Bhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Odisha. It is not just one of the most developed but also one of the culturally richest cities in the country. Also known as the temple city, Bhubaneswar has more than 700 major temples in and around the city. It also earns its fame from the Kalinga-era architecture. The origin of the city can be traced back to the 7th century. However, the modern city of Odisha came into existence only in the 20th century. The city has an abundance of natural landscapes and cultural sites that make it a place worth exploring for travelers and history buffs.
Bhubaneswar is an underrated destination as far as tourism is concerned, but it doesn’t mean that it lacks value. In fact, few cities can provide travelers with experiences as diverse as this one. Being one of the earlier planned cities in India, Odisha is not just a tourism destination but also a living model of study for architects and engineers. The city of Odisha can be explored in one to two days. Still, there are several tourist attractions around the city that we’ve covered in this blog.
Duduma Waterfalls
Duduma Waterfalls is one of the highest waterfalls in the country. Located 541 km away from the city, it is a perfect weekend getaway. The mesmerizing view of cascading water gushing down the terrain with a lush green background leaves the tourists amazed. The region is also known for the people from Bonda tribes that still inhabit the waterfall area.
Chandragiri
Chandragiri is a place near Bhubaneswar that is known for Tibetan settlements. Located nearly 255 km from the capital city of Odisha, the site houses a beautiful Buddhist monastery that is a prominent tourist attraction. Chandragiri is surrounded by tropical forest covers, majestic mountains, adventurous hilltops, and rivers. It is one of the most scenic places in the state.
Chandipur Beach
Odisha is not a very popular beach destination, but it has many beaches that are free of the crowd. Chandipur Beach is a popular tourist destination in the state located nearly 208 km away from Bhubaneswar. The sea is famous for the ‘Vanishing Sea’ phenomenon, and it is slowly emerging as a popular tourist attraction. The sea disappears for 5 to 6 km during the low tides and comes back during the high tides.
Pir Jahania Beach
Pir Jahania beach is located 78 km away from Bhubaneswar. It is one of the most unique beaches in the country. The beach is famous for its golden sand and the calm atmosphere that serves as a perfect laidback holiday destination. The nearby handicraft market is also worth exploring. You can also try local dishes while exploring the market.
Chilka Lake
Located 195 km away from Bhubaneswar, Chilka Lake is a brackish water lagoon. It is the largest coastal lake in the country that houses a diverse range of aquatic life and aquatic birds. It is a perfect place to spend your weekend while enjoying the cold breeze coming towards you from the lake. You can capture different aquatic birds on your camera while enjoying your holiday near the lake. The key attraction here is the dolphins that add value to the lake. Chilka Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cuttack
Cuttack, the former capital of Odisha, is located at the end of the Mahanadi river delta. It is the second-largest city in the state and holds great historical significance. The history of the city can be traced back to 989 BC. Cuttack is gifted with several rivers, ponds, forts, and lakes. The distance between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar is just 26 km. The 13th-century Barabati Fort is among the top attractions in the city. Cuttack is also famous for mouth-watering Oriya street food.
Paradip
Paradip is one of the most exciting and unique tourist destinations in the country. Located 105 km away from Bhubaneswar, Paradip is a seaport town that is well connected to the capital city by road and train. Paradeep beach is a combo of tourist and industrial beaches. It is an adventurous tourist destination where you can try your hands in activities like surfing. This place is a little crowded during the weekends, so you can gel with the locals.
