1.Puri

When someone thinks of Odisha, Puri and Lord Jagannath immediately come to mind. This peaceful coastal town serves both as a great tourist destination and a spiritual center. Visiting Puri during the world-famous Rath Yatra held every year in June is highly recommended. During this time, you can book accommodation along the Grand Road (Rath Street) and comfortably watch and enjoy this grand festival.

Another lesser-known highlight of Puri is the wide range of sea-facing accommodations available near the beach. You can book a stay for two days in a hotel that suits your budget and relax to the soothing sound of the ocean waves. I have listed some of the best beachside accommodations below.

1. Pink House Hotel (Budget & Best beach location) https://maps.app.goo.gl/87p5ctUr6WUyNGaq8?g_st=ic
2. Sterling Puri (Luxury resort) https://maps.app.goo.gl/pandiVpnvbrnvAt8A?g_st=ic
3. Hotel Sonar Bangla (Medium Option) https://maps.app.goo.gl/9eC5nCFwzRJuQw7R7?g_st=ic

In addition, there are numerous temples around Puri. If you hire a car, you can visit all these temples in a single day and receive divine blessings. Some important temples are listed below. You can also visit Raghurajpur and purchase some traditional souvenirs.

1. Mausi maa Temple https://maps.app.goo.gl/3ZZnkcr436sUs2Fz9?g_st=ic
2. Gundicha Temple https://maps.app.goo.gl/wsuLBSSfDt23bHjy5?g_st=ic
3. Sakshi gopal temple https://maps.app.goo.gl/iMkRh78fgfk6mp2B6?g_st=ic
4. Maa Batta Mangla temple

So, plan at least 3–4 days and visit Puri either in June or during the winter season.

2.Konark

The Konark Festival is held every year from December 1–5. This is the best time to visit the town. During this period, apart from visiting the Sun Temple, you can also enjoy magnificent Odissi dance performances and stunning sand sculptures.

3.Koraput

Traveling to Koraput during the monsoon season by passenger train from Visakhapatnam via Araku Valley or Rayagada, especially in the panorama coach, is a wonderful experience. The railway route passes through tribal villages and offers breathtaking natural beauty.

After reaching Koraput, if you visit the Onukudelli weekly market held only on Thursdays, you will likely get a chance to meet the Bonda tribe, one of India’s most prominent tribal communities.

4.Chilika Lake 

Asia’s largest brackish water lake. Winter is the best time to visit. During this season, you can enjoy a boat ride, spot Irrawaddy dolphins at Satapada, and observe various migratory birds at the Mangalajodi Bird Sanctuary.

5.Similipal

A true biosphere reserve. If you stay for two days in the nature camps managed by the Odisha government, you will experience authentic forest living. The nature camps in Similipal are listed below.

1. Barihipani nature camp (Best Option)
2. Gurguria nature camp
3. Jamuani nature camp
4. Kumari nature camp
5. Talabanda nature camp

You can directly book these nature camp throgh https://www.ecotourodisha.com/destination/similipal

Note: Entry is not allowed during the monsoon season, and only large SUV vehicles are permitted inside.

6.Chandipur

Stay for two days at the budget-friendly Arpita Resort in this town and witness the natural wonder of the sea receding and advancing to shore in every six hours interval.

Book the best budget and luxury stay option Arpitha resort through https://arpitabeachresort.in/

7.Bhitarkanika 

A national park known for its mangrove forests and crocodiles. During a boat ride in Bhitarkanika, you can easily spot some of the world’s longest saltwater crocodiles.

8.Rourkela 

An industrial city of Odisha. Near this city, you can stay for two days each at Tensa and Khandadhar nature camps during the monsoon season and enjoy the scenic beauty. If you’re lucky, you may also get a chance to visit iron ore mines in Tensa.

Book the nature camps through https://www.ecotourodisha.com/

9.Bhubaneshwar

Definitely a temple city. Some of the important temples in the city are listed below.

1. Lingaraj temple
2. Ananda basudev temple
3. 64 Yogini temple
4. Raja rani temple
5. Parasurameshwara temple
6. Muktheshwara temple

Apart from temples, you should also visit museums that showcase Odisha’s art and culture.

1. Odisha state museum
2. Odisha tribal museum
3. Kalabhoomi odisha crafts museum

10.Sambalpur 

Often referred to as the capital of Western Odisha. Its culture is slightly different from coastal Odisha. The famous Samaleswari Temple, next in prominence to Lord Jagannath in Odisha, is located here.

Hirakud Dam, the world’s longest earthen dam, is located near this city. Don’t miss engaging in water sports when you visit.

Sambalpuri handloom cotton clothing, known for being comfortable in hot weather, is famous throughout Odisha.