1. Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is sometimes known as the temple city of India because of the plethora of ancient temples. It is a lively city that is rich in culture. This city is one of the pillars of the Golden Triangle of traditions and cultures of East India.
- Best Time to Visit- October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days
- Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,500 - 2,500 for hotel per night
- Places to Visit- Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Hirakud Dam, Bindu Sarovara, Bhaskareswara Temple.
- Things to Do- Visit ISKCON Temple, tour the Odisha State Museum, explore Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts, walk around Biju Patnaik Park, and eat Odia food.
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Biju Patnaik International Airport.
- By Train- Bhubaneswar Railway Station.
- By Road- You will easily get taxis, deluxe buses, AC coaches and Government coaches that will take you to and from Bhubaneshwar.
2. Puri
Puri or Jagannath Puri is a must-visit pilgrimage for almost all Hindus as the Jagannath Temple is one of the holy places or Dhams in Char Dham Yatra. It celebrates the largest Rath Yatra in the country. This beach city of Odisha is situated 60 km away from capital city, Bhubaneswar. There are a lot of famous places in and around Puri that you must visit while you come here for pilgrimage.
- Best Time to Visit- July to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 days
- Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,000 - 2,000 for hotel per night
- Places to Visit- Sri Jagannath Puri Temple, Puri Beach, Narendra Tank, Chilika Lake, Sudarshan Crafts Museum.
- Things to Do- Complete one of the Dhams in Char Dham Yatra, pray at the various temples, walk around the beaches, shop from local vendors at the beach, and eat seafood.
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Nearest airport is 49 km away from Bhubaneswar.
- By Train- Puri has a railway station of its own.
- By Road- Buses are available from Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Vizag to Puri.
3. Cuttack
Cuttack is Odisha's cultural capital and has numerous tourist attractions. Even though it is the cultural capital, it is also a commercial city. People have nicknamed this place the Silver City due to the abundance of silver works that take place in this city. Furthermore, if you travel in January, you will get to attend many festivals that exclusively take place here.
- Best Time to Visit- July to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day
- Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,500 - 2,500 for hotel per night
- Places to Visit- Barabati Fort, Chandi Temple, Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, Netaji Birth Place Museum, State Botanical Garden.
- Things to Do- Attend festivals like Baliyatra, fly kites at the Kite festival, visit Odisha State Maritime Museum, see deer at Deer Park, and shop from locals.
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Biju Patnaik Airport is 30 km away.
- By Train- Cuttack Junction
- By Road- Buses and taxis travel via NH 16 and NH 55 to reach Cuttack.
4. Konark
Konark is famous worldwide because this is where the iconic Sun Temple is located. This SUN Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It depicts the extraordinary architecture of 13th century. Besides marvelling at the beautiful architecture, tourists can visit the pristine and clear beaches in Odisha. Here they can dip their feet in soft sand and enjoy the views of crystal-clear sea.
- Best Time to Visit- September to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day
- Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 1,000 - 1,500 for hotel per night
- Places to Visit- Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, Astaranga Beach, ASI Museum, Ramchandi Beach.
- Things to Do- Camping, walking around the beaches, eating local food, shopping from local stores, attending Konark Dance Festival.
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Airport at Bhubaneswar is 50 km away.
- By Train- Nearest railway station is at Puri, 35 km away.
- By Road- Buses are available regularly from most parts of Odisha to Konark.
5. Rourkela
Rourkela is also popularly referred to as the Steel City of India or Ispat Nagar because this was among the first few cities that had commercialised steel production in India. Hills and rivers surround this beautiful city that falls under Sundergarh district. Moreover, Rourkela holds much religious significance to Hindus as it prominently appeared in both Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Best Time to Visit- October to March
- Average Vacation Cost - ₹ 500 - 1,000 for hotel per night
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day
- Places to Visit- Vedvyas, Ghogar, Hanuman Vatika, VIP Market, Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium.
- Things to Do- Sightseeing, city shopping, exploring Indira Gandhi Park, driving around the city, trying delicacies from local food joints.
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Nearest airport is Rourkela Airport.
- By Train- Rourkela Junction.
- By Road- State and private buses are available from all parts of Odisha.
EmoticonEmoticon