Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is an incredible state in Eastern India. It is the eighth largest state by area and the eleventh largest by population. Mainly famous for the rich culture and ancient Hindu temples, there are several top things to do in Odisha. Do you want to dig into the history of Odisha? Explore the beauty of this enthralling state? And want to see the power of Indian festivals? You have reached the place.
Odisha has some truly unique and diverse treasures to discover, from culture to wildlife. In this post, we have gathered all colours of Odisha, including parks, unpolluted beaches, temples, traditional food, architecture and, most importantly, Jagannath Rath Yatra.
If you are looking for the top things to do in Odisha, participating in Jagannath Rath Yatra tops the list. Odisha is famous for Jagannath Mandir and Jagannath Rath Yatra. As it is one of the major attractions of Odisha, why not talk about it first.
Jagannath Rath Yatra: One of the Major Attraction of Odisha
Also known as the Car Festival and Chariot festival, Rath Yatra is one of the major festivals held in Odisha and the biggest event in India. It is one of the oldest Rath Yatra to take place in Odisha and is participated by numerous people all around the world. Odisha is a blessed land and mainly attracts devotees. If you are a true devotee and looking for top things to do in Odisha, Jagannath Rath Yatra is a must for you.
This Yatra is dedicated to Lord Krishan, Balrama, and Subhadra. Three huge deities are taken for a religious yatra on a chariot to the Jagannath temple. This festival is celebrated in the month of June or July, on the second day of the Shukla Paksha, Ashadha month, as per the traditional Oriya Calendar. Odisha celebrates this festival for nine days, and this period is considered the most auspicious. Devotees from all around the world come here to participate in this Yatra as this is most attractive and one of the top things to do in Odisha. When the Yatra commences, it is called Rath Yatra, and the return journey on the ninth day is called a Bahuda Jatra. During the return journey, Ratha Yatra stops at Mausi Maa Temple, and the rest of the two deities of Jagannath Yatra, brother Lord Balabhadra and younger sister Devi Subhadra, are moved from their holy adobe for a procession up to Gundicha temple.
Odisha is not limited to temples and Jagannath Rath Yatra. There are several other top things to do in Odisha that make this state like no other. Let’s have a look at other magnificent attractions of Odisha.
List of Top Things To Do In Odisha To Experience Real Odisha
Odisha is not untouched by modernity, as the state has bridged the gaps between its present and past, keeping the culture alive. From natural beauty to holy places, you will see the land that has flourished with the natural to modernity.
Have a Spiritual Trip
Odisha is home to many temples, and it is known as the ideal destination for devotees. Having a spiritual trip with your family is one of the top things to do in Odisha. You can visit Jagannath Temple, Sun Temple, Mukteswara Temple, Gundicha Temple to explore their spiritual significance and architecture.
Not only the temples, but Odisha also shares history with Ramayana. Dandakaranya, one of the places in Ramayana, is the real palace sharing territories with Odisha. You can have a tour with your family and kids to experience it in real life.
Stroll Across the Shore of Pristine Chandrabhaga Beach
If you are looking for peace, spending some time near Chandrabhaga Beach is one of the top things to do in Odisha. Besides being calm and offering majestic views, this beach also has religious importance. A seven-day fair takes place in honour of Sun God, and devotees across the world come here to take a dip in the beach during the fair.
A seven-day fair is the best time to visit for devotees. But if you want some space from the hustle-bustle routine, skip visiting during these days. You can enjoy nature, witness a beautiful sunset scene, stroll through the shore with your spouse and spend time with your kids here.
Explore Village Side of Odisha at Raghurajpur
Raghurajpur is the ideal destination to learn about rural Odisha. It is considered among the top things to do in Odisha for those who love to dig into the history and cultures of the different places. It is a village in Odisha, backed with an artistic environment that exhibits the diversity of Oriya culture.
Raghurajpur is a good platform to live a rural life, experience the local people. These are experts in crafting items like palm-leaf inscriptions, wood carvings, Sodhi work, mural painting, cow dung toys, papier-mache, terracotta, etc.
Witness Wildlife At Nandankanan Zoological Park
It’s true that Odisha is a paradise for devotees. But Nandankanan Zoological Park is the best place to visit if there is anyone who is a wildlife lover out here. Located in Bhubaneshwar, this zoological park is the ideal place to visit with kids and family. Amidst Chandaka forest, the park is home to a variety of species of animals, including White Tigers and hosts a beautiful lake called Kanjia.
It is the most interesting and one of the top things to do in Odisha to teach your children about the value of wildlife conversations as the park runs projects to save the wildlife.
Stop at Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is an important Buddist monastery situated in Brahmani and Birupa river valley in Jaipur district in Odisha. This place is also known as the best for meditation and monastic life. When you visit this place, you will find it ruined. But you can see and experience most of history at this ruined destination. Visiting Ratnagiri is among the top things to do in Odisha if you want to experience the state from the close.
It is a perfect place to visit to have a combination of spiritual and historical feelings. There are several places to visit and top things to do in Odisha, but this is amongst that unbeatable one.
Odisha is the best tourist destination in India, as it is a perfect combination of history, spirituality and culture. It takes extended holidays to cover this mesmeric land. Take some extra time when you plan to visit here; that’s our bonus tip for you.