Odisha, formerly home to the sun-worshipping tribes of Odra, is now best recognized for its historic architectural marvels. With 62 tribal villages serving as micro-cultural centers and over 600 temples in Bhubaneswar alone, activities and things to do in Odisha are bound to exceed our expectations. Odisha, in keeping with evolving travel patterns, is also offering up chances in adventure tourism. For example, the India Surf Festival has drawn attention to Ramachandi Beach in Odisha for several years.
Check out some of the most intriguing things to do in Odisha?
1. Visit Ramchandi Beach, the East Coast’s hidden surfing hotspot
This event was founded in 2012 by a group of surfing lovers who intended to make the quiet East Coast the new center of surfing yoga. Since then, the India Surf Festival has been held at Ramachandi Beach, near Konark. The festival has a fantastic roster of musicians from all over the world, open surfing contests, skating competitions, paddling for beginners, cuisine, and photography, and is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Odisha and India.
2. Chilika Lake is a great place to go for dolphin and bird-watching
Satapada is a tranquil village around 48 kilometers from Puri Beach and its tourist turmoil. National Highway 203A links Satapada and Puri. This is where Chilika Lake empties into the sea. Boat rides and dolphin viewing are popular pastimes at Chilika Lake. You may also observe migrating birds such as the northern pintail, gadwall, and shovellers, which visit this brackish water lake every winter.
3. Visit the most important Olive Ridley Sea Turtle breeding locations
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtles have their most extensive breeding grounds near the Rushikulya River’s mouth. During the nesting season, when the baby turtles make their way toward the sea, visitors and photographers go to this quiet place by the shore to view the turtles.
4. Visit the less-known and more pristine Chandrabhaga Beach
Odisha’s beaches are unlike any other in India. Chandrabhaga Beach is 37 kilometers from Puri and only 3 kilometers from Konark Temple. On the seventh day of Magha (according to the Hindu calendar), pilgrims from neighboring towns and cities gather on this seashore to worship the sun deity. This beach with a lighthouse is one of the greatest sites to visit in Odisha, particularly for photographers.
5. Take a boat trip through Bhitarkanika’s mangroves
In 1998, the large area of 672 square kilometers around the Bhitarkanika Mangroves was designated a National Park. The Salt Water Crocodile, the Water Monitor Lizard, and the King Cobra are some animals to look out for in this biodiversity-rich location.
6. Go to Chandipur’s peaceful beach
Chandipur Beach is another of Odisha’s lesser-known East Coast beaches. The place is accessible by car or train from Baleshwar. Visiting the beach during high tide is risky, so plan your visit carefully. Other attractions surrounding Chandipur Beach include Devkund Waterfalls, Panchalinegeswar, and Khirachora, which make it a perfect place to spend a weekend.
7. Experience a royal homestay in Kila Dalijoda
Kila Dalijoda was the hunting lodge of an erstwhile Indian monarch of the Rajput Pramar clan. The hosts have since converted the property into a historic guesthouse. In addition, they organize tribal village visits in the neighborhood of the Munda Tribal homes. Temple visits, nature walks, angling, and birdwatching are some additional activities that make our homestay unique in this remote part of India. The nearest railway station to the property is Cuttack.
8. Learn the Pattachitra art form at Raghurajpur’s historic hamlet
The Puri District hamlet is well-known for its local artists who have perfected the skill of Pattachitra, which are small paintings on fabric or palm leaves. In addition to traditional paintings, the people of this community create stunning paperweights, side tables, masks, papier-mache, and toys.
9. Khandgiri’s old Jain caves are worth a visit
The ancient caverns of Khandgiri and Udaygiri are among ancient India’s best examples of rock-cut architecture. The Jain temples at Bhubhaneshwar are about an hour’s drive from these caverns and are another remarkable example of ancient Indian architecture.
10. In Pipili village, you may see the local Applique craft
Pipili Village, around 40 kilometers from Puri, has perfected the French handcraft method known as Applique.
Also, Read More:- Best Places To Visit In Odisha