Explore the Hidden Gems of Odisha: 7 Unique Destinations You Must Visit
Odisha, one of the most magnificent East Indian states nestles in the lap of nature and is home to several breathtaking tourist destinations. Maybe it is about the golden sandy beaches, the starling waterfalls, lakes, expansive biosphere reserves, or the most ancient temples; Odisha has a lot to offer its guests. A land of rich culture and heritage, and a treasured land of nature, Odisha leaves numerous global tourists captivated. However, there are still many less-explored unique destinations of Odisha that are waiting to be explored and admired.
Explore the Hidden Gems of Odisha: 7 Unique Destinations You Must Visit
As you read further in this article, you will be exploring some of the most unique destinations of Odisha which are less explored and are yet to be explored by you.
1. The Grand Hidden Canyon Of Odisha
The Grand Hidden Canyon of Odisha, located in a small village, near the Sundargarh district of the state, is undoubtedly one of the most unique destinations that is yet to be well explored by the tourists. This less-explored and untouched place is quite astonishing to watch because of the unique shape of the wide rocky bed. Such type of canyon is not found anywhere else in the state. The mesmerizing Ib River (a tributary of the grand Mahanadi River) flowing through this grand canyon of Odisha will surely leave you spellbound. Another wonderful thing about this place is the presence of a beautiful Shiva Temple at the bank of the River Ib. All these, make this one of the must-visit unique destinations in Odisha.
2. Chandipur Beach
Chandipur Beach is another less-explored unique destination of Odisha, which will leave you awestruck. The beach is located at a distance of 16 km from the Baleswar Railway Station. The unique thing about Chandipur Beach is its phenomenon of the “Vanishing Sea”. Here, you can witness the sea disappear by almost 5 km to 6km every day during low tide and then see it appearing at high tide. You should visit this place, at least once in a lifetime.
3. Red Mud Pond
Another surprisingly unique and less explored destination of Odisha is the Red Mud Pond in Nalco, which is in the Koraput district of the state. You will feel like the “Mars” on the “Earth” here since the entire pond looks red because of the red mud.
The red mud suspension floats on top of the settled solid mud in the extremely alkaline water. This red mud gets slowly settled in the huge pond and the entire pond turns red.
4. Kuntroo Waterfall, Deogarh (Cave Waterfall)
Kuntroo Waterfall, also known as the Cave Waterfall is located under the Margah-Kailash range and is 22 km from Deogarh town and just 2 km from Gailo. This is an extremely beautiful place blessed with nature and amazement. At a distance of 7km, there is the Kailash Palace.
Surrounded by alluring hills and dense forest. The scenic beauty of this place will surely attract you to return to this place again and again. The waterfall comes from a hill trek to reach this specific place. The environment around this hidden waterfall is enjoyable.
5. Tensa Hills
Tensa is a small hill station, which is surrounded by dense forest and lush green massive hills. It is located at a distance of 110 km from Rourkela city and lies at an altitude of 3700 meters above sea level. Being situated at a high altitude, Tensa hill station offers a wonderful view of its surrounding mountains and the evergreen forests. If you are planning your trip to Odisha and discover some of the less explored unique destinations in the state, then do not forget to visit Tensa.
6. Saptasajya
Saptasajya is a glorious destination in the Dhenkanal district of Odisha. It is a combination of culture, heritage, spirituality, and natural beauty. The name “Saptasajya” means “Seven hills” surrounding an area. The story behind this place is that the “Saptarishi” or Seven Saints had their ashramas in this place and that was known as ‘Seven Beds” or ‘Seven Homes’. According to another mythological story, it is believed that Lord Ram spent seven days here in this beautiful place during exile. It is also said that the Pandavas during their 12 years of exile and one year of incognito life, had chosen Saptasajya hill for their shelter.
This unique less-explored destination houses a holy temple of Raghunath or Shri Ram, which is located at a height of 900 feet on the top of the hill. A stream flows down through the temple and this shows the beauty of this place. It seems like the stream flows touching the holy feet of Lord Ram.
This is a small protected forest reserve having rich vegetation, mainly dominated by the Sal trees. In 1970, the place got recognized officially as a sanctuary. Leopards, wild goats, buffaloes, and cows, along with a wide variety of birds are included in this sanctuary. Apart from wildlife, the area is enhanced with a medicinal garden.
7. Deomali
Lying at an elevation of 1672 meters, Deomali is a less-explored destination of Odisha that is waiting for you to be explored. Once you are here, you can trek to different waterfalls like Rani Duduma and Gulmi Duduma and can go on a nature walk through dense valleys. Apart from this, you can also head to the cave shrine of Gupteswar. You can also visit Onkadelli, where, the Bondas ( a tribe in Odisha) set up a weekly market every Thursday.
8. Leaning Temple Of Huma
One of the most unique and less-explored destinations of Odisha is the Leaning Temple of Huma. This temple, located on the banks of the River Mahanadi was built by King Baliar Singh (the 5th king of the Chauhan Dynasty) in 1670. The specialty of this temple is that it is tilted on one side. The Leaning Temple Of Huma is dedicated to Baba Bimleshwar or Lord Shiva.
9. Chausath Yogini Temple
Another less-explored unique destination of Odisha is the Chausath Yogini Temple located on the banks of River Bhargavi at Hirapur, near Bhubaneswar. This is the only active temple among all the four Chausath Yogini temples in India. The temple consists of 64 statues of Yoginis. Some of them are portrayed as huntresses with bows and arrows, while some are depicted as wearing several ornaments.
10. Sitabhanj In Keonjhar
Sitabhanj in the Keonjhar district in Odisha is an amazing historical place in the state that is quite less explored by tourists. This place has a magnificent history that dates back to the primitive age of human settlement in this remote village of the state. It is believed that Devi Sita (wife of Lord Ram) lived in this place while in exile giving birth to her two sons, namely Luv and Kush.
This place has been discovered by the Archaeological Society of India. The uniqueness of this place is that there are several Fresco paintings drawn on the surface of a rock, which is perfectly balanced on top of a boulder. These paintings have been drawn by ancient people using colors made from the dye and leaves of plants. The Archaeological Society Of India has also excavated archaeological remains of early culture and a temple that dates back to the age of Ramayana.
11. Deuli Hills Or Rock-cut Hills
Deuli Hills or the rock-cut hills, also known as “twin hills” are one of the most unique places in Odisha that must be explored if nature and surprises fascinate you. This is a hill station in Odisha that preserves some interesting ruins from the ancient monuments of Grand Stupa and some authentic laterite rocks. You can see the Gokarneshwara temple here along with the historical remains.
12. Niyamgiri Hills
The densely forested regions of Niyamgiri Hills in Odisha will give you an amazing feel. This is a sacred hill station where the sacred mountain of Dongria is worshipped by the residents. The locals worship this hill to save them from natural disasters, as they think that the hill is a superior power. You will surely enjoy being here witnessing the mesmerizing hill views and living with the locals.
13. Marjakud Island, Boudh
Marjakud is an exquisite island in the Boudh district of Odisha. This beautiful island is situated on the opposite side of Boudh town in the Mahanadi River. This island is home to around 3000 people and they live a peaceful life worshipping their deity Maa Pitabali.
14. Bhetnoi
Bhetnoi is a small village in the Ganjam district of Odisha that has its own specialty. One can see herds of endangered blackbucks here. Located 15 km away from Bhetnoi is Chermaria, where you can get great accommodation provided by The Odisha Ecotourism guest house at Chermaria. It has some decent rooms with all the basic facilities, though not luxurious.
To spot the blackbucks, you should start early in the morning for Bhetnoi, as the animals isolate themselves in their hiding places in Pakidi Hills. However, you need to note that you have to walk for a long into the grasslands of rice plantations in the villages of Chemaria and Bhetnoi. The Blackbuck sanctuary here has around 3000 Blackbucks.
15. Aapkhol Waterfalls
Are you an adventure seeker? If yes, then Aapkhol Waterfall in the Bargarh district of Odisha could be a paradise for you. This is undoubtedly a secret treasure. This starling waterfall lies in the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, in Dibrigarh, which is situated all along the western frontier of Odisha.
Aapkhol waterfall is a secret waterfall in the state and is one of the most gorgeous ones yet is quite less explored. This beautiful waterfall is bordered by lush vegetation and incredible natural beauty. If you love trekking and seek some adventure then you get an excellent opportunity to trek here. You have to trek around 4 km to reach this place and enjoy the mesmerizing view.
Conclusion
With so many less-explored and unique destinations, Odisha must be on your travel list, especially if you love to explore unexplored things or places, and if you admire the beauty of God’s creation. From the Grand Canyon of Odisha to the Leaning Temple in Huma, from Chandipur Beach’s Vanishing Beach to the Chausath Yogini Temple, there are numerous things to explore and experience in this east Indian state, Odisha. So, pack your bags and prepare yourself to experience the uniqueness of this state.
