All Odisha Tour Packages

Some people take a trip to Odisha for its mesmerising beaches and scenic visuals, while others visit the location to witness its religious, cultural, and historical aspects. There are three main seasons to tour Odisha, each of which can offer a completely different travel experience during your visit. Among them, winter (October to February) is widely preferred as the best time to visit Odisha due to its delightful weather. The temperature usually remains within the range of 16 to 28°C, with an average of 22°C. However, it can drop in the range of 8 to 14°C during the months of December and January. The weather stands clear through the day with mistful early morning and late night cold winds. It is also the peak Odisha tourism season, which attracts visitors from around the nation and the globe. Some of the highlights of visiting Odisha this season include the Durga Puja festival, hill stations, trekking and adventure activities, the Konark Dance festival, and much more. Make sure to pack some light warm clothes as it can get a bit chilly during winter in Odisha. Other than that, as winter is the peak tourism season, it is recommended that you make your hotel reservations, flight bookings, and other plans in advance in order to avoid unavailability problems. Take a look at our well-planned and affordable Orissa tour packages with customisation options for an ideal trip.  

Besides winter, many tourists prefer visiting Odisha in the months of June to September, which is the time of monsoon. The temperature remains pretty bearable throughout, with a range of 25 to 32°C. Days are quite humid, while the nights paint a soothing picture surrounded by cool breezes. Monsoon in Odisha is generally the shoulder season for tourism. Places remain comparatively less crowded during this period, while random drizzles and showers multiply the natural greenery of the region. Some key highlights of Odisha tourism in monsoon include the divine scenic beauty of nature, the Raja Parba festival, the Nuakhai festival and so on. When planning your trip to Odisha during the monsoon, check the weather forecast in advance and keep in mind that sudden rain showers may obstruct your sightseeing experience.

Summer, on the other hand, is the low season for Odisha tourism. It usually stretches from March to May, with an average temperature range of 26 to 41°C. The hot weather and humidity remain prevalent through this period, making it quite troublesome to travel during the day. The key highlight of this season is the Rath Yatra, which is a famous festival in the region. If you are ready to deal with the annoying summer heat, you can tour Odisha during this time and get some great deals on transport and accommodations, alongside low crowd hindrance. Here is a detailed guide on the best season-wise time to visit Odisha.

How to reach Odisha?

One of the best parts about Odisha tourism is that it is well-connected to the popular parts of India. It features air, rail and road transport options if you wish to travel to this beautiful Indian state. In addition, the intrastate connectivity of Odisha is very accessible. Here are the best ways to reach Odisha:

• Reaching Odisha by air
• Reaching Odisha by railways
• Reaching Odisha by road
• Reaching Odisha by air
• Travelling within Odisha

Reaching Odisha by air

Travelling by air is usually the most comfortable and fastest way to reach Odisha. Its main airport is located in the capital city of Bhubaneshwar, called the Biju Patnaik International Airport. It lies just 3 kilometres from the centre of the city and offers great connectivity to visitors who are flying in from major Indian cities, including Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and so on. It also offers a great starting point for Odisha tourism as the famous tourist site Puri lies about 65 kilometres from it. You will be able to find daily domestic and international flights from reputable airlines at Biju Patnaik International Airport. Make sure to check and book flights to Bhubaneshwar a few days before your trip.  

Reaching Odisha by railways

Another popular transport option to reach Odisha is by train. It is well-connected to India’s major cities by its railways, with daily running trains to and from Odisha. Usually, the two main railway stations of the state are Bhubaneshwar and Puri, which have direct trains from and to Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Tirupati and so on. Coromandel Express, Rajdhani Express and Konark express are popular trains running through the Bhubaneswar railway. If you are travelling from Kolkata to Puri, you can take the Shri Jagannath Express special train, which is about an 8-9 hour journey. 

Reaching Odisha by road

If you are travelling to Odisha from a nearby location or looking for an exciting road trip experience, you can choose from the various routes that connect to this Indian state. You can opt for a private car or a rental cab for this purpose and hop on a road that offers easy access to Odisha from your starting point. For instance, individuals travelling from Andhra Pradesh or West Bengal can take up NH 16 to reach Odisha. Interstate buses are also a great option, especially if you are travelling from a neighbouring state. 

Travelling within Odisha

In terms of transportation within Odisha, by road is the best alternative. This includes buses, cabs, autorickshaws, rental cars and so on. Local trains can also come in handy for travelling within Odisha.

Best honeymoon destinations in Odisha

Amidst the immense natural beauty, local culture and traditions, and regional heritage, there are many romantic places in Orissa. This is why it ranks among the top honeymoon destinations in the country. For instance, Puri is considered the best Orissa tourist spot for newlyweds who want to soak in the rich culture of the region and witness popular sightseeing locations. In addition, the Puri beach works as a perfect location for romantic strolls along the wet sand and watching beautiful visuals painted by the rising and setting sun with your partner. Other than Puri, the best places to visit in Orissa for a honeymoon include

• Chilika
• Gopalpur 
• Chandragiri 

Chilika 

The Chilika lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in all of Asia and a massive tourist attraction in Odisha. It spreads over a massive area across the district of Ganjam, Khorda and Puri. It is a popular honeymoon destination for couples, with key attractions being the Honeymoon island, Nalabana island and Bird sanctuary, Rambha Bay, a romantic boat drive and lots more. It also features some fantastic resorts and local Odisha cuisine. Chilika is also one of the ideal Odisha places to visit in general. 

Gopalpur

Besides being one of the most beautiful places in Odisha, Gopalpur is also an excellent choice for a honeymoon destination. Its impressive beach and accommodations add to a serene holiday experience with your loved one. The Gopalpur lighthouse and the availability of water sports are some of the major attractions of this place. For ideal Gopalpur Orissa tourism packages, you can check out our Scenic Odisha trip plan.

Chandragiri

If you are planning your trip to Odisha to experience its vivid culture with your partner, don’t forget to check out Jirang (Chandragiri). It is a small village located within the district of Gajapati in Odisha, featuring a  glimpse of the beautiful Tibetan culture and population. It is among the most famous Orissa places to visit. The major couple’s attractions in Chandragiri are its breathtaking valley and hills, Khasada waterfall, Buddhist Monastery and Tibetian food. You can go through our exciting honeymoon tour package range to plan a memorable trip with your better half.

Best places to visit in Odisha:

The imposing land of Odisha is the centre for many religious, sightseeing and adventure activities. Besides its stunning national parks, beaches and hill stations, it offers a vivid insight into the local arts, culture and tradition. Here are some best places to visit in Odisha:

• Puri
• Bhubaneswar
• Cuttack
• Konark
• Rourkela
• Berhampur

Puri

Puri is one of the main tourist places in Odisha. It is perfect for a calming vacation by the beach with family or friends. There are also numerous sightseeing locations in and near Puri, including the famous Puri Jagannath temple, Beach sand art, Chilika lake and Bird sanctuary, Raghurajpur Craft village and Gundicha Ghar temple. Don’t forget to check out the 5-day Puri Beach festival if you are visiting in November. 

Bhubaneswar

Referred to as the city of temples and the land of iconic architecture, Bhubaneswar is one of the major tourist places in Orissa. It is the perfect location for individuals who are in the state’s historical and cultural heritage. Some of the main tourist attractions in and near Bhubaneswar include Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Nandan Kanan Zoological Park, Lingaraj Temple, Parasurameswara Temple, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations and Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Our exciting range of Orissa tour packages includes all major tourist places of the region, like Bhubaneswar and Puri and so on.

Cuttack

Among the other important places to visit in Orissa, Cuttack holds a significant position in the state’s historical and cultural heritage. It piques the interest of many tourists as it still resembles the rich beauty of the region under a vintage filter. Some excellent attractions in and near Cuttack include the Fort of Barabati, Ansupa Lake, Singanatha Temple, Mahanadi Barrage, and Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.

Konark

Located about 65 kilometres by road from Bhubaneswar, Konark is home to several sculptures dating back to ancient times and ranks among the top Orissa famous places. The Sun Temple in Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is an ancient architectural marvel of India. Besides this, some other exciting tourist attractions in and near Konark include Chandrabhnaga beach, Archeological Museum, and Konark Annual Dance Festival. Consider our Konark Orissa Tour Packages for an exciting holiday. 

Rourkela

The planned city of Rourkela within the Sundargarh district is one of the best tourist places in Odisha. Besides being famous for its blooming industrial sector, it is home to several of the state’s key tourist attractions. Hence during your next Odisha trip, don’t forget to visit Rourkela for its waterfall, trekking, and birdwatching experience at Khandadhar Nature Camp, Hanuman Vatika, Nehru Traffic Park and so on. 

Berhampur

Berhampur is called Odisha’s “silk city” and is located in the Ganjam district. It is one of the famous places in Odisha for its silk saree shopping and street food. The must-visit sites in and near this location include Biju Patnaik Park Brahmapur, Sri Sri Sidhi Binayak Pitha, Potagarh, Aryapali Beach, Taratarini temple, Panchama, etc.  

Best Hill stations and Beaches in Odisha:

If you are visiting Odisha for your next trip, you will be in for a versatile experience. Amidst the famous places in Odisha lie some of the most iconic beaches and hill stations.

Hill stations in Odisha

• Daringbadi– Daringbadi, a small town with lush greenery and spellbinding hills, is popularly known as the “Kashmir of Odisha”. It is one of the best places to visit in Odisha if you want to capture the charming views of nature and its landscapes. You can also partake in the exciting activities Daringbadi has to offer, which include birdwatching, trekking and jungle safari.
• Mahendragiri hills– Located about 40 kilometres from Paralakhemundi, Mahendragiri is yet another popular hill station in Odisha. It is the second-highest mountain peak in the state and is famous for its mesmerising natural beauty. The Mahendratanaya river flowing down in this location is a key attraction of this hill station in Orissa.  
• Other hill stations–  You can also check out other hill stations in Odisha, like Dumuriput, Tensa Hill, Taptapani, Deuli Hill, Devagiri Range, Malayagiri Hills, and so on.

Beaches in Odisha

Puri beach

Puri is the main Odisha tourist spot for beach vacations. The fine beach of Puri is renowned for its serene yet gushing waves and peaceful sunrise/sunset views. It also hosts many water adventures and beach activities that you can participate in. You can take a peaceful walk on the sand, go for camel rides or conquer the waves on a jet ski at the Puri beach. Looking for a quick trip? Check out our Short Break to Puri package in the summer.  

Talasari beach

The Talasari beach in the district of Baleswar is another popular beach site in Odisha. It is a super-clean, low-rush area, perfect for a calming swim or immersive boat ride during your trip. The local cuisine and street food are a must-try while you are there.

Others

You can also check out other popular beaches in Orissa, like Chandipur beach, Gopalpur beach, Aryapalli beach, Astaranga beach, Beleswar beach, Paradeep beach and so on.

What to Eat in Odisha?

While you tour Odisha and experience its grand aspects, consider diving deep into the excellent local cuisine that the region has to offer. Here are some must-try Odia delicacies:

• Khichdi
• Macha ghanta
• Rasabali
• Chakuli pitha
• Kanika

Khichdi

This special khichdi-variant is an immensely important dish in the land and culture of Odisha. This finger-licking nutritious delight is prepared with ghee, rice, light spices, lentil and chopped vegetables. Besides being a popular household meal, Khicede is also served as the primary “bhog” of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.  

Macha ghanta

Having a magnificent coastline makes Odisha a place with tasty seafood dishes and recipes. Macha Ghanta is a prime example of such a dish, which is a fish curry prepared with chilli powder, chana dal, garlic, onion, tomatoes, cinnamon sticks and potatoes. Its delectable taste extends when paired with a salad and steamed rice.

Rasabali

This is a major Odia dessert, served as a part of Shree Jagannath Temple’s Chappan Bhog. It includes small vada-shaped tikkis made with wheat flour, paneer, sugar, and cardamom powder, which are deep-fried and soaked in flavoured milk.

Chakuli pitha

Pitha is a popular dish in India’s eastern region. The Chakuli pitha is one of its special variants made in Odisha with ingredients like urad dal and rice batter. The final product looks similar to tortillas and is served with curry, ghugni, pickles or aloo bhaja.

Kanika

Kanika is a local favourite, often prepared during auspicious or special occasions. It is also a part of Shree Jagannath Temple’s Chappan Bhog and is prepared with basmati rice, cashew nuts, ghee, cinnamon, sugar and cardamom as the main ingredients. This sweet dish can be enjoyed as a dessert or a main course alongside veg and non-veg curry. 

Shopping in Odisha?

Odisha has some of the greatest local craftworks and markets for ideal souvenir shopping. If you are wondering what to shop in Odisha, here are some options you can consider:

• Jewellery work
• Wooden mask
• Konark wheel
• Sarees

Jewellery work

Odisha is home to some of the finest works of jewellery craftsmanship in the country. These handmade pieces, which include jewellery boxes, earrings, necklaces and so on, can be an excellent gifts for yourself or a loved one. Look for Filigree work for the finest silver carved ornaments available in the major cities of the state.  

Wooden mask

The hand-painted wooden masks in Odisha are great examples of the immaculate skills of the local artisans. These souvenirs help pack the essence of the region’s tradition with you to your home. These wooden masks of Hindu deities can be ideal home decor items, and the best place to buy them is at Raghurajpur. It is also one of the best places to see in Orissa. 

Konark wheel

The Konark wheel is a beautiful and must-have souvenir you can buy during your visit to the Sun Temple. This souvenir resembles the wheels of the Sun Temple in a miniature format, usually carved in stone or wood. 

Sarees

The handlooms in Odisha produce some of the most beautiful sarees in the eastern region of India. This is why shopping for many tourists largely includes checking out and buying famous sarees from well-known places. For saree shopping, you can check out Pasapalli sarees (Bargarh district), Bomkai sarees (Ganjam district), Kotpad sarees (Koraput), and so on.

If you are shopping in Bhubaneswar, you can check out Ekamra Haat, OSHC on Rajpath road, Pipli, BMC Keshari Mall, and so on. For shopping in Puri, you can visit Swargadwarda market, Chandan bazaar, Red Cross road, and other local markets. 

Things to do in Odisha:

There are several amazing things that you can do solo or in a group in Odisha. Some examples include

• Enjoying the beach experience
• Exploring important historical sites
• Witnessing the religious marvels
• Spending time with nature- 

Enjoying the beach experience

The beach experience in Odisha is an outstanding part of the whole tourism aspect. There are tons of beautiful beaches throughout its massive coastline, and you can spend some quality time there while watching the sunset or sunrise. You can also consider doing water sports, taking strolls on the sand, trying out seafood, and more at the various Odisha beaches. 

Exploring important historical sites

Along with famous cultural and religious tourist attractions, there are many historical places in Odisha. Exploring these locations and learning about their mysteries is one of the most exciting things you can do during your trip. Barabait fort and Khandagiri caves are prime examples of such historical monuments of Odisha. 

Witnessing the religious marvels

The numerous temples across Odisha provide a sense of divinity and offer an insight into the ancient architectural beauty of the place. So when visiting Odisha, visit these religious marvels, including the Sun Temple, Sir Jagannath Puri Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple and so on.

Spending time with nature

Most famous tourist places in Odisha are surrounded by nature’s captivating beauty. So when visiting Odisha, spend some time amidst the hill stations, waterfalls and valleys. 

Adventurous Things to Do in Odisha:

If you are looking for some adventurous things to do in Odisha, you can consider:

• Jet-skiing– If you are into boat rides and water sports, you will love the adrenaline-pumping jet-skiing experience Odisha has to offer. The Puri Konark Marine Drive, Tampara Lake and Chilika are some of the best places in Odisha where you can partake in this thrilling activity. You can also find scuba diving, snorkelling, paddle surfing, rafting and other water sports experiences at Ramachandi beach. 
• Trekking– Camping and trekking go hand in hand, and you can avail of both across various nature camps in Odisha. For this adventurous activity, you can check out the nature camps at Simlipal, Satkosia, Debigarh and Bhitarkanika.
• Camel/horseback riding– For some light-hearted thrilling rides through the sandy beach of Odisha, you can consider going for horse or camelback riding. You can take on this activity at any popular beach in Odisha, including Puri beach. 
• Wildlife safari– If you want to witness the regional wildlife up close in an exciting safari experience, the Odisha Wildlife Tour is a must-try. During this tour, you will be able to see animals like Gharial crocodiles, elephants, white tigers, a variety of birds, deer and much more. Popular Odisha wildlife tours and safari sites include Nandankanan, Simlipal, Ratnagiri, Satkosia, and so on. Many popular Orissa tourism packages come with wildlife sightseeing as a standard inclusion.

Interesting facts about Odisha

If you are in need of some more convincing for scheduling your next trip to Odisha, take a look at these interesting facts:

• Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, the “Temple City” of India, is home to over 600 gorgeous temples and has a history that spans over 3000 years.
• Odisha’s Konark Sun Temple, built in the 13th century, features 24 spoked wheels that can accurately represent current time by casting a shadow. It is among the most famous monuments of Odisha.
• The Chilika Lake in Odisha is the nesting ground for several types of migratory birds coming from Siberia and a place for endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins. 
• The grand open-air kitchen inside Puri’s Shri Jagannath Temple cooks food for over 1 lakh devotees on a daily basis, in 15,000 clay pots which are for one-time use only.
• Odisha is home to over 60 unique tribal groups with well-defined traditions and cultures.
• The famous Daringbad hill station is the only place to experience snowfall during winter in Odisha.
• Odisha’s massive 485 kilometres long coastline features some of the most beautiful and unexplored beaches in the country.