Things to do & places to visit in Odisha, India

Odisha #21 destination in India 2023. The average rating score is 4.28 based on 20.4k traveler reviews, of 366 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Kolkata, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 0:39.

Odisha Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

101°F - 80°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Very warm with a gentle breeze

Feels like

13%

Chance of rain

110.0 millimeters

Amount

13.9 mph

Wind speed

65%

Humidity

13.1

Daylight length

5:10 AM

Sunrise

6:15 PM

Sunset

40%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (24)

Top destinations in Odisha 36

See more 24 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Mangalajodi (112 reviews)
- Amazing experience bird watching at Mangalajodi Wetlands, Chilka Lake
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Mangalajodi is the northern part of Chilka Lake. It's marshy wetlands. We went there in November when the migratory birds had already started coming. Gorgeous place with zillions of birds, local and migratory. The boat men were formerly hunters who have been converted to being guides. Their knowledge of the birds is amazing. They know their scientific names, their food, their habitat etc etc. And best part they can't read! They are so polite and helpful. Full of knowledge. If one wants to know more, they have books on these birds. Only country boats are allowed so that the birds are not disturbed. This is the best part of Chilka! See more..
5.0 Falana Tours and Travel (87 reviews)
- Seamless and reliable
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Taxis & Shuttles

Dear all Namaste .We are from Odisha puri and we operate Tour packages ,Hotel booking ,Corporate events ,Marriages etc . We always honor and respect towards all clents .Just give a chance to meet us . See more..
5.0 Grass Routes Private Day Tours (82 reviews)
- Special tour of Chattisgarh and Odisha
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM City Tours • Private Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding

We are just back from our second visit to the area organised by Grass Routes and it was just as good as the first. We ventured into Chattisgarrth this time, having started in Odisha. We visited lots of tribal villages and saw and photographed everyday life there as well as being treated to several traditional dance displays. We were thoroughly looked after by our driver and guide so all we had to do was enjoy the visit. We stayed in two heritage homestays which were small heritage palaces where the visit is very personal with the royal family. In both cases they will tell you all about their area and take you out and about. Claire and Pulak of Grass Routes do very well in determining what it is you want from your visit and make absolutely sure you get it - you aren't fobbed off with a fixed itinerary which doesn't suit. They also provided a very good quality vehicle and a most helpful and safe driver. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. See more..
4.5 Shree Jagannath Temple (2.835 reviews)
- Jai Jagannath!
Friday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

No words to describe this temple as it's the holy shrine for Hindu's. Expect loads of crowd once you're inside the temple we hired a Panda from hotel who made this visit a bit easier otherwise visiting on your own can be quite challenging. For Mahaprasad they charge depending upon how much you can pay the more you pay the more dishes is being offered to the diety. And around 2-3PM if you book via Panda he will make sure it reaches your hotel which you can have while sitting on the ground. The Mahaprasad is absolutely must have no salt, no onion etc. and yet every bite you take makes you feel 'How they do it?' See more..
4.5 Lingaraja Temple (1.278 reviews)
- Historical temple
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

The city's most famous landmark. See more..
4.5 Konark Sun Temple (1.215 reviews)
- History Loves. Plan a full day with this beauty.
Friday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

The 13th century temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, is a monumental Hindu structure dedicated to the sun God or Surya. See more..
4.5 Nandankanan Zoological Park (942 reviews)
- The Best Zoo
Friday: 7:30 PM - 5:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Of all the Zoos we have visited Nandankanna takes the cake. The entire landscape is very well manicured, clean & well kept. Ensure you hire a guide who will help you manouver through the vast expanse of the Zoo. The guide can be seeked at the time of taking the Entrance Ticket. The Zoo has the famous White Tiger which is a sight to watch. Ofcourse they have teh fiersome Lion & a large collection of the Tiger. There are a hots of Animals - you can decide what all you want to see & inform the guide. A brisk pace of covering the Zoo and seeing all animals requires atleast 2 hours. A must see attraction!!! See more..
4.5 Konark Beach (575 reviews)
- Clean beach
Beaches

Konark beach popularly known as Chndrabhaga beach is crowded in early morning rather than evening.many people come here in very early morning to witness sunrise, which is very beautiful.It is also advisable not to take bath in konark beach than Puri Beach. But this beach is mostly clean than Puri Beach. See more..
4.5 Raghurajpur Artist Village (437 reviews)
- Amazing place
Neighborhoods

This place is a must visit on the way to Puri from Bhubaneshwar. It is a small village around 10-15 mins drive from the more popular Pipli village which is famous for applique work. It is the place famous for patta chitra, which is actually sketches done on palm leaves and also, cloth. They use all natural colours and the designs are very intricate and beautiful. Even the walls of the small houses are painted beautifully with images of birds, animals, mythological characters and deities. They have schools that teach these drawings and you can visit and see the students practicing. You can buy the paintings (they come in all sizes) and even bookmarks and small wooden toys. See more..
4.5 Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar (341 reviews)
- Ochre painted marble idols of this temple are so beautiful
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Ram Mandir of Bhubaneswar city is one of the must visit place of the city with its red exteriors and unique architecture, which is located near Kharavel Nagar. We visited this temple in the evening time while returning from Kandagiri Caves. This temple is home to the beautiful images of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Laxmana. The temple complex also comprises shrines devoted to Ochre painted marble idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Shive, Lord Krishna and Maa Durga. This templ is built and managed by private trust. Temple timings: Morning 06:00 to Evening 09:30 See more..
4.5 Mukteswara Temple (302 reviews)
- " wonderful "
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

Thousand year old temple with a beautiful torana [gateway] marking the entrace is located close to the Lingaraj temple. The temple stands out as an exemplary work of architecture and is a must visit in Bhubaneshwar. The annual Mukteshwar Dance Festival is held every January in the temple premises. See more..
4.5 Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts (218 reviews)
- Tribal museum
Art Museums

A government museum dedicated to tribals of Odissa.Well maintained,no entry fee.They have different sections exhibiting different life aspects of tribals like their art and crafts,food,indigenous equipment made for hunting and daily like,agriculture,fishing and much more. They have a souvenir shop also but at the time of our visit it was closed. Its very close to See more..
4.5 Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa (178 reviews)
- PARTH's ENTERTAINMENT - LEISURE TRIP
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

It was worth a visit. First of all it was drizzling and I loved the weather on the hil top too. We drove up the hill and parked our car. Then we climbed up the steps and visited the Shiva Temple in front of Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa. Just mesmerizing work and beauty at its best of the White Peace Pagoda. Work in progress at site. See more..
4.5 Odisha State Museum (150 reviews)
- Must visit for History lovers!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Speciality Museums

Very beautiful and informative museum with a wide collection of the artefacts and antiques from orissa history. The sections are very nicely segregated. The landscaping outside is also beautiful with lawns and flowers across. Very well maintained! See more..
4.5 Hirakud Dam (143 reviews)
- Longest Earthen Dam in the World
Dams

Hirakud is the longest earthen Dam in the world and stands across the mighty river, Mahanadi, in the Sambalpur region of Odisha. The main dam has an overall length of 4.8 kms spanning between two hills. The dam is flanked by 21 km of earthen dykes on both the left and right sides. The dam and dykes together measure 25.8 kms. It also forms the biggest artificial lake in India. There are two observation towers on the dam one at each side. One is Gandhi Minar and the other one is Jawahar Minar. Both the observation towers present extensive views of the dam and lake. See more..
4.5 Ashokan Rock Edict (124 reviews)
- Blink and you miss the greatest rock edict in the sub-continent
Religious Sites

This writing in stone survived 2000 years of change. Now it is protected inside an ugly cage immediately to the right of the entrance, while the translation of the edict is to the left. The rock is in the shape of an elephant. The carved stone elephant head is above outside the cage, and the edict on the elephant's side is within. Ironically the head attracts more attention, as does the path to the landscaped garden beyond. But nothing can take away the beauty of the scripted rock. It's still as fresh as if inscribed yesterday. The site is entered through a small gate en route the more popular modern era stupa. Entrance is free. You have to look out for it or you'll miss it. See more..
4.5 Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (116 reviews)
- Amazon Like Feeling Bhitarkanika
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Bhitarkanika is a only rainforest in odisha,covering an area of 650 km in the Brahmani and Baitarani river deltas. It is a very good place for forest adventure.The national park is home to Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Indian python, king cobra, black ibis, darters and many other species of flora and fauna. District:- Kendrapara Nearby Railway Station:- Bhadrak,Jajpur Nearby Airport:- Bhubaneswar Airport Here You Have to Rent A Steamer To Visit whole the mangroves. You Can Get Restaurant In The Island Also See more..
4.5 Chausathi Jogini Temple (104 reviews)
- Only two in India
Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

I have seen chausathi (64) yogini temple one at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh and this is another one. But astonishingly the structure of both these temples are quite similar. This temple is in Hirapur village some 20 kms from Bhubaneswar towards Puri. But if you go by Tankapani Road through Sai Temple, after crossing the daya river bridge this village is there. The temple is also in outskirt of the village.It is not a favorite place for tourists, so you can admire its beauty peacefully. Only one goddess is worshiped here, though there are 63 remaining there. Indeed a small but beautiful place. See more..
4.5 Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation (102 reviews)
- Wonders from the past
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Ratnagiri monastery is located in the Jajpur district of Odisha, about 100 km from Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar. It's a lesser known architectural wonder of the Buddhist era in Odisha. It has a number of stupas, monasteries, shrines, temples and statues of Buddha which are truly magnificent. The stone sculpture of Buddha's head of various sizes and the serene meditative expression of Buddha are something unique. The Buddhist establishment of Ratnagiri probably started in the 5th century during the Gupta dynasty and flourished until the 13th century and continued till the 16th century. The Ratnagiri site was discovered in 1905 and excavated between 1958-1961. This magnificent structure is unknown to the world and mostly visited by the locals. Unfortunately it is thoroughly neglected with garbage all around. I would like to visit this place again and again. See more..
4.5 Taratarini Temple (98 reviews)
- Beautiful temple, great experience
Religious Sites

This is a beautiful temple. Visited it in the month of March, 2022. It was hot, but manageable. Took the winch to the top. There is still renovation activity going on. The main temple i guess is complete, the periphery is being restored. It is a beautiful temple. You can take as much time as you want, stay around and have multiple darshans. No rush or hurry. However right near the Main deity, the people who pay for special puja go inside and they block the view. Even the Pandas move around and it is very distracting. One needs to be patient.. See more..
4.5 Hanuman Vatika (98 reviews)
- a big hanuman statue
Gardens

good bunch of temples. I like it. a big size hanuman statue at middle of the temple properties. this temples comes in the way of vedvyas riverside. See more..
4.5 Cuttack Chandi Temple (91 reviews)
- Stunning Maa Katak Chandi Temple
Religious Sites

The presiding deity of Cuttack in Orissa is considered as the Katak Chandi Temple dedicated to the Goddess Chandi known as the living Goddess. The temple is located about 7 km from the Cuttack railway station, about 5 km from the Cuttack bus station and about 34 km from the nearest airport in Bhubaneswar. One can hire a taxi or take a cycle rickshaw or an auto rickshaw to reach the temple from the Cuttack bus station or the railway station. The temple is small with an impressive idol of the Goddess that is older than the temple. Puja is performed by priests with an aarti. The items for the puja can be picked up in the temple store. The temple offering can also be taken from the temple store. A large number of devotees visit the temple everyday. The festivities at the temple reach its peak during the Dassera celebrations. During the visit do not interact with touts and so-called guides. See more..
4.5 Parasurameswara Temple (86 reviews)
- One of the oldest temple of Bhubaneswar
Religious Sites

Parasurameswara temple is located near to Kedar Gouri temple. This temple belongs to 7th Century, it is believed that this temple was built around 650 CE and is renovated in 1903. This temple was built by Shilodbhavas, who had lord Shiva as their family deity. This temple is constructed in Nagara Style architecture. Presently this temple is managed by Archaeological Survey of India. Unique details of this temple 1. Parasurameswara temple represents Mahadev as the lord of Parasurama and hence this temple is called as Parasurameswara temple. 2. This temple is the first in Bhubaneswar to contain depictions of Saptamathikas named Chamunda, Varahi, Shivani, Indrani, Kaumari, Vaishnavi and Brahmi. 3. Shiva is sculpted as Nataraja in various tandavas in the temple. 4. Towards the north-west corner of the temple compound there is a Sahasra linga, with its surface curved with thousand Miniature Lingas Temple timings; Morning 06:00 - 01:30 Evening 03:30 - 08:30 See more..
4.5 Ramchandi Beach (77 reviews)
- Golden crabs on the sandbar
Beaches

We took a boat across to the sandbank on the other side of the estuary. Our friendly boatman showed us how they tracked, dug-out and caught the famous Golden Crabs of Odisha! Walked along the shoreline taking in the Bay of Bengal waves running up the sand, with the dunes blocking out the sun to the shore side. Sadly, an Olive Ridley turtle carcass was washed up on the shore. The evening light was beautiful. We returned after almost an hour. If you're looking for a quiet walk in the surf and sand all by yourself, remember you have to take a boat to the mouth of the river and then walk on the other side of the sandbank. There's even a pre-wedding shoot point up on the dune there! See more..
4.5 Huma Temple (67 reviews)
- The only leaning temple in Asia
Religious Sites

This is so beautiful temple in its shape, but I don’t understand why the Govt. is not promoting this for tourist attraction.Though it is far away from Bhubaneswar but one should definitely come here to see not the main temple but also the other small temples in its premises, all are tilted.Lord Mahadev is wirshipped here and it is not at all crowded.Besides the temple, a river flowing behind the temple where lots of fishes are there. You feed them and they came towards you. Really a beautiful temple and yes, the road to this temple is also very good. See more..
4.5 Vimala Temple (64 reviews)
- Beautiful, in the Puri campus
Religious Sites

This is one of the temples in the Puri Jagannadh temple complex, and is reminiscent of the grandeur of the temple architecture. If you walk with your panda, you will not miss this temple. See more..
4.5 Odisha Maritime Museum (60 reviews)
- Excellent Place for Kids and Adults
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Military Museums

The maritime museum offers a splendid look at the ancient voyages from the coast of Odisha to Java, Sumatra, Bali etc. It also has a small aquarium and a great 4D theater. Overall worth the money and couple of hours you spend in it. You can also have a walk along the banks of river Mahanadi just across the street. See more..
4.5 Brahmeshwara Temple (59 reviews)
- Very Big Shivalinga
Religious Sites

The temple is a combination of very beautiful lush green garden with a marvelous architecture. The prime attraction is the big shivalinga.It is so big that you will worship the linga from the first floor of the temple. Many tourists are not guided by tour operators to visit such temples. But this temple should not be missed out. See more..
4.5 Dhabaleswar Island (56 reviews)
- Rooted customes
Islands

Dhabaleswar has its own history which can not be written nor be spoken but the presence of dhabaleswar dev i. e the shiva favouring the colour White, is highly respected by the crowd. Now govt has taken few steps for the betterment of the place and visitors. Its surely a place to visit in odisa to feel the spirutual bliss. Yummy prasadam and nice atmosphere. Donate with care . See more..
4.5 Ghanteswari Temple (55 reviews)
- Deity of Bells, Maa Ghanteswari
Religious Sites

Jai Maa Ghanteswari Maa Ghanteshwari Temple is situated near city of Sambalpur on the bank of Mahanadi River. As the name suggests there are bells everywhere. People offer bells to the goddess Ghanteswari or the Deity of Bells, after fulfillment of their wishes. This area being the conglomeration of three streams of water of river Mahanadi, the water current here is very trechorous forming a whirlpool. Due to this many boats were drowned while nearing this spot. Here the wind blows quite heavily and with the help of it the bells were producing sound. Now after the construction of Hirakud dam, this spot became safer. See more..