This is Part 15 of Incredible India, our state-by-state travel series. Start from Part 1: Ladakh or read the previous part, Part 14: Telangana.
Odisha is one of India's best-kept secrets. Its capital, Bhubaneswar, is known as the "Temple City", Puri is one of Hinduism's holiest towns, and Konark's Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Add India's largest brackish-water lagoon, mangroves and tribal culture, and you have a rewarding, uncrowded destination.
Best time to visit
October to March is best. The Rath Yatra in Puri (June-July) draws huge crowds. The Konark Dance Festival (December) and the international sand art festival on Chandrabhaga beach are special.
Top places to see
- Bhubaneswar: the Lingaraj, Mukteshwar and Rajarani temples, and the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves.
- Puri: the Jagannath Temple (entry for Hindus only), the beach and the Rath Yatra.
- Konark Sun Temple: a giant stone chariot dedicated to the Sun god. Read our Konark guide.
- Raghurajpur: a heritage village of pattachitra painters.
- Chilika Lake: Irrawaddy dolphins at Satapada and migratory birds at Mangalajodi in winter.
- Bhitarkanika: mangroves and saltwater crocodiles.
- Simlipal National Park: forests, waterfalls and tigers.
Getting there and around
Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport is the main gateway. Puri is about 60 km and Konark 65 km away; the Puri-Konark Marine Drive is a scenic route. Hire a car for the Golden Triangle circuit.
Sample 5-day itinerary
- Bhubaneswar temples and caves.
- Raghurajpur, then on to Puri.
- Puri temple and beach; Konark at sunset.
- Chilika Lake (Satapada) for dolphins.
- Return to Bhubaneswar.
Practical tips
- Leave mobile phones and leather items outside the Jagannath Temple.
- Book Mangalajodi birding trips at dawn in December-February.
What to eat
Dalma, pakhala, chhena poda, rasagola and seafood. Try our dalma recipe.
Next in Incredible India: West Bengal.
