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Odisha Travel Guide



Here are 100 captivating tourist spots in the culturally rich and naturally beautiful state of Odisha, organized by its 30 respective districts (zillas) as of 2025. This list covers the state's ancient temples, serene beaches, stunning wildlife sanctuaries, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant tribal heritage.

Puri Zilla

  1. Jagannath Temple: One of the Char Dhams, a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. (Entry for Hindus only).

  2. Puri Beach: A famous beach on the Bay of Bengal, known for its golden sands, lively atmosphere, and the annual Puri Beach Festival.

  3. Konark Sun Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 13th-century marvel shaped like a colossal chariot with immense stone wheels and pillars.

  4. Chandrabhaga Beach: A pristine beach near Konark, known for its beautiful sunrise and cultural significance.

  5. Chilika Lake: Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, a paradise for birdwatchers with migratory birds flocking in winter.

  6. Satapada, Chilika: A popular spot on Chilika Lake for dolphin watching (Irrawaddy dolphins).

  7. Raghurajpur Heritage Village: A crafts village famous for its Pattachitra paintings, an ancient art form of Odisha.

  8. Pipili: A town famous for its vibrant and intricate appliqué work (Chandua).

  9. Alarnath Temple: A revered temple near Puri, visited by devotees when the Jagannath Temple is closed after Snana Purnima.

  10. Sakshigopal Temple: A medieval temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, architecturally similar to the Jagannath Temple.

Khordha Zilla

  1. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar: A magnificent 11th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture.

  2. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Bhubaneswar: Twin hills with ornate rock-cut caves of Jain origin, dating back to the 1st century BCE.

  3. Dhauli Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), Bhubaneswar: A Buddhist stupa on the banks of the Daya River, marking the site of the Kalinga War.

  4. Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar: A renowned zoo and botanical garden, famous for its white tigers and captive breeding programs.

  5. Odisha State Museum, Bhubaneswar: A rich repository of the state's archaeological finds, art, and cultural artifacts.

  6. Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar: Known as the "Love Temple" for its intricate and sensuous carvings of nymphs and couples.

  7. Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar: An architectural gem from the 10th century, famous for its ornate stone arch (Torana).

  8. Bindusagar Lake, Bhubaneswar: A sacred lake surrounded by numerous ancient temples.

  9. Atri Hot Spring: A natural hot sulfur spring with medicinal properties.

  10. Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhubaneswar: Showcases the rich biodiversity of Eastern and North-Eastern India.

Cuttack Zilla

  1. Barabati Fort: The ruins of a 14th-century fort on the banks of the Mahanadi River.

  2. Dhabaleswar Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on an island in the Mahanadi River, accessible by a suspension bridge.

  3. Ansupa Lake: A scenic freshwater lake shaped like a horseshoe, ideal for boating and fishing.

  4. Qadam-I-Rasool Mosque: A historic shrine believed to contain the footprint of Prophet Mohammed.

  5. Odisha Maritime Museum: Showcases the rich maritime history of ancient Odisha.

Ganjam Zilla

  1. Gopalpur-on-Sea: A popular and serene beach resort with a historic lighthouse.

  2. Tara Tarini Temple: A famous Shakti Peeth located on a hilltop on the banks of the Rushikulya River.

  3. Aryapalli Beach: A quiet and pristine beach, a perfect getaway.

  4. Taptapani: A place famous for its perennial hot sulfur spring.

  5. Jirang Monastery (Padmasambhava Mahavihara): The largest Buddhist monastery in Eastern India, located in the Tibetan settlement of Chandragiri.

Koraput Zilla

  1. Deomali Peak: The highest mountain peak in Odisha, offering breathtaking views and trekking opportunities.

  2. Duduma Waterfalls: A spectacular waterfall on the Machkund River, forming a border between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

  3. Gupteshwar Caves: A limestone cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a naturally formed lingam.

  4. Onukadelli Tribal Market: A vibrant weekly market where the primitive Bonda tribes come to trade.

  5. Kolab Dam: A scenic reservoir offering boating and stunning views.

Malkangiri Zilla

  1. Bonda Hills: Home to the Bonda tribe, one of the most primitive tribal groups in India (access is restricted).

  2. Balimela Dam: A large reservoir surrounded by picturesque hills.

Kendrapara Zilla

  1. Bhitarkanika National Park: A UNESCO tentative site, a pristine mangrove ecosystem, and home to the largest population of saltwater crocodiles in India.

  2. Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary: The world's largest nesting beach for Olive Ridley turtles.

  3. Pentha Beach: A beautiful and secluded beach.

Jagatsinghpur Zilla

  1. Paradeep Port and Beach: One of India's major seaports with a scenic beach.

  2. Sarala Temple, Jhankad: A major Shakti Peeth dedicated to the goddess Sarala.

Jajpur Zilla

  1. Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri & Udayagiri (Diamond Triangle): A complex of ancient Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and sculptures, once a great center of learning.

  2. Biraja Temple: A historic Shakti Peeth dedicated to the goddess Biraja.

Mayurbhanj Zilla

  1. Simlipal National Park: A vast national park and tiger reserve with beautiful waterfalls like Barehipani and Joranda.

  2. Barehipani Waterfall: One of India's highest waterfalls, cascading down in two tiers.

  3. Joranda Waterfall: A majestic plunge waterfall located deep inside Simlipal.

  4. Khiching: A historic town with a temple dedicated to the goddess Kichakeswari, built entirely of chlorite slabs.

Keonjhar (Kendujhar) Zilla

  1. Sanaghagara Waterfall: A beautiful and popular waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.

  2. Badaghagara Waterfall: A larger waterfall located close to Sanaghagara.

  3. Gonasika: The source of the Baitarani River, a scenic pilgrimage site.

Sundargarh Zilla

  1. Vedavyas, Rourkela: A sacred spot at the confluence of the Sankh, Koel, and Saraswati rivers, believed to be the place where sage Vyasa wrote the Mahabharata.

  2. Mandira Dam: A picturesque dam near Rourkela.

  3. Khandadhar Waterfall: A stunning horsetail-type waterfall, one of the highest in Odisha.

Sambalpur Zilla

  1. Hirakud Dam: One of the longest earthen dams in the world, forming a vast reservoir on the Mahanadi River.

  2. Samaleswari Temple: A famous temple dedicated to the goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of the region.

  3. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: A sanctuary located by the Hirakud reservoir, known for its healthy population of Indian Bison (Gaur).

  4. Huma Leaning Temple: A unique temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that leans at an angle.

Kalahandi Zilla

  1. Phurlijharan Waterfall: A perennial waterfall known for its scenic beauty.

  2. Asurgarh: An archaeological site with the ruins of an ancient fort.

Angul Zilla

  1. Satkosia Tiger Reserve: A spectacular gorge where the Mahanadi River cuts through the Eastern Ghats, a crucial wildlife corridor.

  2. Tikarpada: A spot within the Satkosia gorge famous for its gharial sanctuary.

  3. Rengali Dam: A large dam on the Brahmani River.

Balasore (Baleswar) Zilla

  1. Chandipur Beach: A unique beach where the sea recedes by up to 5 kilometers during low tide.

  2. Talasari Beach: A serene and beautiful beach where the Subarnarekha river meets the Bay of Bengal.

  3. Panchalingeswar Temple: A hilltop temple with five Shiva lingams immersed in a perennial stream.

Bhadrak Zilla

  1. Akhandalamani Temple: A famous Shiva temple located on the banks of the Baitarani River.

Bargarh Zilla

  1. Nrusinghanath Temple: A temple at the foothills of the Gandhamardan Hills, with a perennial stream.

  2. Gandhamardan Hills: A hill range rich in medicinal plants, mentioned in the Ramayana.

Bolangir Zilla

  1. Harishankar Temple: A temple on the slopes of the Gandhamardan Hills, with a bubbling perennial stream.

  2. Ranipur-Jharial: Known as "Soma Tirtha," this site has a cluster of 64 yogini temples and other ancient shrines.

Boudh Zilla

  1. Three-Chariot Temple of Rameswar: A complex of three ancient temples.

Deogarh Zilla

  1. Pradhanpat Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall near the town of Deogarh.

Dhenkanal Zilla

  1. Kapilash Temple: A temple of Lord Shiva located on a hill, often called the "Kailash of Odisha."

  2. Joranda Gadi: The religious headquarters of the Mahima Dharma, famous for its unique rituals.

Gajapati Zilla

  1. Gandahati Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall in a dense forest.

  2. Mahendragiri Hills: A hill range with mythological significance, mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Jharsuguda Zilla

  1. Koilighugar Waterfall: A scenic waterfall with a Shiva lingam inside.

Kandhamal Zilla

  1. Daringbadi: Known as the "Kashmir of Odisha," a hill station famous for its pine forests and coffee gardens.

  2. Belghar Sanctuary: Home to the long-tusked elephants and the Kutia Kondh tribe.

Nayagarh Zilla

  1. Odogaon Raghunath Jew Temple: A famous temple dedicated to Lord Rama.

  2. Sarankul Ladukeswar Temple: A prominent Shiva temple.

Nuapada Zilla

  1. Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary: A proposed tiger reserve with plateaus and canyons.

  2. Patalganga: A sacred perennial spring.

Rayagada Zilla

  1. Chatikona: A village known for its Shiva temple and a weekly market of the Dongria Kondh tribe.

  2. Majhighariani Temple: A famous temple of the presiding deity of the region.

  3. Hanging Bridge of Chekaguda: A suspension bridge built over the Nagavali River.

Sonepur Zilla

  1. Patali Srikhetra: Believed to be the place where the idols of the Jagannath temple were hidden from invaders.

Nabarangpur Zilla

  1. Hirli Donger: A scenic spot with an ancient Shiva temple.

Additional Gems & Cultural Spots

  1. Ikonika, Bhubaneswar (Khordha): A modern urban park and open-air amphitheater.

  2. Kalabhoomi - Odisha Crafts Museum, Bhubaneswar (Khordha): A beautiful museum showcasing the state's handicrafts.

  3. Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar (Khordha): For astronomy enthusiasts.

  4. Netaji Birthplace Museum, Cuttack (Cuttack): The ancestral home of Subhas Chandra Bose.

  5. Rambha, Chilika (Ganjam): A scenic spot on Chilika Lake with several islands.

  6. Berhampur Silk City (Ganjam): Famous for its unique silk sarees.

  7. Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary (Khordha/Cuttack): An elephant sanctuary on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

  8. Saptasajya (Dhenkanal): A scenic spot of mythological importance with seven hills.

  9. Sitabinji (Keonjhar): Known for its ancient fresco painting on a rock shelter.

  10. Ringa Gada Fort (Koraput): The ruins of a large fort.

  11. Gudguda Waterfall (Sambalpur): A beautiful multi-tiered waterfall.

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