Char Dham v t e Puri Rameswaram Dwaraka Badrinath The Jagannath Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu - one of the trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism, Puri is in the state of Odisha on the eastern coast of India.

Puri is a beautiful city situated in the state of Odisha in Eastern India, just 60 KMS away from the capital. It is located along the bay of Bengal and offers a beautiful sunlit landscape with palm leaves and the glimmering waves on the shoreline. The city flourishes with diverse tourists including the holy worshippers in the temples and sun basking tourists on the beach making it one of the most admired places to visit in not only India but all across the world.

Known famously as the “City of Temples”, Bhubaneswar has a strong foothold in the history of India. Better known as the capital city of the state of Odisha, this place was under the rule of King Sisupala for a long period of time. The remains of Sisupalgarh found near Bhubaneswar city imply that they predate even the Mauryan empire. Holding a 2000-year old rich history, this place presents the perfect amalgamation of a rustic world that features grand temples and brilliant architecture and a modern era that features flourishing business and commerce.

This historic town, one of the best places to visit in Orissa, lies on the Bay of Bengal coastline in the District of Puri. Konark is an important cultural and heritage landmark in India making it one of the most-visited places in East India. The beauty of Konark lies in its diverse landscape. Dotted with several temples, museums, and beaches, with silhouettes of the Eastern Ghats in the background, make it one of the best places in the country for a deeply spiritual and unconventional getaway.

One of the most unique beaches in the country, Chandipur is located on the shores of Bay of Bengal in the Baleswar District. The beauty of Chandipur Beach is considered to be unparalleled, and rightly so. Its yellow-golden sands and blue waters create a stunning picture-postcard like imagery. Dotted with rocky outcrops, sand dunes, and thickets of Casuarina trees, it is one of the best and the most beautiful vantage points in Orissa to savour a beautiful sunset.

One of the most important and oldest seaports in the country, the historic Paradeep is located in the Jagatsinghpur District. This 17th-century sea-transportation area, initially a harbour, played an important role during the British regime and the famine of 1886. The coastal landscape of Paradeep is dotted with beautiful beaches, miles of dense forest, waterfalls, and forts. One of the best destinations in the country for an offbeat beachside getaway, Paradeep is visited by nature lovers from all over the country.

Known as the ‘city of victory’ Jeypore city was set up in the 16th-century by the Suryavanshi dynasty. Located in the Koraput district, the historic city constantly changed hands between empires, leaving an unmissable footprint on its culture and architecture. Located amidst the Eastern Ghat ranges, Jeypore, one of the most popular places to visit in Orissa, is bestowed with dense forests, beautiful misty valleys, and waterfalls attract travellers from all over the country. The rich landscape also includes limestone caves, temples, palaces, and age-old bridges.

Being one of the largest storehouses of iron and manganese in the country, Barbil is also known as Iron City. The semi-urban town is located on the banks of River Karo in the Kendujhar area of Odisha.

Also called Berhampur, Brahmapur is famous as the abode of Lord Brahma in the state of Odisha. The city’s name Berhampur was given by the British and later changed depicting the ancient Sanskrit influences in the original name. Located in the Ganjam district of Odisha, it is also well known as the city of silk.

Located at the tip of Mahanadi River Delta, this erstwhile capital and the second-largest city of Odisha, and is amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Orissa. Cuttack traces its history back over 1000 years to the Keshari dynasty in 989 BC and is counted amongst the most well-planned ‘Millennium’ cities in the country now. The beautiful waterside landscape of Cuttack is interspersed with small rivers like Kathajodi, Kuakhai, Birupa, and Mahanadi. The several beautiful pokharis (ponds), temples, forts, and lakes are nestled amidst the eastern hills and forested areas.

One of the oldest places in the country, Sambalpur is Western Orissa’s largest district and edges along the banks of the Mahanadi River. This historically important place, in existence since the 4th-century, finds its name in the country’s freedom struggle and has changed hands between dynasties of the Koshalas, Sarbapriya, Somvanshiya, Marathas, and finally the British. It is an important trade centre and houses ancient temples, forts, and one of the largest railway junctions in the state known as Sambalpur Junction.

Located in Sundergarh District in Western Orissa, Rourkela is one of the most important industrial centres of the country housing India’s first integrated steel plant. Besides being a planned city, Rourkela has stunning natural beauty and is amongst the most prominent tribal hinterlands in India. The beautiful and diverse landscape of Rourkela is dotted with waterfalls, temples, gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries; this is one of the best places to enjoy an offbeat vacation amidst nature.

Also renowned as Dwitiya Srikhetra, Baripada is one of the oldest cities in Northern Odisha. It is located at a distance of 248 kms from Kolkata and perched on the eastern banks of Budhabalanga River.

It was built in the 12th century by the ruler of the Ganga Dynasty. The most famous festival of Ratha−Yatra is held here. The main deities worshipped here are Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. The temple serves as a mysterious historical structure built millennia ago. People visit Odisha to gain blessings of Lord Jagannath.

The most abundant saltwater lake and coastal lagoon in India. Located 44kms from Puri. It is the most significant ground for migratory birds. It is flooded with all species of birds like; heroines, sea eagles, jacana, Flamingoes, and gray lay geese. This makes the lake a delight for bird watchers. It is also the home of the largest breeding colonies of flamingos.

A pristine escape from the chaotic life of cities, Talasari Beach is located in Baleswar district of Odisha. The spectacular beach greets you the river banks of Subarnarekha river which finally flows into the Bay of Bengal. Here, you can witness some of the most untouched beaches which will enchant you with palm trees, coconut trees and cashew trees adorning the coastline.