Top 5 Places to visit in Odisha

One of the most visited places in Odisha and world-wide, Puri not only plays a significant role in Odisha's tourism but is an important pilgrim site for Hindu devotees. Located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, 65 kilometres south of the capital of Bhubaneswar, the city is famous for the Puri Jagannath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples, and its beaches. It is also known as the "city of temples" and the "spiritual capital of India".

The history of Puri is replete with references to the city as an important religious center. The city is mentioned in the Mundaka Upanishad, composed in the third century BC, as well as in the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Bhagavata Purana. According to tradition, the city was founded in the eleventh century by the great sage Bhrigu.

The Jagannath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines, is located in Puri. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple has a long and eventful history and is said to have been built in the 12th century by the King of Odisha, Anangabhima Deva. However, some historians believe that the temple is much older and may have been built in the 7th century.

The annual Ratha Yatra is one of the important festivals here. The chariot festival is held at the temple in honour of Jagannath, which is attended by millions of pilgrims from all over India.

You can simply walk along the Puri beach or take a boat ride through Chilika Lake & Bird Sanctuary. Puri will definitely refresh your mind.

Bhubaneswar is the capital and the largest city in Odisha. It is also the centre of economic and cultural importance in East India. Bhubaneswar is often referred to as the "City of Temples" is coined because of the plethora of Hindu temples and shrines located in the city. The city is also home to the Odisha State Museum, one of the largest museums in India.

The city is home to some of the most magnificent and ancient temples in India, which are recognised as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city of Bhubaneswar is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It is believed to be over 3,000 years old and has a long and illustrious history. The city has been mentioned in ancient Hindu texts such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas. As per legend, it is said to have been founded by the legendary king, Bhubaneswar. He founded the city in order to serve as the capital of the Kalinga kingdom. The city soon rose to prominence and became an important centre of trade and commerce.

The city was also an important centre of culture and learning and was also home to a large number of scholars and intellectuals. The city was also a major centre of politics. It was home to a number of important political figures, such as the emperor, Ashoka.

Another important city in Odisha, Konark, is an ancient city and is famous for the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People across the country pay  their visit and witness the intricate architectural brilliance of the temple.

The temple was built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty king Narasimhadeva I in 1255 CE. The Sun Temple is a 13th century Hindu temple dedicated to the god Surya located in Konark, Odisha, India. It is considered one of the finest examples of Oriya architecture from the period. The temple is a representation of the chariot of the sun god Surya, with its 12 pairs of wheels pulled by horses. The main temple building is a huge, ornate, 20-sided structure with carved stone wheels and horses, and is surrounded by subsidiary shrines.
The Konark Sun Temple was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1934. However, the temple was subsequently restored by the government of India and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Places like Archaeological Museum, the Temple of Sun God & Ramchandi, and Chandrabhaga Beach are listed as the other important places to see in Konark.

Also known as the ‘City of Black Gold’ as it is a major centre of the jute industry, Cuttack is one of the oldest cities in India and the commercial capital of Odisha. The city is the third most populous in the state after Bhubaneswar and Puri.

The city has a long and rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BC. The city was first mentioned in the ancient Jain text, the ‘Apurana’. The city was ruled by the Mauryan and Gupta empires in ancient times. In the 12th century, the city was conquered by the Somavamsi dynasty. The city was later ruled by the Khilji dynasty, the Tughlaq dynasty, and the Mughal dynasty. In the 18th century, the city was conquered by the Maratha Empire, and later in the 19th century, the city was annexed by the British Empire. The city played an important role in the Indian independence movement.

The city was partitioned in 1948 and became the capital of the new state of Odisha. It is now a major industrial centre and a major transportation hub. The city is famous for its silver filigree work, art, culture, and temples. It is also an important centre for education, with many prestigious colleges and schools.

Cuttack's key attractions include Mahanadi Barrage, Fort of Barabati, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Ansupa Lake, and the Temples of Singanatha and Bhattarika, some of the key attractions in Cuttack.

Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River, Sambalpur is known for its rich culture and heritage. The city is known for its traditional dances, handicrafts, and temples. It is the home of the Hirakud Dam, the longest earthen dam in the world. The Hirakud Dam was commissioned in 1948 and its reservoir spreads over an area of 650 sq. km. The project has brought about a remarkable change in the socio-economic condition of the people of the district.

Sambalpur is majorly known for its mineral resources. The important minerals found here are iron ore, manganese ore, chromite ore, coal, and limestone. The district has a large number of thermal power stations which are fuelled by these minerals.

The district is also well known for its handicrafts. The Sambalpuri saree, made of cotton and silk, is very popular all over the country. The intricate designs and the bright colours of the saree make it very attractive. The handloom industry, which manufactures these sarees, is a major contributor to the economy of the district. So, if you are looking for a shopping spree, Sambalpur is the ideal place for you.
Places like Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Samaleswari Temple, and Huma Temple are some of the key spots here.