States Odisha Heritage Tourism

Heritage Tourism in Odisha

Odisha has a rich religious and cultural heritage that goes back more than two thousand years. The state is full of historical places to visit and has many heritage monuments that reflect its history and culture. Home to Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, Odisha offers historic sites and tourist attractions that will leave you spellbound. There are many historical monuments in Odisha, scattered all over the state. Thanks to these sites, no one leaves Odisha dissatisfied. If you are interested in heritage tourism, you will definitely not want to miss the top historical places in Odisha. In fact, you will even find some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Odisha. Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is a place every tourist must visit; indeed no Odisha heritage tour is complete without it. The city is home to around 500 temples, because of which it has been nicknamed the Temple City of India. The Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a major draw both for devotees who journey here every year in the thousands and for tourists who want to stand in the shadows of a monument that is a window into the history. The strong Buddhist influence in the state can be seen in the Shanti Stupa, a joint Indo-Japanese construction. One of the most powerful remnants of history,

the Rock Edicts of King Asoka can be found at Dhauli and no list of tourist destinations is complete without the caves of Khandagiri, Udayagiri and Rani Gumpha whose ornate carvings are a sight to behold. Another destination that shouldn’t be missed is the Sun Temple in Konark. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the temple has a unique structure. It is built in the form of a chariot, but not just an ordinary one. This is Surya the Sun God’s chariot and it comes complete with seven horses and twelve pairs of wheels. The architecture of the temple alone is astounding giving us a glimpse into the 13th century when it was built; the carvings on the walls only serve to enhance its wonder. Religious monuments aren’t the only historical sites Odisha has to offer. A significant part of its history is reflected in forts such as the Barabati fort in Cuttack, Sisupalgarh fort in Bhubaneswar, and Asurgarh fort in Kalahandi. The Atharanala bridge in Puri, which consists of 18 arches, dates back to the 13th century and is definitely worth a visit. Odisha is full of historical sites that reveal its culture and heritage. A heritage tour of the state will reveal about the places that have played an important role in Indian history, and thus, should not be missed.

Popular Heritage Attractions of Odisha

  • Kuruma

    A countryside property bent towards the conservation of cultural heritage is Kuruma. This famous Buddhist site in Odisha traces its history from the 9th and 10th century and has a monastery which is adorned with an excavated Buddha Statue. Read more

  • Balasore

    Dotted with countless temples and enclosed by long stretches of various beaches, Balasore is a coastal city and also the headquarters of Balasore district. Balasore serves as a prominent base for tourists exploring other tourist places of the district. Read more

  • Padmapur

    A burgeon agricultural centre located in the district of Rayagada, Padmapur is a popular heritage attraction in Odisha which is a home to various temples and a Buddhist monastery. Read more

  • Muchalinda

    Made of well-burnt brick, Muchalinda is one of the rare monasteries located in the Ganiapali village of the state Odisha. There are several life-size images of Buddha dating back to the 4th-5th century. Read more

  • Langudi

    Primarily a revered heritage site and secondary a beautiful tourist attraction in the state of Odisha, Langudi is a hill town located some 50 km east of Cuttack. Stupas, monasteries, sculptures, and motifs are some major attractions of the town. Read more

  • Khiching

    In the northern region of Odisha, there located an important historical tourist site in Mayurbhanj district - Khiching. The place was also once renowned as a prominent pilgrimage centre, and hence, various historical temples can be seen here. Read more

  • Pushpagiri

    One of the earliest Buddhist Monasteries, Pushpagiri is a Buddhist heritage getaway and an ancient institution of higher learning. Here you can find the ruins of monasteries which was visited by a Chinese traveller, Xuanzang. Read more

  • Udayagiri

    The largest Buddhist centre in Odisha are the caves of Udayagiri located in the proximity to the city of Budheshwar. These natural cum artificial caves boast a huge archaeological, religious, and historical importance. Read more

  • Lalitgiri

    One of the three Buddhist complexes in Odisha that together form the ‘Diamond Triangle’, Lalitgiri is known for housing various monuments which trace their history from 1st-century. Lalitgiri also has monasteries and stupas that are explored by numerous tourists round the year. Read more

  • Dhauli

    Some 8 km south of Bhubaneswar, there is located Dhauli Hills - a must-visit tourist attraction located on the banks of river Daya. Dhauli is known for its famous attraction, Pagoda Peace, also known as Shanti Stupa. Read more

Odisha Travel Information at a Glance

Get authentic information on how to plan an incredible trip to Odisha. Tour My India brings to you all the important details on how to reach Odisha by different means of transport along with information on where to visit and what to do on your Odisha tour. Find information on best time to visit Odisha and a comprehensible travel guide to varied destinations in the state that are worth visiting.