10 Stunning Destinations in Odisha to Plan an Off-Beat Trip

Are you the one who is looking for a destination full of adventures or where you can explore a different culture? Well, we are going to tell you about an amazing place in India where you get acquainted to a completely different culture from our cosmopolitan world and is the best place for a calm soul like you. Odisha is located on the Eastern end of the Indian Subcontinent and is a place highly steeped in mesmerizing archeological work, vibrant tribal culture and beauty of nature. This is surely the place to be on your bucket list of an off-beat trip and apt for those who want to explore the roads less taken. 

Below are the top ten places to go in Odisha to exploreits culture and rejuvenate your soul.

Sun Temple, Konark

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Located on the coast line of Eastern end of Indian Subcontinent, Sun Temple was built in the 13th Century by King Narasingha Deva I to celebrate his victory over Muslim rulers. This temple is the most famous historical place in Odisha. Sun Temple is truly an epitome of marvel which is believed to be the chariot of Surya Dev, the Sun God. At the base of this iconic temple, seven horses are carved that apparently represents days of the week and 24 wheels depicting each hour of the day. The temple is positioned in a way that sunlight illumines the interior throughout the day.

Jagannath Temple

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Jagannath Temple is devoted to Lord Jagannath who is believed to be the God of Universe. It is one of the most visited destinations in Odisha. The state might be a lesser-known tourist place in India but it is recalled by Hindus from all over the world for being the land of Lord Jagannath. There are many fascinating facts about this mystical temple which makes it the best place to visit in Odisha; it is believed that no matters where you stand in Puri, you will always see the Sudarshan Chakra atop Jagannath Temple facing you. Being so close to the shore, you can always hear the tranquil sound of the ocean everywhere in Puri but the time you step in the temple, there is no sound to be heard. So, whenever you visit Jagannath Temple, sit with locals or priests of the temple and listen to many mythological stories behind these facts.

Lingraj Temple

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Lingraj Temple, located in the capital of Odisha, was constructed in the 11th Century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built with red sandstone.It is the classical representation of the ravishing Kalingan Architecture. There is a granite block inside the temple representing Lord Thribhubaneswar, the god of three worlds, which is bathed with milk, water, and bhang every day. The temple is equallyamong non-Hindus and Hindu foreigners.

Udayagiri

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Udayagiri, said to be the Sunrise Hill, is 85 kilometers away from Bhubaneswar. Splendid views of these caves make it hit in the list of top 10 places to visit in Odisha. There are around 32 caves found on these two hills named, Udayagiri Hills and Khandagri Hills. You can see beautiful sculptures and inscriptions carved inside these caves that depict the belief of Jainism and Buddhism in India. Being so close to Bhubaneswar, it turns easier for people to reach this place.

Puri Beach

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Puri Beach is the perfect place to relax in Odisha with friends by soaking your feet by Bay of Bengal and getting sun-kissed in the golden sand of this place. To have an adventurous experience, indulge into water sport activities such as boat ride, swimming, and surfing. Due to the scenic and romantic sunset views, Puri Beach is a very popular place among millennial in Odisha. It is also a great choice for backpackers as well as honeymooners.

Konark Beach

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For your offbeat travel plans in Odisha, you can choose to rejuvenate your soul on the coast of Konark. Konark Beach is just at a distance of 3 KM from Sun Temple, Konark. To have a perfect excursion to Odisha, spend a lovely evening with your loved ones at the shores of Konark Beach. Cool breeze rising from Bay of Bengal keeps the vibes of this place very tranquil. It is clearly the best place to go in Odisha with your loved ones.

Satkosia Tiger Sanctuary  

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To have some serene time in the lap of nature, visit Satkosia Tiger Sanctuary that is a forested tiger reserve situated 125 kmaway from Bhubaneswar. It is one of the best places to visit in Odisha and stretched over both sides of River Mahanadi. Travelers can have mesmerizing views of Satkosia during their stay at luxurious tent houses. You can go for jungle trek amidst the lush greenery and wide landscape of this place. Satkosia is home of 38 species of mammal, Gharial, mugged crocodile, elephants, leopards, and many other animals. Star gazing, birding and other adventure sports are top experience for visitors of Satkosia Nature Camp.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

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Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is India’s second largest Mangrove region and best holiday place in Odisha where you can get to see many species of crocodiles and birds. Best ways to travel this place is via boat and see long snouted gharials, estuarine crocodile and squat muggers rolling in mud. This place is home to the highest number of King Cobras to be found all through India.

Dhauli

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Dhauli is one of the famous historical places in Odisha. The place has played an important role in the life of Great King Ashoka where he realized the amount of horror associated to a war after Kalinga War was fought in 261 B.C. It is famous for edicts of Buddhism written in Brahmi script. This place has a very serene vibe around it with so many beautiful temples like Dhavaleswar Temple, Bahirangeswar Temple, Siva Temple and Ganesha Temple.

Sambalpur

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Sambalpur is the best place in Odisha to get souvenirs from. This place is famous for its textile and handloom industry. You can get a Sambalpur Saree for your loved one from Gole Bazaar. Tourists are more attracted to enormous Hirakud Dam, tribal culture, folk songs and dance of Sambalpur. Top places to go in Sambalpur are Huma temple, Samaleswari temple, Gudguda Water Fall, Deer park and Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary etc.

Odisha might be a lesser known place among the tourists in India but it is all beaded with lush greenery, scenic landscapes, waterfall, astounding beaches and tranquil hills that you will never experience anywhere else in India. You can plan your trip to Odisha in a better way by booking flight tickets at EaseMyTrip and also look for amazing deals on train, bus and hotel bookings.