Odisha
Quick Facts & Information About Odisha
Category
Indian State
Region
Eastern part of the country
Establishment Year
April 1, 1936 as Orissa. Renamed as Odisha in March , 2011.
Capital City
Bhubaneswar
Major Cities
Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Berhampur (Brahmapur), and Balasore.
Languages Spoken
Odia (official and widely spoken), Santali, Kui, Ho, Mundari, Saora, Desia, Telugu, Bengali, Hindi and English.
Key Attractions
Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Khandagiri Caves, Chilika Lake, Similipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, Satkosia Gorge, and Deomali Hills.
Popular Tourist Places
Puri, Bhubaneswar, Konark, Cuttack, Jeypore, Barunei Hills (Parasailing), Deomali (Trek), Mahendragiri (Trek), Jagannath Temple – Puri, Lingaraj Temple – Bhubaneswar, Sun Temple – Konark, Chilika Lake – Puri, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves – Bhubanes
Best Time to Visit
October to March for sightseeing, temple visits, beach holidays and wildlife excursions. June to July for the famous Ratha Jatra in Puri, while the monsoon season for lush green landscapes and waterfalls.
Airports in Odisha
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda (JRG) Rourkela Airport (RRK) Jeypore Domestic Airport (PYB) Utkela Airport, Bhawanipatna (UKE) Savitri Jindal Airport (VEAL) Sambalpur Airstrip (VEHK) Raisuan Airstrip, Ke
Climate
Tropical climate with hot and humid summers, a monsoon season, and relatively cool, pleasant winters.
Famous Festivals
Puri Rath Yatra, Raja Parba, Nuakhai, Bali Jatra, Durga Puja, Dhanu Jatra, Konark Dance Festival, and Chandan Yatra.
Unique Experiences
The spectacular Ratha Jatra in Puri, ancient temples of Bhubaneswar, boat rides and birdwatching at Chilika Lake, mangrove forests of Bhitarkanika, and tribal culture.
Speciality
Odisha is celebrated for its ancient Kalinga architecture, magnificent temples, deep-rooted spiritual traditions, classical Odissi dance, and tribal heritage.
Location
Eastern India, along the Bay of Bengal. Odisha shares its borders with West Bengal to the north-east, Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west and Andhra Pradesh to the south.
Area
Approximately 155,707 sq. km.
Cuisine
Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, Dahi Bara Aloo Dum, Chhena Poda, Odia Rasagola, Khaja, and Macha Besara.
Economy
Driven by mineral extraction, steel and aluminium manufacturing, agriculture, power generation, fisheries, ports, tourism and handicrafts.
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Odisha
Puri
Puri is a premiere coastal and spiritual hub in Odisha, eastern India. It lies along the Bay of Bengal and offers a unique combination of Hindu mythology, ancient Kalinga architecture, and a beach vacation vibe. Puri is popular as Shri Sri Jagannath Dham and Jagannath Puri. Its key attractions are Shree Jagannath Temple, Golden Beach, Rath Yatra, and Gundicha Temple & Sacred Tanks.
Konark
Konark is a historical and coastal town in Odisha’s Puri District. It is about 65 km from Bhubaneswar and is home to Konark Sun Temple. Apart from this temple, Konark attracts tourists for its Konark Dance Festival, Music Festival, International Sand Art Festival, Chandrabhaga Beach and Ramachandi Temple.
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha and offers a unique blend of modern city planning and a 3,000-year-old heritage. Famed as the Temple City of India, it perfectly combines spiritual, architectural, and natural wonders. Its key attractions are Kalinga Temples, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa, Nandankanan Zoological Park, and Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens.
Dhauligiri Hills
Located about 8 km south of Bubaneswar, it is a historical and spiritual tourist destination. Its exploration requires a short drive from the state capital city. It features the Kalinga War Site, Dhauli Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), Ashokan Rock Edicts, and Shiva Temple.
Chilika Lake
Located in the eastern coast of Odisha, it is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and the world’s 2nd largest lagoon. It spans about 900 to 1,165 square kilometers based on the season. Famous as the Queen of Natural Scenery, it is ideal for boating, birdwatching, and fresh seafood tasting.
How To Reach Odisha?
Odisha is accessible via Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, with regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.
A strong railway network connects Odisha to the rest of India. Main railway stations include Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri, with frequent train services.
National highways and state roads offer smooth connectivity. Buses, taxis, and private vehicles are commonly used.
