Top 10 Famous odisha tourist places

 Here are some popular tourist places in Odisha, India

Puri Beach and Jagannath Temple

Puri Beach is a popular beach located in the city of Puri in the state of Odisha, India. It is known for its long stretch of golden sand, clean water, and scenic beauty. The beach is also known for its annual Puri Beach Festival, which attracts many tourists.

The Jagannath Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the city of Puri, Odisha. It is one of the four major pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) for Hindus in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its elaborate architecture and the Rath Yatra festival, where the deities are taken on a grand procession on chariots. The temple and the beach together make Puri one of the most visited tourist destinations in India.

Konark Sun Temple

The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the town of Konark, in the state of Odisha, India. It is a 13th-century temple dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and is known for its magnificent architecture and intricate stone carvings. The temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot, with 24 wheels, pulled by seven horses. The temple complex also includes a Natya Mandap (dance hall) and a Bhoga Mandap (feasting hall). The temple is a fine example of the Kalinga style of architecture and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of India.

Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon located in the state of Odisha, India, and is one of the largest coastal lagoons in the world. The lake is spread over an area of 1,100 square kilometers and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow sandy ridge. It is a unique ecosystem that provides a habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several species of migratory birds. The lake is a designated Ramsar site and is also home to the famous Chilika Dolphin, a rare species of Irrawaddy dolphin. The lake is a popular tourist destination and offers boating, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities.

Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar

Lingaraj Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple is known for its unique architecture, featuring a 150-foot tall main tower (vimana) and a circular wall (mandapa) with numerous small shrines. The temple is also famous for its elaborate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The Lingaraj Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Dhauli Hill and Shanti Stupa

Dhauli Hill is located on the banks of the river Daya, about 8 km south of the city of Bhubaneswar, in the state of Odisha, India. It is a hill with historical significance, as it is believed to be the site where the Kalinga War was fought in 261 BCE, after which the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Buddhism.

The Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist monument located on Dhauli Hill. It was built in the early 1970s by the Japanese Buddhist monk, Nichidatsu Fujii, to promote peace and non-violence in the world. The Shanti Stupa is a white dome-shaped structure with four gold-colored statues of Buddha facing four different directions. The monument offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area, and the nearby Shiva Temple and rock edicts of Ashoka are also worth a visit. Dhauli Hill and Shanti Stupa are popular tourist destinations and are visited by people of all faiths.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, India. These are a series of rock-cut caves that date back to the 2nd century BCE. They were built during the reign of the King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty and were used as residential spaces for Jain monks.

The Udayagiri Caves consist of 18 caves, while the Khandagiri Caves have 15 caves. The caves are famous for their intricate carvings, which depict scenes from the life of the Jain monks and their teachings. Some of the notable caves include the Rani Gumpha, Tatowa Gumpha, and Ananta Gumpha.

The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are significant historical and archaeological sites in India and attract a large number of tourists and history enthusiasts. The caves provide a glimpse into the life of the Jain monks and offer a unique perspective on ancient Indian architecture and art.

Nandankanan Zoological Park

Nandankanan Zoological Park is a zoo and botanical garden located in the city of Bhubaneswar, in the state of Odisha, India. It is spread over an area of 400 hectares and is home to over 1,500 animals, including white tigers, Asiatic lions, Indian crocodiles, and several species of birds, reptiles, and mammals.

The park was established in 1960 and is known for its conservation and breeding programs. It also has a botanical garden, which houses a variety of rare and exotic plants. The park is located near the Kanjia Lake, which provides a natural habitat for migratory birds during the winter season.

Nandankanan Zoological Park is a popular tourist destination and is known for its scenic beauty and wildlife. It offers a range of activities, including safaris, boating, and a rope-way ride. The park is also involved in several research and education programs and aims to create awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Simlipal National Park

Simlipal National Park is a national park and tiger reserve located in the Mayurbhanj district of the state of Odisha, India. The park covers an area of 2,750 square kilometers and is known for its diverse flora and fauna.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar deer, and several species of birds and reptiles. It also has a significant population of the Indian giant squirrel, a rare and endangered species of squirrel found only in certain parts of India.

Simlipal National Park is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park offers several trekking trails, including the popular Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls trek. The park also has several tribal villages within its premises, and visitors can experience the unique culture and traditions of the local tribes.

Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations

Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations is a historical site located in the Jajpur district of the state of Odisha, India. It is a complex of Buddhist ruins that dates back to the 6th century CE and is believed to have been a center of learning and religious activities during the reign of the Gupta dynasty.

The site is known for its impressive ruins, including a large monastic complex, a large stupa, and several other smaller shrines and temples. The ruins are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as various deities and mythical creatures.

Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations is a significant archaeological site in India and attracts a large number of history enthusiasts and scholars. The site is also of great spiritual and religious significance to Buddhists, and many pilgrims visit the site to pay their respects and offer prayers.

Mukteswara Temple in Bhubaneswar

Mukteswara Temple is a famous temple located in the city of Bhubaneswar in the state of Odisha, India. The temple is known for its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings that are typical of the Kalinga style of architecture.

The temple was built in the 10th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for its elaborate carvings of various gods and goddesses, animals, and mythical creatures on the temple's walls, ceilings, and doors. The temple is also famous for its unique torana, or arched gateway, which features sculptures of female musicians, dancers, and other figures.

Mukteswara Temple is considered to be one of the finest examples of the Kalinga style of architecture and is an important cultural and historical site in India. The temple attracts a large number of visitors and devotees from all over the world, who come to admire its exquisite architecture and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.