6 Best Places To Visit In Odisha

Odisha, a state famous and renowned all over the world for Lord Jagannath’s temple in Puri and its architectural genius that is reflected in the temples has much more to offer than a promise of a divine experience. The beaches, lakes, hot springs, and waterfalls located amidst dense forests will richly enhance your travel experience to Odisha.

Here are the top 6 places o must visit in Odisha:

1. Daringbadi

Daringbadi is connoted as Odisha’s Kashmir. The landscape is endowed with verdant valleys dotted with pine trees, pepper and coffee gardens, and dense forestations. It is situated in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, 900 mt. above sea level and home to the oldest tribal population of Odisha who earns their livelihood by farming or through cattle rearing. The temperature drops to zero degrees and some places experience snowfall in winters. Daringbadi is easily accessible from Bhubaneswar, Vishakhapatnam and Berhampur. It is a perfect getaway from the hoo-hah of city life and gets rejuvenated in nature’s lap. The places to visit in Daringbadi are waterfalls like Ludu waterfalls, Dasingbadi waterfalls, Midubanda waterfalls, and Putudi waterfalls which is believed to be a perfect picnic spot. Other places to visit are black pepper and turmeric gardens, picnic grounds like Duluri, Kirikuti and Herbal garden. A rich experience if wildlife excursions can be found in Kotagarh, Belgarh sanctuary. Rivers like Rushikulya rivers emerging from the hill of Daringbadi and Doluri river must be paid a visit to.

2. Simlipal National Park

It is the 7th largest national park in India situated at Baripada in Odisha. It is abundant in red silk cotton trees. It is home to Bengal Tigers, elephants, deer, monkeys, and many exclusive species of birds. Beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barheipani can be spotted within the forest. One may take short treks to get a picturesque view of the rivers and hills around. There are beautiful cottages with various kinds of views to choose from if one opts to stay within the forest.

3. Bhitarkanika

Bhitarkanika is the second largest mangrove forest in India spread across 650 sq.kms located in the Kendrapada district of Odisha and known as Odisha’s mini-amazon. Bhitarkanika is the home to endangered species of saltwater crocodiles and water lizards and few pythons. Boating is a must activity for spotting some beautiful migratory birds and mighty crocodiles in the region. The canals and creeks of Bhitarkanika are fed by several rivers like Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, Pathsala. Also, do pay a visit to Gahirmatha marine sanctuary which serves as the nesting ground for hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles in January and February.

4. Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, offers a serene set up to enjoy sights of birds, dolphins and enjoy the rhythms of the lake with splashes of water and pleasant winds. The boating charges vary from spot to spot. One may relish a splendid meal of fresh seafood along the various islands situated around the lake or visit the famous Kalijai temple.

5. Kila Dalijoda

22 km from Cuttack, Kila Dalijoda offers a royal homestay for visitors in Kapilash Elephant Sanctuary. It was built by JP Singh Deo in 1931 with the help of Maharaja of Talcher. The palace, though refurbished, is a throwback to the gothic architecture. At a time it offers accommodation to 7 people with several suites to choose from. The hosts offer fishing tours and cooking classes to visitors.

6. Gopalpur beach

Once a port and important military route, now, Gopalpur is considered  to be one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches of Odisha. It is one of the first beaches where a resort was built by an Italian gentleman. The beach faces towards the east and therefore has spectacular sights of sunrise and sunset. The shacks by the beach offer savory snacks and a visit to the local fish market for sea-food lovers is a must.