Are you interested in Cultural Tourism? If so, then Odisha is your Destination. Alternatively, known as the land of cryptic wonders, Odisha needs no Introduction. The diverse culture, variety of tourist sites, and rich wildlife make it an exceptional site to Visit. In this article, we have listed some of the best places to visit in Odisha.
You get to explore the unique culture, historical sites, religious places, monasteries, and more. In addition, the state has rich wildlife and natural wonders that attract tourists from around the world. Further, the beaches, cuisine, and National Parks make Odisha a heaven for tourists.
Here Are The 6 Best Places to Visit in Odisha:
1. Puri
Puri is an important historical and religious centre in Odisha. It houses the Govardhana Matha which is one of the cardinal institutions of Adi Shankaracharya. He visited this place in 810 AD and this place became an important divine place for Hindus since then. It’s held in importance with Sringeri, Dwarka, and Jyotirmath.
One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of Puri is that it houses the Shri Jagannath Temple. Moreover, the longest Golden Beach is located, which attracts a lot of tourists.
Since there is a high number of tourists visiting there, the number of Handicraft markets has increased which sell palm leaf engraving, silver filigrees, horn work, coir products, metalware, seashell items, stone statues, and more. For this, there are several Government emporiums, private shops and markets there.
2. Bhubaneswar
Next is Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. The city is alternatively known as Temple City because it has over 500 temples. These Temples highlight the rich cultural heritage of the state. Also, many of these temples are said to be as old as the 6th and 11th centuries.
Many of these temples showcase the evolution of old Kalinga architecture. These ancient temples attract several tourists from around the country. Moreover, it has a picturesque landscape, impressive culture, and a peaceful atmosphere. Plus, the city serves you authentic cuisine of the state.
3. Chilika Lake
Another attraction from Odisha on the list is Chilika Lake. It is a paradise for Migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins that flock to this lake. Between these birds and dolphins, there are several islands in the lake.
It allows you to watch amazing sunsets from the lake that goes down to the horizon. You can take part in boating or hiking activities there. Chilika Lake is famous for being the largest brackish water lake in Asia.
This big salty lake extends into the areas of Ganjam, Puri, and Khurda districts in Odisha. Furthermore, it’s one of the largest lagoons in the world.
4. Cuttack
Cuttack is the next city on the list and is known as the twin of the capital city Bhubaneswar. It gets this name due to its close distance to the temple city. Also, both of them are considered to be Tier-II cities.
It’s often known as Silver City because it is home to the finest Filigree works. You would rarely find a better Filigree work in the country. Cuttack is one of the oldest Districts that happens to be an important commercial centre for the state along with Bhubaneswar.
The city is said to have been founded during the 13th century. It was established by King Anangabhima Deva III. However, the Muslims soon took over it, and then the Maraths followed with the British.
5. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
Odisha is blessed with abundant natural beauty and wildlife. So, what is a better way to explore this than a Wildlife Sanctuary? The Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is listed among the leading tourist sites in the state. It is spread across an area of 795.52 sq km.
Its location close to the banks of River Mahanadi, about 140 km from Bhubaneswar makes it a highly visited place in the state. The peculiarity of the Sanctuary is the presence of large crocodile species. Along with that, it houses diverse species of fauna and flora.
6. Sambalpur
Odisha is known for its unique and intricate Handicrafts. One important centre of this Handicraft and Textile work is Sambalpur. It has gained global fame for weaving the unique pattern and design that has been traditional to the state.
Further, the city houses a rich tribal heritage and fabulous forestlands. It was previously known as Hirakhand Kingdom was a kingdom founded in 1570. The kingdom used to occupy parts of Western Odisha and Eastern Chhattisgarh in central-eastern India
Hirakhand means the land of Diamonds. The city had this name due to the extensive diamond extractions and trades that brought income to the locals during that era.
Summing Up,
Odisha, earlier known as Orissa, is one of the most iconic destinations for tourism purposes. It is an integral natural beauty that has been preserved for centuries with a rich historical and cultural legacy that is reflected in its cities, traditions, Temples, and more. So, it can be the perfect site for your next holiday offering you the best of culture and nature in one trip.
Also Checkout – Top 5 Places To Visit In Odisha
