Places to visit in Odisha
Temples, a long coast and Chilika.
Capital BhubaneswarPlaces in this guide 7
Places to see
HeritageKonark Sun Temple
Thirteenth-century temple shaped as the Sun god’s chariot, a UNESCO site.
Best time: Oct–Mar
Spiritual
NatureChilika Lake
Asia’s largest brackish lagoon, with Irrawaddy dolphins and winter birds.
Best time: Nov–Mar
SpiritualLingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
Eleventh-century Kalinga-style temple in the city of temples.
Best time: Oct–Mar
Wildlife
WildlifeBhitarkanika National Park
Mangroves with huge saltwater crocodiles and olive ridley turtles nearby.
Best time: Nov–Mar
HeritageUdayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
Jain rock-cut caves from the time of King Kharavela.
Best time: Oct–Mar
Food to try in Odisha
Rasagola, Chhena poda, Dalma.
Crafts and products
Pattachitra, Sambalpuri saree.
Festivals
- Rath Yatra, Puri: Jun–Jul. Giant chariots of Jagannath pulled by thousands of devotees.
- Konark Dance Festival, Konark: Usually 1–5 Dec. Classical dance against the backdrop of the Sun Temple.
Timings, permits and prices change. Check official sources before you travel.