Odisha, previously known as Orissa, is one of the best destinations in India to experience the beauty of nature. Besides its natural beauty, the state is known for its heritage sites, beaches, temples, natural parks, foods and culture.

So, if you are interested in knowing about the most famous things in Odisha, follow this article, as this place has a lot to discover.

1. Puri

Puri is one of the most visited and most common destinations in Odisha. So, if you haven’t been to this spiritually enlightened place, you must consider visiting at least once in your lifetime.

Every year in the months of June and July, Jagannath temple serves as the starting point for the famous rath yatra. Puri's most famous Sun Temple, Konark, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit place. Apart from these places, you should visit landmarks like Puri Beach and the Chilika Lake, which is India's largest saltwater lake.

2. Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is known as India's temple city, containing more than 700 temples from diverse historical periods. In addition, it is one of Odisha's top tourist destinations and a city with a growing economic sector.

Moreover, the temples are a history enthusiast's paradise as they showcase the expertise of ancient architecture. This excellence is visible in the temples like the Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, and Parasurameswara Temple.

3. Cuttack

Cuttack is the second-largest city of Odisha and is also regarded as its cultural hub. The Bali Yatra is one of the famous cultural festivals here, which is a must-see.

Also, the famous seaport and beach of Paradip, the 14th-century Fort of Barabati, the Mahanadi Barrage, the temples of Singanatha and Bhattarika, and the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary are the must-visit places.

4. Konark

While the Rath Yatra in Puri may command attention, the Rath Yatra in Baripada should not be disregarded. This location hosts the second-oldest and largest Rath Yatra in Odisha after Puri and is also known as Dwitiya Srikhetra (Second Puri).

Additionally, you can also witness Chhau dance, a dance indigenous to this area, making this place special. Also, the Bangripori "tusser" cloth is a must-have when shopping in this market.

5. Baripada

While the Rath Yatra in Puri may command attention, the Rath Yatra in Baripada should not be disregarded. This location hosts the second-oldest and largest Rath Yatra in Odisha after Puri and is also known as Dwitiya Srikhetra (Second Puri).

Additionally, you can also witness Chhau dance, a dance indigenous to this area, making this place special. Also, the Bangripori "tusser" cloth is a must-have when shopping in this market.

6. Gopalpur

Gopalpur is one of the most peaceful beaches in Eastern India. So, if you want to unwind from quotidian stress, this is the perfect spot for you. Additionally, the seafood is also worth trying here since there are so many shacks along the beach. You can visit here from September to February as these are ideal months to enjoy.

Furthermore, Gopalpur Lighthouse and Chilika Lake are two attractions worth stopping by.

7. Sambalpur

Sambalpur, surrounded by lush vegetation, serves as a gateway to Western Odisha. This place is known for its rivers, verdant woods, breathtaking hills, and diverse wildlife. Also, you can visit the renowned Hirakud Dam. Furthermore, similar to the other parts of Odisha, temples play a significant role in Sambalpur, and many worshippers come to these temples.

8. Rourkela

Rourkela is an industrial city and one of the first commercial cities in India. It is also known as the "steel city of Odisha" and "Ispat Nagar."

Although this place is famous for steel, there are numerous sites to explore unrelated to steel. These attractions include the Khandadhar Waterfalls, the confluence of the Sankha, Koel, and subterranean Saraswati rivers, as well as the Darjing, Deoghaar, and Ved Vyas.

9. Dhauli

If you believe that Odisha is exclusively well-known for its Hindu temples, you must visit Dhauli, a town 8 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. This place is revered by Lord Buddha's devotees and is situated on the banks of the Daya River. Also, Ashoka is claimed to have had a change of heart and joined Buddhism after witnessing the Daya River turn red with the blood of those who perished in the fight.

10. Bargarh

Bargarh is home to century-old temples and scenic splendour in the form of Gandhamadan, Pampanga Hills, Nrusinghanath Temple, Kedarnath Temple, and Chal Dhar Waterfall. This place is also the home of Gandhamadan Parvat, also known as Gandhamadana Mountain, referenced in the Ramayana.

11. Ratha Yatra

The Ratha Yatra is an annual religious celebration honouring the lord Jagannath in the city of Puri in the state of Orissa. In this celebration, the Jagannath and his siblings' deities are mounted on chariots and paraded to the Gundicha Temple as part of the celebrations. Every year millions of followers are drawn to these massive, energetic processions for the holy celebration.

12. Puri Khaja

Khaja is a characteristic and distinctive sweet that is served as one of Lord Jagannath's Chappan Bhogs in Puri. Every day the temple prepares and serves mouthwatering khajas as Prasadto the devotees. This delicious treat is produced by frying concentric circles of dough that resembles chapatis and coating them with sugar syrup flavoured with ethnic spices.

13. Chhena Poda

Besides Khaja, Odisha is also known for its delectable dessert, chenna poda. It is primarily cooked with fresh paneer or chhena and is also one of the famous things to buy in Odisha. Further, this sweet dish is also known as paneer cake and is prepared by baking, making it an ideal oil-free delicacy.

14. Gahirmatha Beach

Gahirmatha Beach is regarded as the world's most significant breeding place for the Olive Ridley Turtle species. This beach is located in Odisha's Kendrapara district, effectively separating the Bay of Bengal from the Bhitarkanika mangroves.

Additionally, this beach is a part of both the Bay of Bengal and the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary. So if you want to spend some alone time, this spot is ideal.

15. Odissi Dance

Odissi dance is undoubtedly one of the famous things Odisha is known for. It is one of the most famous classical dance forms in India, with its roots belonging to the Hindu temples situated in the eastern coastal state of Odisha.

However, you can find its theoretical foundations in "Natya Shastra," the ancient Hindu literature written in Sanskrit about this art form.

16. Ghumura Dance

Ghumura is a folk dance which is native to the Kalahandi district of Odisha. The name of this dance form is derived from the word "ghumura naat", which refers to a certain type of drum played during the dance. Most importantly, the Ghumura dance performances are beautiful to watch and instil a sense of pride in Odisha’s cultural history.

17. Chilka Lake

Chilika Lake is spread over significant parts of Odisha's Khurda, Ganjam, and Puri districts. Most importantly, it is the largest saltwater lagoon in Asia. In addition, there is also a sand ridge that separates this lake from the Bay of Bengal.

If you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of dolphins and numerous migratory birds.

18. Kala Bhoomi Crafts Museum

The Kala Bhoomi Crafts Museum honours the skill of the artisans of Odisha by displaying their magnificent works. The museum is split into two blocks and features a display area and a live section. The live section has an outdoor theatre and several workshop areas, while the display area concentrates on galleries about handicrafts and looms across the state.

19. Diamond Triangle Of Odisha

The Diamond Triangle of Odisha, which consists of three locations—Ratnagiri, Udaygiri, and Lalitgiri—is still a lesser-known location of Odisha. Despite their historical and archaeological importance, visitors do not frequently visit these locations, so you can expect less frenetic crowds here.

20. Rasagola

A syrupy delicacy, Rosogola or Rosogolla, is undoubtedly a favourite in the Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent. Although the rasgulla of West Bengal is famous worldwide, Odisha's rasagola is also worth trying.  It is made of chhena, and semolina dough balls cooked in light sugar syrup.

Hence, there is a myriad of things that make Odisha famous. For instance, on the one hand, Odisha has fantastic cuisines, while on the other hand, Odisha is adorned with architectural sites. Moreover, stunning natural settings and thrilling wildlife also serve as some of the famous things in Odisha.