Bhubaneswar
The city is hundreds of years old and was scattered with numerous temples earning it the moniker “City of Temples’. Today, though only a fraction of those early days’ temples remain, first-time visitors cannot but be aware of the strong temple culture of the state Odisha’s state capital. This is richly reflected in its architecture, sculpture, crafts and textiles as well.
An initiative of Odisha Tourism, Ekamra Walks, a range of guided heritage tours, offers travellers a peek into places of historical and cultural significance in the city. Good options are the tours of the Old Town and Kalabhoomi Crafts Museum.
Some of the most important temples that have survived vicissitudes of time even serve as a backdrop to a few annual functions. Visitors should definitely visit four of the leading ones amongst these: the Lingaraja Temple, the Parshurameswar Temple, Raja Rani Temple and the Mukteswara Temple for their architecture and sculptural splendour. Both the Mukteswara and Raja Rani temples host two important Indian classical music festivals each year in the winter.
While in the city you can visit the Sudarshan Art and Craft Village. Two excursions that should be on your wish list are Pipli for its applique work, and Raghurajpur for patta and palm leaf paintings. Both craft villages have ancient links with Odisha’s temple culture. The villages can be approached from nearby Puri as well.
You should also explore the twin Jain heritage sites of Khandagiri-Udaygiri, 8km from Bhubaneswar. Dhauli, the site of the epic battle of the emperor Ashoka, hosts a nightly Sound and Light Show, worth watching.
Puri
The annual pageantry of the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath has created an important niche for the holy city on the global tourism stage. The 12th-century Jagannath Temple here is an important pilgrimage site as one of the ‘4 Dhams’, the primary pilgrimage hubs, for Hindu devotees countrywide. Another unique aspect of the shrine is that the kitchen is claimed to be the world’s largest and feeds over 10,000 people each day. The temple is closed to non-Hindus; the persistent can head to Raghunandan Library for glimpses of the festivities.
Puri is also renowned for its splendid beaches. The Golden Beach has snagged the coveted ‘Blue Flag’ certification. Adjoining it is the newly developed Niladari Beach. Ramchandi Beach plays host to the seasonal Konark Eco-retreat Camp with water sports and cultural programmes.
Konark
The fantastic ruins of the ancient Sun Temple on Konark Beach serve as an impressive backdrop to the annual Konark Dance Festival which draws a global audience. The UNESCO-acclaimed 12th-century Sun Temple at Konark serves as a superb exemplar of the pinnacle of Odisha temple architecture. Visitors can explore the temple and its surrounds from the seasonal glamping extravaganza, the Konark Eco-Retreat Camp. Chandrabhaga Beach is renowned for playing host to one of the prominent living coral reefs of India. Snorkelling, surfing, and sailing are on offer here. Two unmissable events here are the annual Chandrabhaga Mela, held in honour of the Sun god, and the annual International Sand Festival held at the beach and attracts sand sculpture artists from around the world.
Diamond Circuit: Ratnagiri, Udaygiri, & Lalitgiri
Travellers tend to club the classic Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri and Udaygiri in Jajpur District, and Lalitgiri in Cuttack District, as one thrilling experience of Odisha’s spiritual legacy. Explorations on this Diamond Circuit provide deep insights into the Buddhist monastic lifestyle as well as its architecture and sculpture.
Cuttack
This ancient port city created important trading links for Odisha with the Southeast Asia of yesteryears. Those cross-cultural winds have left their impress on the city’s crafting heritage as well, which is evident in the beautiful filigree silver tarakashi work and ikat textiles. Visitors can learn more about these ancient connections at the Odisha Maritime Museum. An unmissable delight-giving experience awaits at the newly launched Silver City Boat Club, an initiative of OTDC for water sports and recreation along the Mahanadi. The floating restaurant is a huge draw here.
Chilika Lake
Spread over three districts, Chilika, an important wetland, can be accessed from Satpada in Puri District, Barmul in Khordha District and Rambha in Ganjam District. A high point of its offerings is the annual birding festival held in winter at Nalbana Island, which is closed to tourists the rest of the year. Dolphin spotting, birdwatching and island-hopping boat rides can be combined with a pleasant houseboat experience at Barmul. A birding trip to Manglajodi is highly recommended.
Sambalpur
The historical background of Sambalpur can be traced back to 100 CE. In the book of Ptolemy (Claudius Ptolemaeus) it is referred to as Sambalaka, located on the left bank of river “Manada”, now known as Mahanadi, and produced the finest diamonds in the world. While the Sambalpur saris and ikat textiles have been an important part of the town’s fame and fortune, it is a major pilgrim hub as well. The reigning deity, mother goddess Samaleswari, presides over the very old Samaleswari Temple, nestled by the Mahanadi River. The temple also hosts a nightly Sound and Light Show highlighting the history and legacy of the 16th-century shrine and Sambalpur town. Vajrayana Buddhism is said to have taken birth in Odisha (ancient Odiyana) in the reign of the early Bhaumakaras, in particular at the time of Indrabhuti, the royal acharya who ruled over Sambalpur. Wreathed in the mists of mythology the birth of Sage Padmasambhava is also associated with Sambalpur’s Indrabhuti who is said to have adopted him as an eight-year-old child who miraculously appeared on a lotus blossom floating on Lake Dhanakosha.
Ranipur-Jharial
Located in the Balangir district it is home to the rare Chausath Yogini Temple, featuring idols of 64 yoginis—demigoddesses. It is one of the four yogini temples still extant in India. Another is located at Hirapur near Bhubaneswar. The yogini cult, which also practised yoga along with Tantric rites, flourished between the 8th century and 13th century CE.
Daringbadi
Daringbadi, often referred to as the “Kashmir of Odisha,” is a captivating tourist attraction nestled in the lush, rolling hills of the Eastern Ghats in India. This picturesque hill station, located in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, is known for its stunning natural beauty and pleasant climate throughout the year. Daringbadi is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, with its dense forests, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls, such as the captivating Doluri River. Visitors can indulge in trekking, camping, and exploring the rich biodiversity of the region. The region is also renowned for its vibrant tribal culture, providing tourists with a unique opportunity to interact with local communities and witness their traditional way of life. Daringbadi’s cool climate, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural richness make it an alluring destination for those seeking a peaceful escape and a touch of adventure in the heart of Odisha.
Simlipal National Park
Simlipal National Park stands as a true jewel in the crown of Odisha’s natural wonders, enticing tourists with its captivating blend of biodiversity, lush landscapes, and a rich cultural tapestry. Located in the Mayurbhanj district, this sprawling sanctuary covers over 2,750 square kilometers, making it one of India’s largest national parks. Simlipal is celebrated for its diverse wildlife, with charismatic species like tigers, elephants, leopards, and an array of avian treasures. The park’s dense forests, rolling hills, and sparkling streams create a picturesque backdrop for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Beyond its natural allure, Simlipal is also steeped in indigenous culture, with vibrant tribal communities that add a unique and authentic dimension to the visitor experience. Whether it’s trekking through the pristine wilderness, exploring tribal villages, or simply reveling in the tranquility of this verdant haven, Simlipal National Park offers an unforgettable and enriching escape for those who seek to connect with nature and culture in the heart of Odisha.
