7 Best Towns To Visit In Odisha

The eastern Indian state of Odisha is packed with destinations for the avid traveller. From the gorgeous sun, sand, and sea of Puri to the jaw-dropping temple architecture of Konark to the misty mornings of the Daringbadi hill station to the magnificent palaces of Badipada, Odisha has it all. So, come explore these seven amazing towns of Odisha.

Bhubaneshwar

Image credit: Debashis Pradhan via Wikimedia Commons.

Odisha's capital city is a gateway to many destinations. So, if you put up base here with plenty of accommodation options being available, you can explore many places in and around this city. However, if you are an ardent nature lover, you can stay around an hour outside the main city at the Svanir Wilderness Homestay, close to the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary. Bhubaneshwar is famous for its many temples. The entire city is dotted with ancient temples, but the most famous one is, of course, the 11th-century Lingaraja Temple. There is much to see in this Hindu temple complex, including beautiful ancient architecture, local culture, and elaborate rituals. Just a few kilometres from the city, you will find the ancient cave dwellings of Buddhist monks, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, which are great to explore and photograph. After doing all the sightseeing in Bhubaneshwar, you can pack your bags for Puri or Konark or other nearby destinations.

Baripada

The Rath Yatra in Badipada, Odisha. Image credit: Government of Odisha, via Wikimedia Commons

If you want to experience royalty in Odisha, then Baripada is the ideal place to be. The spectacular Belgadia Palace in Baripada awaits you with all its glory. A former palace of the Bhanja dynasty of the former princely state of Mayurbhanj, the Belgadia Palace is now a heritage stay for those wanting to experience the best Odiya hospitality, culture, and history. This stately mansion is itself a place to explore, with historical exhibits throughout the property. With this royal address as your base, you can explore the town and its many attractions, like watching the evening rituals at an ancient temple, exploring the historical ruins of Haripuda Gada, and interacting with the lovely ladies of the Sabai crafts cluster and even do some shopping of exquisite handicrafts made of the sabai grass. Outdoor lovers will enjoy visiting the nearby Simlipal National Park, famous for its ethereal scenery and wildlife.

Chandipur

The Chandipur Beach. Image credit: Nihar.race via Wikimedia Commons.

In Chandipur, be ready to meet the "Hide and Seek" sea. Yes, the sea disappears here during low tide, leaving behind a massive stretch of beach! Here, you must walk on the beach for around 2 km during low tide to meet the sea. However, the beach almost disappears at high tide as the sea rushes in, engulfing it. It is essential to get guidance from the locals regarding the tide timings as water rushes in quite fast during high tide, leaving little time to retreat to safety if caught in the middle of the vast beach. The unique nature of the beach in Chandipur makes it an excellent habitat for intertidal coastal wildlife. So, look for marine life as you walk along the beach, but ensure you do not remove anything, including shells. Everything has its own place in nature, and empty shells contribute to the beach-building process and also serve as shelter for animals like hermit crabs.

Daringbadi

A waterfall near Daringbadi, Odisha. Image credit: MKar via Wikimedia Commons.

Odisha is primarily known for its coastal cities and their gorgeous beaches, but tucked away in the Kandhmal District of the state, you will find a serene hill station where occasional snowfall in the winter is not unheard of. Although only around 915 m in elevation, Daringbadi has all the features to make it a fantastic destination for those who love the hills. There is natural beauty all around, with streams and waterfalls abounding in the misty forests surrounding the tiny town. Here, you can explore the wildlife of the Belghar Sanctuary, meet the Bonda tribe people living in the forest, and learn about their culture. There are also coffee plantations in Daringbadi that you must visit. In addition to nature trails and hikes, you can simply spend some leisure time with loved ones at a quaint homestay in the hill station, away from the noise and chaos of the big cities and towns.

Dhenkanal

A temple in Dhenkanal, Odisha. Image credit: MKar via Wikimedia Commons.

Another great destination to enjoy the rich heritage of Odisha is the town of Dhenkanal. Here, you can stay in the spectacular Dhenkanal Palace in town or the Gajlaxmi Palace, a former hunting lodge of the region's royals in the Dhenkanal Forest. These places are steeped in history and royalty, making for a highly memorable experience. There are plenty of sightseeing options as well. You can visit an ancient Shiva temple on the hills to have a great time in quietitude. Then there is the Mahima Gadi, a place as unique as can be because of the sadhus/monks here who follow a unique form of Hinduism. They believe in a formless God called Alekha and strictly reject the caste system. You must visit the Mahima Gadi in the evening to enjoy the evening worship ritual of these sadhus, which is nothing like you have ever seen before. While in Dhenkanal, you must also visit the dokra village. Here, you can buy beautiful dokra metallic handicrafts from the artisans and watch them being made in the village homes.

Puri

Puri Beach in Puri, Odisha. Image credit: Pinakpani via Wikimedia Commons

Of course, this list will never be complete without mentioning the seaside town of Puri, which is a magnet for both pilgrims and tourists. Puri's Jagannath Temple has drawn Hindu pilgrims since time immemorial to the place. However, the gorgeous sandy beaches of the town are also popular among travellers. If you love a family-friendly beach atmosphere, Puri is the place to be. Here, there are hotels for every type of traveller, from backpackers to luxury seekers. If you are visiting the Jagannath Temple in Puri, ensure you take a proper local guide with you, as the temple is heavily crowded, and you need someone to guide you through it. Also, remember to visit the nearby artisans' village of Raghurajpur. This village will introduce you to the local art and handicrafts of Odisha. Here, every home in the village serves as an art studio where cloth paintings called patachitra, palmyra palm paintings, paper mache masks, etc., are on display. The beauty of the artwork will surely make your jaws drop. Do carry sufficient cash with you as you will invariably buy more than one artwork from Raghurajpur. They are that beautiful!

Konark

The beautiful Konark Sun Temple in Konark. Image credit: Andrew Moore via Flickr.com.

A short drive of around an hour from Puri will take you to a small town with a big attraction - the Konark Sun Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 13th-century temple is associated with rich Indian history. Although much of the temple complex is in ruins, whatever remains is enough to inspire awe. The design and architecture of the temple continue to intrigue modern architects as to how ancient workers created such an engineering marvel so many centuries ago. There are photographic opportunities amid the beautiful ancient walls, stairs, and columns of the Konark Sun Temple. So, wear the right kind of clothes that give you good contrast for photographs against the brick-like colour of the temple. Also, take a government-certified guide with you to learn about the temple's history and the significance of the various carvings decorating the walls of the temple. After the temple tour, you can also take a stroll on Chandrabhaga Beach nearby to enjoy some cool sea breeze and refresh yourself.