Top 10 Eye Catching Tourist Attractions in Odisha

Odisha is the major tourism sectors of Incredible India that offers scenic beaches, serene lakes and sublime temples. The state host various tourist attractions other than wildlife reserves, monuments, temples and tribal arts, Here is the lists of top 10 major tourist attractions in Odisha.

Temples

Odisha or Orissa houses large number of ancient Hindu temples, Known for its architectural wonders and style. Jagannath Temple in Puri, Konark Sun temple, Taratarini Temple, Mukteshvara Temple, Rajarani Temple and Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar are few must visit temples in Odisha.

Temple city of Bhubaneswar is best known for hundreds of Hindu temples of Kalinga architecture and one of the temple city of Odisha followed by Cuttack, Puri and Konark.

Beaches

The state of Odisha has a long coastline of 500 km and dotted with list of exotic and virgin beaches. Some of the most beautiful beaches of Odisha are Puri Beach, Talasari Beach, Konark Beach, Gopalpur Beach, Gahirmatha Beach and Chandipur Beach.

Chandipur on sea beach of Odisha is very unique in terms of its nature and disappear during the ebb tide. The beach is one of the known home of Horseshoe crab in India and supports bio-diversity.

Monuments

The state is home to list of ancient Buddhist monuments such as Shanti Stupa of Dhauligiri,Pushpagiri Vihara and Lalitgiri Buddhist complex that comprising stupas and monasteries.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves near the city of Bhubaneswar is the only famous Jain monuments in Odisha, Rani Gumpha is the most popular cave among Udayagiri and Khandagiri.

Forts

Barabati Fort near Cuttack lie on the right bank of the Mahanadi and excavation done by Archaeological survey of India for the existence of citadel wall. The ruins of Barabati Fort is the world class tourist destination in Odisha, famous Sisupalgarh fort is another nationally protected monument.

Lakes

Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India and first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The brackish water lagoon ecosystem is also the largest wintering ground for list of migratory birds coming to Indian subcontinent.

Anshupa Lake is another major fresh water lake of India, holds a prominent position in the tourist map of Odisha and an eye catching tourist destination.

Waterfalls

Barehipani Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in India, located inside the Simlipal National Park. The falls has a total height of 399 metres (1,309 ft), other most popular waterfalls of Odisha are Khandadhar Falls, Koilighugar Waterfall, Sanaghagara Waterfall and Badaghagara Waterfall.

Hill Stations

Daringbadi hill station of Odisha is one of the most scenic spot in the state along with Dhamra,Saptasajya, Chandabali and Tensa. Major attractions of Daringbadi include coffee plantation, Dasingbadi waterfalls, black pepper gardens and home to a number of rare and endangered animals.

Tensa is another wonder natural hill station in Odisha, located in sundargarh district and known for Khandadhar falls, scenic spots and green wild forest.

Hot Springs

The state of Odisha also famous for its hot sulfur water springs, Taptapani, Atri, Deulajhari and Tarabalo are few hot sulfur springs in Odisha, having medicinal properties for the treatment of skin diseases.

Islands

Islands of Odisha offers eco-tourism and surrounded by the Eastern Ghats, empty beaches and lake from the sea. The Becon Island, The Breakfast Island, Birds’ island and Honeymoon Island of Odisha are famous for endemic species, limbless lizard and Irrawaddy dolphins.

Wildlife

Odisha is again a remarkable place for rare and endangered species of animals, consisting of many sanctuaries and national parks. The most famous wildlife sanctuary and national parks of Odisha are Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, Satkosia Tiger Reserve and Bhitarkanika Mangroves.

Bhitarkanika Mangroves wetland of Odisha is home to India’s largest populations of saltwater crocodiles and nesting beach for olive ridley sea turtles, declared wildlife sanctuary and marine sanctuary.