Places to visit in Odisha

Odisha is one of India's eastern states and shares its border with WestBengal, Andhra Pradesh, Chattishgarh, and Jharkhand. Odisha has natural sceneries, beaches, religious places, and much more. There are several places to visit in Odisha, making you go crazy, and you will fall in love with Odisha.

Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha and the probably best city of Odisha. It was made the capital city of Odisha in 1948. Bhubaneswar is also known as the temple city of Odisha and India. Bhubaneswar, along with Puri and Konark, forms a Golden.

 Triangle or Swarna Tribhuja. This golden triangle consists of many heritage and natural places to visit, which attracts a lot of tourists round the year.

Lingaraj Temple

The Lingaraj temple in Old Bhubaneswar or old town and  8 Km away from Vanivihar square is named Bhubaneswar 0. It is famous as the temple of Mahadev and the Runkuna Rath yatra in the time of March. It is also famous for its food which is also available at the temple in front of Bindu Sagar. There are several other temples near. 

Lingaraj temple, like Raja rani temple, Kedar Gouri temple, and several others. 

You can find special Odisha food, Bhog, and many other things that are available just outside the temple. If you want to travel to Lingaraj temple from Bhubaneswar railway station, it will cost you around 100 rupees in a reserved auto. Also, the local bus is available from different places in Bhubaneswar.

Lalat Indu Keshari began the work of this temple according to some Sanskrit texts. He governed between 615 and 657 CE. The current form of the temple was founded in the 11th century BC by Somvanshi king Jajati Keshari. The capital came to Bhubaneswar from Jajpur during his reign.

Dhauli temple/Stupa

Dhauli is 15 Km away from Vani vihar square or 11 Km away from Bhubaneswar main station. It is one of the most visited places of Odisha, and it's a proud symbol of Buddhism in Odisha. It has a rich history that the Kalinga war was fought between the people of Kalinga and the army of Ashoka.

The war ended when Kalinga's army lost the battle but not before fighting like lions and making Askoka realizing that it is not the cakewalk he thought. Daya river that flows near the battlefield was turned red due to blood. This is known as the great Kalinga war.

The bloodshed and the braveness of Kalinga soldiers changed Ashoka completely when an old woman asked Ashoka to return the life of the people who died because of him. A devil became a kind-hearted human, and he embraced Buddhism. Dhauli stupa was made in memory of that war and for Lord Budha.

Visiting this stupa will give your heart a divine feeling of calmness. Though it gets visitors round the year, the best time to visit is in winter.

Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves

Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves are historical places near Bhubaneswar. The place is around 8 Km from the Vani Vihar square and famous for its historical caves, which were built at King Kharavela for Jain monks.

Giri in Odia means hills, Khandagiri and Udaygiri were small hills where caves were built by cutting the rocks where Jain munis or monks used to stay and meditate.

The area is vastly developed now and attracts a lot of tourists in the wintertime especially. Once, the outskirts of Bhubaneswar are now included in the city itself. We will find an easy mode to travel to Khandagiri from any part of the city. 

This area also has restaurants and small eateries, making your tour easier.

History of Khandagiri

The "Mahameghavahana dynasty" was ruled during the 1st century BCE by Odisha. King Kharavela was a dynasty's most powerful and renowned.

He excavated about 117 caves on the hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, being a patron of Jainism.

These caves were specially designed to protect the Jain monks if necessary. And for the Royal Family, there were grottoes like RaniGumpha (king cave).

They are more important for their inscriptions than cavities, from which we receive a great deal of information about the king, his war, society, and religions, etc.

Some important hill caves are like this.

• Gummy Rani (cave of queen).
• Gumpha Hati ( cave of elephant).
• Gumpha Ananta ( cave of infinite).
• Ganesha (Lord Ganesha's Cave) etc.

Nandan Kanan Zoo and Botanical Garden

Nandan Kanan zoo is one of the biggest zoos present in India. It is spread across more than 50 acres of land and has almost all the animals found in India with some foreign animals like coal and Panda. The zoo is famous for its white tiger, which is not found anywhere else in the world. Nandan Kanan many times exchanges White tiger for animals it does not have.

The Nandankanan zoo is situated just 5 KMs from Patia and 10 KMs from Cuttack. There are several eating places or Dhaba outside the zoo. The best time for the visit is in winter though Nandan Kanan gets its traffic around the year.

It also has a botanical garden and a lake where a boating facility is available. So it is must visit place if you are visiting Odisha and Bhubaneswar.

Food in Bhubaneswar through App

Without a doubt, “Swiggy” is the best food delivery service in Bhubaneswar at the moment. Why am I so certain of this?

As a Bhubaneswar resident, I've tried various options and found them all to be deceptive. Initially, there was 0km, followed by Mealrobs for a few months. Mealrobs were better, but they had a lot of distribution problems. Their reviews tell it all about 0km.

My first encounter with Foodeterian was incredible. My food was delivered in just 40 minutes for the first time in my life. I'm not sure if it was a coincidence or a miracle, but it's something I've never seen before, even though their staff claims delivery in 50 minutes.

What else? In contrast to the Zomato, the prices shown on Thelas' menu show increased prices. They have covered almost every good restaurant in the town.

Biryani 24x7 and Foodzo are a good option, but no other company can beat Foodeterian given the variety of restrictors and offerings.

I'm a large fan of Silver Streak food, and Foodeterian is the only food supply service that supplies Silver Streak food.

Cuttack

Cuttack is the second-largest city in Odisha and also one of the oldest cities in India. It is also known as the silver city and is famous for its Tarakashi work, where goldsmiths make outstanding work from gold and silver wires.

Dhabaleswar

The Dhabaleswar temple of Lord Shiva is 25 Km away from Cuttack. It is one of the most famous temples of Odisha and is often visited by people from coastal Odisha. More than 50 thousand people visit this temple on MahaShivRatri. 

The Barabati Fort

Built by the Maharaja Market Keshari, this fort now stands in the heart of the city near the Barabati stadium (The only cricket stadium in Odisha). It has historical values and is now protected by the archeological department. It is just 1 Km away from Biju Pattnaik square, and you can find the best Dahibara Aloodum in Cuttack.

Dear Park

The dear park is just 1 km away from Barabati fort and a sanctuary for dears in Cuttack city.

Puri-Konark

Jagannath Temple, Puri

Jagannath temple of Puri is among the 4 Dhams of the Hindu religion. The temple is situated just 1 Km away from the Bay of Bengal. Its the temple of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Maa Subhadra. There are many mysteries about this temple, and one of them is the kitchen of this temple, where no one is allowed except the traditional cooks.

Besides Lord Jagannath temple, there are many other small temples inside the premises like Maa Bimala temple, Maa Lakshmi temple, Aintha Gopal temple, Khirachora Gopinath temple, Lord Ganesh temple, Lord Shiva temple, and many more.

The food or prasad is sold in Aananda Bazar almost all the time of the day. Prasad is made two times in the day and presented to Lord Jagannath first and then sold at Aanand Bazar.

Many of my friends asked me about Puri Jagannath temple darshan tickets. Let me clarify to you that there is no ticket system in puri, neither is there any kind of charge to visit the temple.

The beaches in Puri

The Bay of Bengal flows by the city Puri, and Puri has one of India's cleanest and safest beaches. Tourists visit Puri around the year as Puri weather is one the best, moderate, and the highest temperature in the year does not go beyond 38 celsius. There are more than 100 hotels in Puri where you can stay according to your budget. The price range is from 400 Rupees to 15000 Rupees per day according to their quality and type.

The marine drive

The marine drive is around 25 KMs of the long road from Puri to Konark adjacent to the Bay of Bengal. The marine drive attracts many tourists, especially in the winter, where people prefer to picnic or get together on the beach. Where they enjoy both nature and food.

 The Odisha government has now provided eco-retreat facilities where you can book your place and stay near the beach. It has all facilities like food, drink and also there are special functions arranged.

Konark Sun Temple

Konark temple, known as the Sun temple, was built in the 13th century by Langula Narsinhga Deva. It is 40 Km away from puri and is situated near Chandrabhaga. The temple's history is that 1200 men made this temple in 12 years. The temple is believed to be made look-alike the chariot of the Sun god. It was made out of black stones and has many arts and crafts. The sun temple has been declared as a heritage place by UNESCO.

The main temple was named "Black Pagoda" by Europeans while the White Pagoda was known as the Puri Temple, perhaps because of its colors from a distance from the sea. The Sun Temple could have black colors as the moss, lichen, and other fungal growth accumulated that turned the temple surface into the color black.

Wrapping up

There are so many more tourist places in Odisha that can amaze you. These places are just a glimpse of the natural and historic places Odisha has. In the future, we will discuss places in detail. For any comment or query regarding these places, please feel free to comment below.