Odisha

 Odisha

Tourism in Odisha is one of the main contributors to the economy of Odisha, India, with a 500 km (310 mi) long coastline, mountains, lakes, natural biodiversity and rivers. Odisha is a major tourist destination in India, with various tourist attractions, including wildlife reserves, beaches, temples, monuments, the arts and festivals. Other than wildlife reserves, beaches, temples, monuments, the arts and festivals, the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation, a public sector undertaking of the Government of Odisha, is also developing the tourism sector of Odisha and India.

Puri: Home to the sacred Sri Jagannath Temple and long sandy beaches, it is one of the key holy sites in India.
The ancient city and its history are intertwined with Lord Jagannath. The city is one of the Char Dham’s (Four sacred places) of India. The Char Dham’s were established by Adi Shankaracharya. Besides the cult of Lord Jagannath & the mysticism attached with Puri, It’s one of the few destinations where one can combine spiritual salvation with fun & adventure. The city is dotted with many old shrines and Matha’s (Ashram’s) each having its own little story which weaves itself in the larger canvas attached with Lord Jagannath.
The variety of options for tourists that Puri offers, makes it a wholesome tourist destination.

Konark: Famous for the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped like a giant stone chariot. Famous in the entire world for its magnificent Sun Temple, Konark is a significant tourist destination in Orissa situated at a distance of nearly 65 km from Bhubaneswar. Renowned for its architectural wonders and apart from several temples; Konark Beach is another major attraction of the city. Surrounded by dense forests, Konark is a vivid place that is full of colors that reflect in the delicate handcrafted items sold in its market. Everything about this place is simply breathtaking. One side, calmness of its beach completely rejuvenates your body, mind and soul, other side, great shopping options in Konark allows you having fun. You can purchase a number of items overstated sculptures portraying different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The city becomes energetic with fun-filled activities during festivals. One of the most visited destinations of Orissa; Konark is mainly known for its Sun Temple, but there other attractions that can’t be missed during your visit to the city. Here below is more information about the places you can visit while a trip of Konark city of India.
The top place to visit in Konark is the Konark Sun Temple, a 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped like a giant sun god chariot.

Bhubaneswar: Known as the "Temple City," it features historic landmarks like the Lingaraj Temple and the rock-cut Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves.

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is known as the Temple City of India for its hundreds of historic Hindu temples.

Bhubaneswar is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Odisha. It is located in the Khordha district. The suburban region, especially the old town, was historically often depicted as Chakra Khetra and Ekamra Khetra (Area adorned with a mango tree). Bhubaneswar is dubbed the "Temple City", a nickname earned because of many temples which are standing there. In contemporary times, the city is a hub of sports, tourism and IT in the country. Although the modern city of Bhubaneswar was formally established in 1948, the history of the areas in and around the present-day city can be traced to the 1st century BCE. It is a confluence of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain heritage and includes several Kalingan temples, many of them from 6th–13th century CE. With Puri and Konark, it forms the "Swarna Tribhuja" (lit. 'Golden Triangle'), one of Eastern India's most visited destinations.

Chilika Lake: Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, ideal for spotting migratory birds and playful Irrawaddy dolphins at Satapada.

Chilika Lake in Odisha is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and a top destination for wildlife viewing and boat rides.

Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon with estuarine characteristics along the east coast of Indian sub-continent in Asia and second largest coastal lagoon in the world, its area ranges from about 900 to 11,165 sq km during summers and monsoon respectively. It is spread over the Puri, Khordha and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal.

 

Similipal National Park: A dense forest reserve perfect for wildlife safaris, waterfalls, and spotting tigers.

Similipal National Park in the Mayurbhanj district is one of the best places to visit in Odisha for wildlife and nature lovers.

The park is home to Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, and chausingha. Its tiger population has a notably high occurrence of pseudo-melanism as a result of inbreeding, making it the subject of genetic study and conservation efforts.

This protected area is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009.