it covers an area of around 25,000 square feet. The temple has a central spire (shikhara) that stands at around 180 feet high and it is surrounded by smaller towers and shrines. The temple's walls are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

The temple is considered as one of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva in India and it is visited by thousands of devotees every year. It is also a popular tourist spot, and visitors can also visit the other small temples within the complex. The temple is open all days of the week, but it is closed during the afternoon.

It is a must visit place for those who are interested in religious and cultural heritage, as well as for those who appreciate architectural beauty.

4. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves- Two hillocks near Bhubaneswar, which are home to a number of rock-cut caves and Jain temples.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are two hillocks located near Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the state of Odisha, India. They are home to a number of rock-cut caves and Jain temples, and they are considered to be an important historical and archaeological site.

The Udayagiri caves are believed to have been built during the 2nd century BCE, during the reign of King Kharavela of the Kalinga Empire. The caves feature rock-cut sculptures, inscriptions and architectural elements. The most famous cave is the Rani Gumpha, which is a double-storeyed cave and considered as the most ornate cave in the complex. The Udayagiri Caves are also a pilgrimage site for Jains.

The Khandagiri Caves, on the other hand, are believed to have been built around the 1st century BCE and they were used by Jain monks as a residence. The caves are simpler in design compared to the Udayagiri Caves and they feature some interesting carvings and sculptures.

Both Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are open all days of the week and they are considered as an important historical and archaeological site. It is a must visit place for history buffs, archaeologists, and for those interested in ancient Indian rock-cut architecture.

5. Dhauli- The site of the Kalinga War, where Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism after witnessing the bloodshed.

Dhauli is a small hill located near Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the state of Odisha, India. It is known for being the site of the Kalinga War, which was fought between the armies of the Mauryan Empire, led by Emperor Ashoka, and the kingdom of Kalinga in the 3rd century BCE. The war is said to have resulted in the deaths of thousands of soldiers and civilians, and it is said to have had a profound impact on Emperor Ashoka, who subsequently converted to Buddhism as a result of the bloodshed he witnessed.

Dhauli is also home to the Peace Pagoda, which was built by the Japan Buddha Sangha organization in the 1970s. The pagoda is a white marble structure that stands on top of the Dhauli hill and it features a statue of the Buddha in the "earth-touching" posture. The pagoda serves as a symbol of peace and nonviolence and it is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Dhauli is also home to an Ashoka rock edict, which is a large stone slab with inscriptions in the Brahmi script. The inscriptions are believed to be some of the earliest examples of written script in India and they contain edicts issued by Emperor Ashoka related to the spread of Buddhism.

Dhauli is a must visit place for history buffs, archaeologists and for those interested in Buddhism. The area is open all days of the week and it is considered as an important historical and archaeological site in Odisha.

6. Chilika Lake- The largest coastal lagoon in India and a popular spot for birdwatching and boat rides

Chilika Lake is a large coastal lagoon located in the state of Odisha, India. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the world after The New Caledonian barrier reef in the Pacific.

It is a popular spot for birdwatching, boating, and other water sports.

The lake is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and it is an important habitat for migratory birds. The lake is a popular spot for birdwatching during the winter months, when it attracts a large number of migratory birds, including the critically endangered Eastern Curlew and the Greater Spotted Eagle.

The lake is also a major source of livelihood for the local fishing communities, who depend on the lake's fish and prawns for their survival. Visitors can take boat rides to explore the lake and its islands, and also enjoy a variety of water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.

Chilika Lake is also a home to a number of temples and shrines, including the famous Kalijai Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Kali and is located on an island in the lake.

The lake is open all days of the week and it is considered as an important natural and ecological site in Odisha. It is a must visit place for nature lovers, birdwatchers and for those who want to experience the local culture and tradition.

7. Ratnagiri Buddhist Monastery- A Buddhist monastery and one of the oldest in Odisha

Ratnagiri Buddhist Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in the Ratnagiri village of Odisha, India. It is considered to be one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Odisha and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

The monastery is a complex of several structures, including temples, monasteries, and stupas. It is believed to have been built in the 8th century CE during the reign of the Sailodbhava Dynasty and it is one of the most important Buddhist centers in Odisha. The main temple, known as the Mahavihara, is a large structure made of sandstone and it features a central courtyard surrounded by smaller shrines. The Mahavihara temple is also home to a number of large statues of the Buddha and other important Buddhist figures.

The monastery is also home to a number of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and texts, as well as a collection of ancient Buddhist artifacts and sculptures. The monastery is also a popular destination for scholars and researchers studying Buddhism and ancient Indian history.

Ratnagiri Buddhist Monastery is open all days of the week and it is considered as an important religious, historical and cultural site in Odisha. It is a must visit place for those interested in Buddhism, ancient Indian history, and culture.

8. Mukteswara Temple- A 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.

Mukteswara Temple is a 10th-century Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, and is considered to be one of the most important temples in the city.

The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of Orissan architecture. The temple is a small and compact structure, but it is richly decorated with carvings and sculptures. The temple's entrance is adorned with a large torana or archway, which is considered to be one of the finest examples of Orissan architecture. The temple is also home to a number of sculptures depicting various Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as scenes from Hindu mythology.

The temple is also an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and is visited by thousands of devotees during the annual Mukteswara Temple Festival, which is held in January/February and is a major cultural event in the region.

Mukteswara Temple is open all days of the week and it is considered as an important religious and architectural site in Odisha. It is a must visit place for those interested in Hinduism, Indian art and architecture, and for those who want to experience the local culture and tradition.

9. Daringbadi- A hill station known for its scenic beauty and cool climate, and a popular spot for trekking and camping.

Daringbadi is a hill station located in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, India. It is known for its scenic beauty and cool climate, and is a popular spot for trekking and camping.

The hill station is situated in the Eastern Ghats, a mountain range that runs parallel to the east coast of India, and it is surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. Daringbadi is also home to several streams, waterfalls and hot water springs, which add to the scenic beauty of the place.

Daringbadi is a popular spot for trekking and camping, as it offers a variety of trekking routes through the forests and hills that surround the town. The trekking routes vary in difficulty and length, and they offer visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area and to see a wide variety of plants and animals.

The hill station is also known for its cool climate and it is a popular spot for those looking to escape the heat of the plains. The temperature in Daringbadi is generally lower than that of the surrounding areas and it is a perfect place for a summer vacation.

Daringbadi is open all days of the week and it is considered as an important natural and ecological site in Odisha. It is a must visit place for nature lovers, trekkers and for those who want to experience the local culture and tradition.

10. Raghurajpur Heritage Village- A heritage village known for its traditional craftsmanship, particularly in Pattachitra paintings and palm leaf engravings.

Raghurajpur Heritage Village is a heritage village located in the Puri district of Odisha, India. It is known for its traditional craftsmanship, particularly in Pattachitra paintings and palm leaf engravings. The village is also considered as a living museum of traditional Odissi culture, art and lifestyle.

Raghurajpur is a historic village that has been around for over 500 years and it is considered to be one of the oldest heritage villages in Odisha. The village is home to a number of traditional craftsmen and artists who continue to practice their skills and pass them down through generations. The village is particularly famous for its Pattachitra paintings, which are a form of traditional Indian painting that is done on cloth or paper. The paintings are known for their intricate details and vibrant colors.

The village is also famous for its palm leaf engravings, which are a traditional form of art that involves engraving designs and illustrations onto palm leaves. The village is home to several artisans who specialize in this craft and visitors can see them at work and even purchase their products.

Raghurajpur Heritage Village is open all days of the week and it is considered as an important cultural, historical and artistic site in Odisha. It is a must visit place for those interested in traditional Indian art, crafts and for those who want to experience the local culture and tradition.

Above mentioned are some of the best places. There are more places to visit than this list.