Odisha (formerly known as Orissa), having its state capital in Bhubaneswar city (known as the “Temple City of India”), is an eastern coastal state of India. Odisha state is famous for its ancient temples, rich tribal culture, scenic beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, classical dance, and historical heritage. Odisha state offers unique attractions to tourists and pilgrims both, major attractions are:

Pilgrimage: Puri, Bhubaneswar region, Jajpur, Bhadrak.

Beaches: Puri, Gopalpur, Chandipur.

Wildlife: Similipal, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, Karlapat.

Hill & Tribal Tourism: Koraput, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati.

Cultural Tourism: Cuttack, Sambalpur, Bargarh.

This guide provides district wise tourist and pilgrimage attractions, helping travelers and readers explore the state well and to help you plan your journey.

Best Tourist Attractions and Pilgrimage sites (District-wise Guide) in West Bengal are:

Puri District’s Attractions:

Puri city, district headquarter, is world famous site for Jagannath Temple, Rath Yatra festival and its beach. Puri is most visited pilgrimage and beach tourism district. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Puri are:

Jagannath Temple, Puri: A most sacred pilgrimage site and one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Hinduism. Jagannath Temple of Puri is famous for annual Rath Yatra chariot festival; its ancient Kalinga architecture and its idols are carved from sacred wood instead of stone of metal and replaced every 12 to 19 years. Food in this temple’s world largest kitchen is prepared in a unique system of seven clay pots packed over one another and topmost pot cooks first. Numerous unsolved scientific mysteries associated with this temple are:
- No shadow of main Dome: Main dome of temple never cast a shadow, what may Sun position.
- Flag fling direction: The flag on its 215 feet high dome always flies in the opposite direction of the wind flow.
- No Sound of Sea: As soon as one steps in temple’s courtyard the loud sound of ‘Bay of Bangal’ sea completely vanished.
- Other Anomalies: You will find that ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ on the top of temple is facing you despite your location and no bird or plane can fly over it.

Puri Beach: This famous golden sand beach in Puri, is a major destination known for its scenic sunrise and sunset.

Konark Sun Temple: This temple dedicated to Sun God located in Konark town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple, known for stone carvings, is chariot with 24 wheels and 7 horses.

Chandrabhaga Beach: Scenic beach near Konark Sun Temple is famous for stunning sunset/sunrise and spiritual significance.
Raghurajpur Heritage Village: A heritage village famous for Pattachitra art and crafts.

Gundicha Temple: An ancient temple in Puri known as birthplace or aunt’s house associated with Rath Yatra festival.

Lokanath Temple: Ancient temple in puri dedicated to lord Shiva temple visited by large number of devotees.

Alarnath Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu near Brahmagiri at about 23 kms from puri.

Panch Tirtha: Five sacred water areas in Puri, named Indradyumna Tank, Markandeya Tank, Swetaganga Tank, Rohini Kund and Mahodadhi (the sea). Devotees take bath in these areas to complete their Jagannath Puri pilgrimage.

Khordha District’s Attractions:

Khordha city is headquarter of this district and Bhubaneswar city capital of Odisha is also located in this district. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Khordha are:

Barunel Temple and Hills: A significant Shaki shrine and picnic spot near Khordha town.

Mukteswara temple: A gem of Odisha architecture.

Lingaraj Temple: Ancient Shiva temple in Bhubaneswar.

Ananta Vasudeva Temple: Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishana known for traditional rituals.

Dhauli Shanti Stupa: Buddhist site associated with Emperor Ashoka.

ISKCON Temple Bhubaneswar: A modern spiritual center.

Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves: Ancient Jain rock-cut caves near Bhubaneswar.

Nandankanan Zoological Park: Famous for white tiger safari.

Cuttack District’s Attractions:

Cuttack city, known as the “Silver City”, is the headquarter of this historic district. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Cuttack are:

Barabati Fort: Ruins of a historic fort on the banks of the Mahanadi River.
Netaji Museum: A museum dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at his birthplace.
Cuttack Chandi Temple: Famous spiritual center in the city dedicated to Goddess Chandi.
Stone Revetment & Riverfront: Popular evening tourism area.

Dhabaleswar Temple: Famous Shiva temple situated on an island in the Mahanadi River.
Paramahansa Nath Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a popular pilgrimage destination near Banki.

Jajpur District’s Attractions:

Jajpur city is headquarter of this district known for Buddhist heritage sites, ancient river-based civilization and Maa Biraja Temple. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Jajpur are:

Maa Biraja Temple: Ancient temple and major Shakti pilgrimage center.

Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri: These three are famous Buddhist heritage circuit, showcasing stupas and monasteries.

Jagannath Temple: A prominent Vaishnav temple.

Other Attractions: Chandikhole (known for Chandi temple & scenic hills),Sapta Matruka(Ancient temple complex), Barahnath temple, Trilochaneswar temple (ancient Shiva temple of architectural importance).

Boudh District’s Attractions:

Boudh city is headquarter of this district famous for ancient Buddhist heritage and peaceful surroundings near the Mahanadi River. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Boudh are:

Buddhist Heritage Sites: Ancient Buddhist remains, 8^th century temple complex dedicated to Nilamadhava & Siddeswar and sculptures.

Rameswar Temple: An ancient temple of 9^th century dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mali Sahi near the Mahanadi River.

Nayakpada Cave: Scenic cave attraction with historical significance.

Kandhamal District’s Attractions:

Phulbani city is headquarter of this district famous for hills, coffee plantations, high quality organic turmeric and tribal culture. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Kandhamal are:

Daringbadi Church: Christian pilgrimage and tourist attraction.

Maa Pitabali Temple: A popular regional temple surrounded by hills and forests.

Daringbadi: A popular hill station known as the “Kashmir of Odisha” offering pine forests, Coffee gardens and waterfalls.

Belghar Sanctuary: Scenic eco-tourism forest area famous for camps and indigenous Kutia Konda tribe.

Putudi Waterfall: A scenic waterfall at 15 Kms from Phulbani.

Andharakkoti: A popular scenic waterfall.

Rayagada District’s Attractions:

Rayagada city is headquarter of this district known for tribal tourism, scenic hills, and Maa Majhighariani Temple. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in this district are:

Maa Majhighariani Temple: Major Shakti shrine in Rayagada dedicated to Goddess Majhighariani (An avtar of Maa Durga).

Laxminarayan Temple: A famous temple of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi in IMFA factory.

Minajhola: Scenic River confluence famous for natural beauty and spiritual significance.

Chatikona: A small village famous for tribal tourism and weekly tribal market.

Balasore (Baleshwar) District’s Attractions:

Balasore city is headquarter of this district known for Chandipur Beach and nearby coastal tourism. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Balasore are:

Chandipur Beach: Unique beach where the sea recedes several kilometers during low tide daily.

Panchalingeswar Temple: Hill shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva where five lingas are submersed in stream.

Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary: A popular destination for trekking and also known for elephants and forests.

Chandaneswar Temple: Famous Shiva temple near attracting pilgrims year-round and known for annual Chadak Mela.

Bargarh District’s Attractions:

Bargarh city is headquarter of this district famous for Dhanu Yatra. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Bargarh are:

Nrusinghanath Temple: Ancient temple of Lord Narasimha situated in scenic Gandhamardan Hills.

Papanga Hill Shrine: Religious hill destination known for spiritual gatherings and its scenic views.

Dhanu Yatra Grounds: Famous venue of the world’s largest open-air theatre festival of 11 days for story of Lord Krishna.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Scenic wildlife sanctuary on Barapahar hills near Hirakud Reservoir.

Ganjam District’s Attractions:

Chhatrapur city is headquarter of this district known for Gopalpur-on-Sea beach, Tara Tarini Temple and Chilika Lake. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Ganjam are:

Gopalpur-on-Sea: A beach famous for golden sand and port with colonial era roots.

Tara Tarni Temple: A famous Shakti Peeth dedicated to twin Goddesses Tara and Tarni on Kumari hills.

Chilika Lake: Picnic spot famous for bird watching, island like view and boating.

Other Temples: Panchalingeshwar temple, Chandaneshwar temple, Khirachora Gopinath temple, Jagannath temple, Bhusandeshwar temple.

Other Tourist Spots: Chandipur Beach, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Nilgiri hills.

Jagatsinghpur District’s Attractions:

Jagatsinghpur city is headquarter of this district famous for coastal temples and beaches. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Jagatsinghpur are:

Sarala Temple: A popular temple dedicated to Goddess Sarala at Jhankad.
Gada Kujang Beach: Scenic coastal tourism spot and the shrine of Kunja Behari.
Paradeep Beach: A beach and major seaport. Also, a popular coastal religious destination as Jagannath Temple.
Gorakhnath Temple: A significant ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Siali Beach: A popular tourist destination for picnic.

Angul District’s Attractions:

Angul city is headquarter of this district known for industrial hub, Satkosia Tiger Reserve and scenic forests along the Mahanadi River. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Angul are:

Satkosia Tiger Reserve & Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary: Located along the Mahanadi River famous for boating and spotting tigers, crocodile & diverse flora.

Rengali Dam: A scenic reservoir area popular for picnics.

Deulajhari Hot Springs & Temple: Known for natural hot water springs and Shiva temple.

Jagannath Temple: This temple is replica of Jagannath Temple of Puri on a hilltop in Angul.

Balangir District’s Attractions:

Balangir city is headquarter of this district famous for ancient temples, Ranipur-Jharial archaeological complex, handicrafts and traditional folk culture of western Odisha. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Balangir are:

Ranipur-Jharial: Ancient archaeological and temple complex, at about 104 Kms from Balangir city, known as the “Somnath of Western Odisha.”

Harishankar Temple & Waterfall: Scenic pilgrimage site located in Gandhamardan Hills, at about 104 Kms from Balangir city, having ancient temple dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.

Saintala Chandi Temple: Famous religious destination with local cultural importance.

Patneswari Temple: Popular temple dedicated to Patneswari, deity of the region in Balangir town.

Bhadrak District’s Attractions:

Bhadrak city is headquarter of this district known for Bhadrakali Temple, Eram massacre (Rakta Tirta) and coastal religious tourism. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Bhadrak are:

Bhadrakali Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali.

Akhandalamani Temple: Famous Shiva temple near Aradi village, at about 37 kms from Bhadrak town, attracting large pilgrim crowds.

Dhamra Coast: A port town of scenic view and coastal tourism area where river meets the sea.

Eram (Rakta Tirtha): A protected historical spot of 1942 freedom struggle massacre.

Deogarh District’s Attractions:

Deogarh city is headquarter of this district famous for scenic hills and tribal culture. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Deogarh are:

Pradhanpat Waterfall: Beautiful waterfall near city surrounded by scenic hills.

Gohira Dam: Scenic picnic and boating spot.

Gopinath Temple in Deogarh: Historic Vaishnavite temple with local religious significance.

Anjaneshwar Mahadev (Cave Temple) in Deogarh: An ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Dhenkanal District’s Attractions:

Dhenkanal city is headquarter of this district known for Kapilash Temple, Saptasajya hills offers both pilgrimage and nature tourism. Key attractions in Dhenkanal are:

Kapilash Temple:Famous hilltop temple with panoramic views dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Joranda Gadi: Main spiritual center of the Mahima religion also known as Alekha Dharma.

Saptasajya: A must Scenic forested hills linked with Ramayana as it is believed that Lord Rama some spent here time of his exile.

Denkanal Palace & Park: Old palace on a hill and nearby deer park.

Gajapati District’s Attractions:

Paralakhemundi city is headquarter of this district famous for hill panorama, ancient royal heritage and tribal traditions. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Gajapati are:

Mahendragiri Hills: A scenic hill destination famous trekking and pilgrimage, having several ancient temples.

Paralakhemundi Palace: A historical palace with heritage value.

Gandahati Waterfall: Scenic waterfall surrounded in forests.

Jharsuguda District’s Attractions:

Jharsuguda city is headquarter of this district famous for industrial growth along with scenic reservoirs and temple tourism. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Jharsuguda are:

Tourist Attractions: Koilighugar Waterfall, Ulapgarh(ruins of hilltop fort), Bikramkhol Caves (ancient rock scripts & paintings), Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary Hirakud Backwaters.

Religious Places: Jhadeshwar Temple, Maa Samaleswari Temple, Chandi Mandir, Jagannath Temple (Gumadera), Pahadi Mandir.

Kalahandi District’s Attractions:

Bhawanipatna city is headquarter of this district known for Nature tourism and ancient temples. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Kalahandi are:

Tourist Attractions: Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, Phurlijharan Waterfall (near Bhawanipatna), Asurgarh Fort (Ancient archaeological and historical site), Junagarh fort (ancient inscriptions).

Religious Places: Manikeswari Temple (Bhawanipatna), Lankeswari Temple, Belkhandi temple (archeologically important).

Kendrapara District’s Attractions:

Kendrapara city is headquarter of this district. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Kendrapara are:

Baladevjew Temple: This famous temple dedicated to Lord Baladeva at Kendrapara town is spiritual heart of this district.

Other Temples: Maa Ramachandi Temple, Sakhigopal Temple, Laxmi Baraha Temple.

Bhitarkanika National Park: Prominent mangrove forests and crocodile sanctuary.

Gahirmatha Beach: World’s largest nesting site of Olive Ridley sea turtles.

Dangamal: Eco-tourism hub in Bhitarkanika National Park.

Historical Buildings: Batighara Lighthouse, Kanika Palace, Hukitola Building.

Kendujhar (Keonjhar) District’s Attractions:

Kendujhar city is headquarter of this district famous for waterfalls, mineral-rich hills and trekking spots. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Kendurjhar are:

Sanaghagara Waterfall & Badaghagara Waterfall: Popular waterfalls and picnic spot near town.

Khandadhar Waterfall: A about 500 feet high waterfalls.

Bhimkund Waterfall: A scenic waterfall on Baitarani River.

Gundichaghati Watterfall: Famous for natural beauty.

Tarini Temple, Ghatgaon: A most visited Shakti shrines.

Jagannath Temple, Keonjhar: A landmark temple build in style of Puri Jagannath temple.

Koraput District’s Attractions:

Koraput city is headquarter of this district famous for beautiful valleys, tribal tourism, and coffee plantations. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in Koraput are:

Deomali Hills: Highest Mountain peak famous for trekking.

Duduma Waterfall: An impressive waterfall near Machkund River.

Gulmi Waterfall: A scenic waterfall.

Tribal Museum: A museum of tribal culture and traditions.

Gupteswar Cave Temple: A scared cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sabara Srikhetra Jagannath Temple: Important Jagannath temple promoting equality and linked with tribal traditions.

Dumuriput: Known for high kneeling Lord Hanuman statue.

Sunabeda: Modern township having airport and aircraft engine factory.

Malkangiri District’s Attractions:

Malkangiri city is headquarter of this district known for tribal culture and reservoir tourism. Key tourist attractions in Malkangiri are:

Balimela Reservoir: Scenic boating,pivnic and nature tourism site.

Satiguda Dam: A popular picnic and sunset spot.

Ammakunda Waterfall: A waterfall in forest surroundings.

Mallikeswar Temple: Ancient Shiva temple of local significance.

Jagannath Temple, Malkangiri: A famous religious site for local devotees.

Mayurbhanj District’s Attractions:

Baripada city is headquarter of this district famous for wildlife, natural beauty and tribal traditions. Key tourist attractions in Mayurbhanj are:

Kichakeswari Temple: An ancient temple located in Khiching, known for stone architecture.

Maa Ambika Temple: An ancient temple in Baripada.

Jagannath Temple: Famous temple in Baripada associated with local Rath Yatra celebrations.

Similipal National Park: A major tiger reserve famous for wildlife and waterfalls. Barehipani Waterfall and Joranda Waterfall are also located in this park.

Nabarangpur District’s Attractions:

Nabarangpur city is headquarter of this district known for tribal heritage and natural beauty. Key tourist in Nabarangpur are:

Podagada Fort: An archaeological site.

Papadahandi Natural Areas: located at 12 kms from Nabarangpur and known for ancient Shiva Temple, tribal culture and rural tourism.

Chandan Dhara: Scenic waterfall and eco-tourism spot, also featuring natural Shava Lingam.

Maa Bhandargharani Temple: A regional temple attracting pilgrims.

Jagannath Temple, Nabarangpur: A significant local religious destination.

Nayagarh District’s Attractions:

Nayagarh city is headquarter of this district famous for ancient temples and natural beauty. Key tourist attractions in Nayagarh are:

Nilamadhab Temple: Ancient Vaishnav shrine near Kantilo hills on the banks of Mahanadi River, famous for its similarities to Jagannath temple in Puri.

Ladu Baba Temple: A pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva

Other Temples: Maninag temple (ancient temple on hilltop in Ranapur), Dakshinakali Temple (living Shakti Peeth in nayagarh), Raghunath Jew Temple (hilltop temple in Fatehgarh known as ‘Ayodha of Odisha’)

Kuanria Dam: A picnic spot with boating.

Ranapur Forest Region: Nature and wildlife tourism area.

Anala Patta: A Buddhist site.

Nuapada District’s Attractions:

Nuapada city is headquarter of this district. Known for Wildlife and tribal culture. Key tourist attractions in Nuapada are:

Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife tourism destination.

Patora Dam: A scenic picnic and boating site.

Jogeswar Temple: Ancient Shiva temple and pilgrimage site.

Patalganga Shrine: Sacred natural water site linked with local beliefs and a popular picnic spot.

Sambalpur District’s Attractions:

Sambalpur city is headquarter of this district famous for Sambalpuri sarees. Key tourist attractions in Sambalpur are:

Hirakud Dam: famous for panoramic views, boating and two towers (Gandhi Minar and Nehru Minar).

Debrigarh Sanctuary: Wildlife sanctuary near Hirakud.

Samaleswari Temple: A famous temple of Goddess Samaleswari, deity of region.

Huma Temple: An unique Shiva temple famous for its tilted structure at 23 kms from Sambalpur.

Subarnapur (Sonepur) District’s Attractions:

Sonepur city is headquarter of this district known for river confluence scenery and ancient temples. Key tourist and pilgrimage attractions in this district are:

Sureswari Temple: Ancient temple on the bank of Tel River believe one of four places, where drops of Amrita split as per mythology.

Kosaleswar Temple: Ancient Shiva temple known for its architectural beauty.

Other Temples: Subarnameru temple, Lankeswari temple, Rameswar temple.

Tel River Confluence: Scenic natural Sangam of Mahanandi and Tel.

Sundargarh District’s Attractions:

Sundargarh city is headquarter of this district famous for natural beauty and tribal culture. Key attractions in Sundargarh are:

Khandadhar Waterfall: Amazing waterfall surrounded by hills.

Mandira Dam: Scenic Lake and picnic destination.
Rourkela Hanuman Vatika: A famous religious and garden complex.
Vedavyas Temple: Sacred site at the confluence of three rivers linked to sage Vedavyas.

Vaishno Devi Temple, Rourkela: A popular modern pilgrimage, replica of the Jammu shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi, on Durgapur hill.
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Top Tourist Attractions and Pilgrimage Places in Odisha