15 Best Things To Do In Odisha (2024)

Odisha is one of the most beautiful yet lesser-visited states in India. The state has a lot to gift to its tourists. From temples to beaches, from wildlife to adventure parks, Odisha is the state where you can have a great time with family and friends whilst exploring the handicrafts, culture, food, and beauty. If you are planning to visit this state in India and are wondering what exciting things could be done here, then read further and know about some of the best things that can be done in Odisha.

15 Best Things To Do In Odisha

1. Explore The Ancient Temples In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Odisha is also known as the temple city. It was once home to thousands of temples. Each temple here offers a unique interest. The temples architecture and the stone carvings are some of the finest things you would ever see in the state of Odisha. There are a lot of known temples like the Ram Mandir, Lingaraj Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Parsurameswara Temple, etc. So, when you are in Odisha, you get an amazing scope to explore the ancient temples in the capital city.

2. Witness and Know About The Military History At Barabati Fort, Cuttack

If you want to experience the time of medieval India then you need to visit the Barabati Fort in Cuttack. This is a 13^thcentury fort and a lot of stories and Military history remains behind it. The rulers of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty constructed this fort. Barabati Fort was used to jail royalty, imprisoning the Raja of Kujanga and the Raja of Surgaja in the 19^th century, during Great Britain’s rule in India.

3. Meet With Artisans in Handicraft and Heritage Village

Are you someone who keeps a keen interest in handicrafts, arts, and paintings? If yes, then you have ample scope to meet with artisans and explore art and handicrafts in Odisha. Between Puri and Bhubaneswar, there are two handicraft villages, namely Raghurajpur and Pipili. Raghurajpur is known for its Pattachitra paintings and Pipili is renowned for its colorful needlework.

In both these villages, you can meet and interact with the artisans, see demonstrations, and purchase the beautiful crafts and arts.

There are many other places in Odisha where you can explore different handicrafts like Balakati is known for brass metalwork, Sadeibereni village is known for Dhokra( a metal casting technique) craft, Cuttack is known for the silver filigree or Tarakasi work, and so on.

4. Visit The Odisha State Museum and See The Palm Leaf Manuscript

You can visit the Odisha State Museum and see the palm leaf manuscripts. If you have an interest in the history of India and calligraphy, then Odisha has a lot to inform you. The use of palm leaf as a writing material dates back to the 5^th century BCE.

The Odisha State Museum in Bhubaneswar has around 40, 000 articles and one of the largest collections of palm leaf manuscripts. There are also other galleries in the museum, which include ancient weapons and natural history.

5. See One Of The Largest Waterfalls In India, The Barehipani

Want to visit one of the largest waterfalls in India? If yes, then visit the Similipal National Park and check out the Barehipani Falls, which is India’s second-largest waterfall. Joranda Falls is another tallest waterfalls in India. Similipal National Park is a part of the UNESCO World Network Of Biosphere Reserves and is a  reserve specifically for wild tigers and elephants.

6. Explore The Holy City Of Puri

Puri is a well-known city situated around one and half hours from Bhubaneswar. This is a holy seaside city in Odisha and is also known as the Jagannath Dham( abode of Lord Jagannath). Puri is one of the spiritual destinations in India. You can visit this place and explore the temple of Lord Jagannath. Apart from the Jagannath Temple, you can also visit the Puri sea beach and spend enough good time at this place.

7. See The Marvelous Konark Sun Temple

Konark, located around one hour east of Puri and two hours southeast of Bhubaneshwar, forms a great part of the popular “Golden Triangle Of Odisha”, i.e. Bhubaneshwar- Puri- Konark. The 13^th century Sun Temples is the primary attraction of Konark. This temple has been designed to be a huge chariot for the Sun God or Surya. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The erotic stone/rock carvings in Konark are similar to those on the Khajuraho temples.

8. Relax At The Best Beaches of Odisha in Puri and Gopalpur

The golden beach of Puri and Gopalpur sea beach are the most environment-friendly beaches where you can enjoy your time. Though Puri beach is crowded because of its popularity, Gopalpur beach is one of the most pleasant beaches in Odisha where you can try out the various thriving water sports and go for camel and horse rides too. You get enough accommodation in the Puri and Gopalpur sea beach that would give you the comfort you want while you are traveling.

There is another peaceful beach in Northern Odisha, which is the Chandipur beach. Talasari beach is also a silent beach and is known for its red crabs. However, the accommodation and facilities are still undeveloped at these two beaches.

9. Discover The Buddhist Sites and Monastries In Bhubaneswar and Jiranga

Buddhism has been in Odisha since the 7^th century and the state has got some of the most amazing Buddhist sites. Some have been known for ages and some have been recently explored. There are a lot of Buddhist sites, series of monasteries, shrines, stupas, temples, and beautiful Buddhist sculptures at places that lie at a distance of around 2 hours from Bhubaneshwar. The “Diamond Triangle” of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitagiri near Bhubaneshwar has the largest concentration of Buddhist remains.

Apart from these, one of the most beautiful and the largest Buddhist monastery in Eastern India is located in Chandragiri, Gajapati district of Odisha. This is in a place called Jiranga, which is 90 Km away from Berhampur. This Buddhist place and nearby waterfalls are the primary attractions of this area.

10. Witness A Variety Of Birds At The Most Beautiful Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake, which is around 90 minutes southwest of Bhubaneshwar, offers you an exquisite view of different varieties of birds and migratory birds. This lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. You can see different fish, dolphins, and migratory birds here. If you love watching birds, then this is the best place for you in Odisha. For excellent bird watching, you need to head to Mangalajodi on the northern edge of the lake.

11. Admire The Wildlife and Nature

Odisha has stored some amazing gifts of nature and wildlife for you. Nandankanan Zoological Park is a famous zoological park located 20 km away from the main Bhubaneshwar city in Odisha. This is spread across a sprawling area of about 400 acres. You can find a lot of flora and fauna in Nandankanan Zoological Park

Bitaraknika National Park is another great wildlife destination in Odisha that houses endangered and rare varieties of wildlife species. This is located in the Kendrapada district of Odisha. So, if you need to admire the wildlife and nature, visit this awesome state of Odisha.

Similipal is a biosphere reserve that homes lots of tigers, elephants, deer, leopards, etc. However, this is best known as a tiger reserve with beautiful flora.

12. Have A Luxury Stay At The “GARUDA” Houseboat

Odisha has been a developing state and it has taken a great step ahead to increase its tourism with the inauguration of a luxury houseboat stay, named the “GARUDA” houseboat on the Chilika Lake. You can experience the beauty of Chilika Lake and enjoy a five-star luxury stay in this houseboat with your family and friends.

13. Stay At The Homes of Royalty

One of the best things that you can do in Odisha is staying at the homes of royalty. A lot of erstwhile royal families in Odisha are converting their regal palaces into heritage homestays. Each palace has specific décor.

Some of the striking properties where you can enjoy a royal stay are Dhenkanal Palace, Bitarkanika, Atul Palace, Gajalaxmi Palace, and Belgadia Palace. Kila Dalijodi, near Cuttack, is another place where you can relax while enjoying activities like cycling, trekking, etc.

14. Try Out Adventure Activities And Water Sports

Someone has rightly said, “The world is yours to explore.” The state of Odisha has got so many things for you and if you love to explore and get engaged in adventurous activities, then visit any of the water park or adventure parks. Some of the most known water parks in Odisha are the Ocean World Water Park in Bhubaneshwar, Wonder World Water Park and Resorts in Puri, Blue Splash water park in Puri-Konark Marine Drive, etc.

You can also try out some of the outstanding water sports like Jetski, Banana rides, speed boats, Kayaking, water surfing, water scooters, boating, etc. in different places like Tampara Lake, Gopalpur-on-the-sea, etc.

Apart from this, there are also some exclusive adventure or amusement parks like Nico Park in Bhubaneswar, Biju Adventure Park in Gopalpur, etc. where you can experience the joy of adventure and fun with some fantastic rides including those for kids and adults. Some of these include zipline, giant swing, bungee jumping, giant slides, bull rides, etc.

15. Taste The Authentic Odia Cuisines

How can we forget listing down one of the best things to do in Odisha, i.e. trying out authentic Odia cuisines? You should taste the famous Odia dishes while you are in the state. Some of the best ones include Dalma( spiced lentils and vegetables), Pakhala(fermented rice with curd), mustard-based fish and prawn curries, sweets like rasagola, and chenna pod, etc.

There are a lot of luxurious restaurants as well as medium-range eateries where you can enjoy delicious foods in Odisha. However, the best part of being in Odisha is trying out its mouth-watering street foods.

Conclusion:

If you planned to be in this beautiful state of Odisha then make sure you try out the above-mentioned things and make your stay a happening and memorable one.

You can also share your experience with us if you feel so. We would be happy to know about your Odisha trip.