The beauty of India is tranquil, and we often forget to cherish the same and research more about it. Today we are sharing the five best places to visit in Odisha, which is one of the most beautiful states in India.
One such state that has been exploited for quite some time is Odisha. Do you know what is so unique about this place? Every city in this beautiful state is scenic and known to have its significance. If you are planning a short trip to Odisha, these are some places you should visit. The most promising thing about this state is that each city has some historical significance.
Odisha is quite a big state; the best thing about this state is that it is well-maintained. If you visit Odisha, you will be impressed to see the serenity and cleanliness this place offers. Located towards the eastern coast of India, Odisha offers you both natural beauty and tranquillity. The top 5 best places to visit in Odisha you should certainly explore.
List of 5 Best Places to Visit in Odisha
1. Puri
When it comes to Puri, this is one of the most pious lands and an important spot for the Char Dham Yatra. For those who do not know, Puri is the abode of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Subhadra and Balaram. The city of Puri is correct by the beach. Hence, you will also have a fantastic time. The best time to visit Puri is during Rath Yatra when festivities and the entire city switch to its festival mode. The golden beach of Puri is also lovely and attracts tourists all year round. Rath Yatra makes Puri one of the happening places to visit in Odisha.
If you are visiting Puri, don’t miss the spectacular sunset and sunshine experience. It is one of a kind and will make you want to stay more. What else can you do in Puri? Well, Puri market, along the Swargadwar area, is bustling with commercial activities. You can also indulge in the famous sweets of Puri like the Khaja or even the Chena Poda. You can visit the Konark Temple and the beautiful Chilka Lake from Puri. The Chilka Lake is one of the best places to spot exotic birds.
2. Bhubaneswar
How can you visit Odisha but not go for a short trip to Bhubaneswar? The city of Bhubaneswar is often called a “temple city” and has a lot of peace and serenity to offer. The best thing about Bhuvneshwar as a city is its perfect balance between modernity and staying true to its roots. If you are in Bhubaneswar, you should not miss out on the beautiful Lingaraj temple. What does this have to offer? The Lingaraj temple is the abode of Shiva and is known to be quite pious.
Along with Lingaraj Temple, you can also witness the beauty of the Odisha State Museum and the Mukteshwar Temple. Even the famous Rajrani temple is magnificent and offers a view of the city’s rich history. You can also choose to try out the local seafood cuisine. Bhubaneswar is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Odisha.
3. Cuttack
Another very promising and vibrant City in the state of Odisha is none other than Cuttack. One of the primary reasons why this city is so famous is because of the rich historical background that it offers. Cuttack is the former capital of Odisha. Did you know Cuttack is extremely popular for its silver filigree handwork? SomSome indigenous artisans still work hard to keep this art form alive in the city. Are you wondering what else this place has to offer?
If you are in Cuttack, do not forget to try out places to visit, like the Barabati Fort or even the banks of the beautiful Mahanadi River. There is even a museum dedicated to remembering Netaji and his work. You can also choose to pay a visit to the beautiful Maritime Museum.
4. Rourkela
The city of Rourkela is located to the extreme west of Odisha and is extremely popular for its industrial value. This city is known to have the most vibrant steel plant. But is that all? The scenic beauty of Rourkela is also quite promising and is an experience of a lifetime. What can you see? The Hanuman Vatika, a park dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is home to a giant deity statue and provides a serene environment for relaxation and meditation.
The Vedvyas Temple, situated on the confluence of the Koel and Sankha Rivers, is considered a sacred site and offers picturesque views. The city of Rourkela is also the gateway or entry point to the tribal land of Odisha. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Mandira Dam, located right on the banks of the Mandira River and is extremely beautiful and vibrant.
5. Konark
And finally, the last city that we have to talk about in this discussion is none other than the beautiful Konark Temple. This place is located about 35 km from Puri and has the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site for the beautiful Konark Temple. The Konark Temple also has the name Sun Temple. Historians think that this place is an architectural wonder and is offered to the Sun God.
It would be best if you visited this place during the annual Konark Dance festival, which is held in December. This will help you to have a good understanding of Odissi as a dance form and how it originated from the state. Apart from the temple, Konark Beach is a serene stretch of golden sand where visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Bengal.
Odisha is a beautiful state and has much more historical and religious significance to offer than you think. The government in Odisha is also quite stringent and ensures that the place’s upkeep is taken good care of.
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