Bhubaneswar, the temple city of India, is a thriving center for commerce and business that proudly reflects its rich history and cultural heritage. This ancient city is renowned for its breathtaking and grand temples, which attract pilgrims and tourists from across the country. Its name itself, Lord of the Universe, is a fitting tribute to the multitude of temples here and the unbridled religious fervor of its locals.
Puri in Odisha is undoubtedly an essential pilgrimage site for Hindus, thanks to the revered Jagannath Temple that forms a crucial part of Char Dham in India. The beach city, situated on the Bay of Bengal coast, is a favourite among West Bengal residents for short trips. Although Puri gained fame among hippies in the 1970s after the legalisation of Bhang, it still remains a popular destination for backpackers, even though the availability of the substance is now restricted. With a multitude of hotels and homestays available, local tourists prefer to stay near the New Marine Drive while backpackers prefer to stay near Chakra Tirtha.
Jeypore, the glorious city of Odisha, is a true gem that showcases awe-inspiring fresh water lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys.With about 62 affiliated communities such as Gond, Dhruba, Paraja, Koya, Jeypore is a culturally rich and diverse city. Located at the southern boundary of Odisha, Jeypore is well-connected with Andhra Pradesh in the south.
Rourkela, located in the state of Odisha, is a city surrounded by hills and rivers, with a natural positioning that makes it an offbeat tourist location for people in nearby areas. Known as the 'Steel City of Odisha' and Ispat Nagar, Rourkela is one of the first cities in the country to become commercialized for steel production.
Konark is an absolutely mesmerizing destination that offers an impeccable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its iconic Sun Temple, pristine beaches, and rich heritage, Konark is an absolute must-visit destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable experience. Its Sun Temple, beaches, and rich cultural heritage make Konark one of the most popular tourist destinations in Odisha that is definitely worth exploring.
Odisha is well-connected and can be easily accessed by tourists by taking flights from any part of the country. Biju Patnaik International Airport and Rourkela Airport are the two major airports that connect Odisha with the rest of the country.
Bhubaneswar is the prominent rail head of Odisha that connects with the rest of the state by rail routes. 302 railway stations can be accessed to reach the desired destination.
Travelling to Odisha by road is one of the easiest options. The state lies on national highways 16, 5, 6, 23, 42 and 43 allowing easy access to tourists from other states of India.
Odisha is one of the most underrated destinations when it comes to travelling and having a memorable vacation. Perched in the eastern part of India, the state is one of the most beautiful states of the country that boasts its beauty with iconic temples, historic sites and lush paddy fields. Sun temple of Konark is among the most popular sites that attract people from all over the world due to its symmetrical design and mythical tales.
Apart from ancient temples and monuments, the state is also popular among tourists for its rich wildlife and beaches. There are a total of 21 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks which inhabit some of the rare and endangered animal and bird species. Sloth bears, Mouse deer, Chowsinghas, flying cats and Lion-tailed macaques are some of the common animals that can be sighted in these national parks. With a coastal line of more than 450 Km, the state includes popular beaches that attract tourists and beach lovers from all over the place. Some of the popular beaches are Puri, Konark, Gopalpur, Dagara and many more.
With an abundance of architectural brilliance and historical traditions, Odisha has a rich culture that has been followed for centuries. The state is known for its historical significance as it includes the place where the famous Kalinga War was fought by Ashoka. The state is also known for having some of the best artisans in the country. The people of Odisha are called Oriya which is composed of more than 60 tribal communities.
The cuisine of Odisha offers some of the best variety of foods that resemble the cuisines of the neighbouring states. Rice and coconut are regarded as a staple diet for the Odisha. The majority of the dishes include colourful platters with a richness of seasonal spices and local ingredients. Curd is one of the most popular food ingredients that are used in most of the places including temples. Some of the popular foods of Odisha are Aloo Dum, Baddi Chura, Dahi Machha, Dahi Baigana and many more.
The state has a huge historical significance and includes a rich religious background that can be seen through festivals celebrated with ancient traditions and rituals The Jagannath Rath Yatra of Odisha is widely known around the country and is celebrated with high energy and joyous chants. The state includes several festivals each of which are celebrated with traditional rituals and chants. Some of the popular festivals of Odisha include Durga Puja, Rath Yatra, Chhau, and Dolma Purnima.