Places You Must Visit in Odisha
With spanning over 155,820 sq kms, Odisha (earlier known as Orissa) is the 9th largest state amongst all in India. Right from magnificent ancient temples to tranquil beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries & national parks to captivating natural getaways, this beautiful state has almost everything to entice any eager travelers and make their holiday memorable for life. If you are planning a trip to Odisha (formerly Orissa) and wondering where to go, then read on the following write-up and explore places you must visit while in here.
Konark Sun Temple
Listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, Konark Sun Temple is amongst famous temples of India and a marvelous example of Orissa art. Also called as the Black Pagoda, it is a 13th century sun temple, built during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I (1238-1250 CE) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Constructed with an aim of preserving the image of Sun– the patron God (since the Vedic period), this temple has been made in the shape of a huge chariot, with seven horses and 24 wheels carrying the Sun God, “Surya” across the heavens. Situated around 65 km away from the capital city Bhubaneswar, this magnificent masterpiece of 13th century architecture is a must visit tourist spot, especially during sunrise and sunsets. The temple hosts the grand Konark Festival during the first week of December.
Puri
Renowned for being the homeland of the Jagannath Temple, Puri is one of the four pious religious centers in India. The Jagannath temple is the tallest amongst all in the state and houses the deity of Lord Jagannath. The temple holds one of its kind ancient architecture. It should be noted that the entry inside the temple is permitted only for Hindus; however, one can get the stunning views of the temple from the rooftop of the Raghunandan Library (right to opposite to the temple). The Jagannath Rath Yatra festival (conducted in the months of July / August annually) is a popular religious occasion, which attracts a huge of domestic and international devotees / visitors.
Bhubaneswar
Best known for its wonderful temples (above 700 with most of them dedicated to Lord Shiva), most significantly the biggest temples amongst all of the state – “The Lingaraj Temple”, Bhubaneswar is the beautiful capital city of the state of Odisha. This city’s history dates back more than 2000 years and thus, it has an exceptional collection of ancient monuments and architecture. Besides the historical importance, the city of Bhubaneswar holds a significant role in the view of commercial and business activities of the state. Some famous places to see in and around the city include the historical sites of Dhauli, Udayagiri and Khandagairi, Rajarani Temple, Vaital Deul Temple, and delight for wildlife lovers, the Nandan Kanan Sanctuary (famous for white tigers) etc. and much more places.
Chilika Lake
Beautifully sited on the mouth of the Daya River and sprawling over an area of 1100 square kilometers, Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in India and the second largest one in the world. This lake is an amazing ecological wonder having wonderful combination of flora and fauna. As a matter of fact, it is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. It is an interesting unwinding place or enjoy a fun weekend trip.
Besides, Bhitarkanika National Park, Chandipur and Chandrabhaga Beach, Lingaraja Temple, Barehipani waterfalls, 64 Yogini Shrine, Udaygiri and Dhauli are some of the other popular attractions of Odisha. So, what are you waiting for? Log in to EaseMyTrip.com and get best deals on Odisha tours.