This summer, explore the Top 5 Places to Visit in Odisha. Odisha can be rightfully tagged as India’s most underrated and unexplored place. It has stunning hill stations, National parks, Temples and serene beaches, which are ideal for a relaxing summer vacation.
Sitting along the Bay of Bengal, it holds a tropical climate supporting a rich biodiversity and a 480 km long coastline, making the state offer a variety of picturesque landscapes. Given below are the top 5 destinations that tourists must visit in Odisha during the summer season.
Best 5 Places to Visit in Odisha during Summer
1- Daringbadi
Odisha’s mini Kashmir, Daringbadi, sits on the hills of Kandhamal. Situated at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level, this hill destination represents a rich biodiversity with dense forests and fauna. The weather here remains pleasant throughout the year; in winter, the temperature sometimes reaches around 0 degrees.
The best time to visit is from March to June, when the weather is warm, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Along with natural beauty, you can also explore trekking, tribal culture, and tribal food.
2- Koraput
If Daringibadi is considered the Kashmir of Odisha, then Koraput, with its hilly terrain, waterfalls, and natural beauty, is known as the “Switzerland of Odisha.” The misty hills of Koraput also hold a spot in the travel itinerary of every tourist. This lush and scenic hill station also draws a lot of crowds every year.
The beauty of waterfalls like Duduma and Machkund, located in Koraput, gives people a feeling of peace. How can one forget Deomali, the highest peak (1,672m) of Odisha? The view here will leave you absolutely mesmerised. If you wish, you can also enjoy trekking at this place.
3- Similipal National Park
The Similipal Tiger Reserve is located in the northern part of the Mayurbhanj district. Similipal is one of India’s largest wildlife sanctuaries and a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve. Here you can explore diverse landscapes ranging from scenic waterfalls to dense forests that house the world’s only melanistic black tigers.
The region is also home to thriving tribal communities that offer guests simple, authentic hospitality and a glimpse into their traditional mud-house lifestyles. Botanical enthusiasts can visit the Gudgudia Orchidarium, which showcases a significant percentage of the world’s orchid varieties alongside vast pine plantations.
For those seeking historical luxury, the Belgadia Palace provides a royal boutique hotel experience within an 18th-century heritage site. Overall, this destination offers a rich blend of biodiversity, indigenous culture, and palatial history for nature lovers.
4- Chilika Lake
Among all the attractions of Odisha, Chilika breathes as the soul of Odisha’s tourism. Renowned as the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, Chilika Lake houses the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins surfacing in Satapada.
The vast stretch of shimmering water beneath the expanse of open sky, dotted with many small islands, is a true feast for the eyes of visitors. Every winter, Chilika turns out to be heaven for migratory birds from distant landscapes such as Siberia. It becomes an open bird sanctuary, allowing visitors to witness the grand show of birds travelled to this majestic lake.
Thanks to its rich aquatic resources, tourists can devour the fresh marine delicacies prepared in age-old Odia recipes. Although these hotels may look a bit modest, the delight the food served here gives is unparalleled.
5- Hirakud Dam
Did you know that the World’s longest dam, Hirakud Dam, is a popular tourist attraction in Odisha? The view from the dam is breathtaking. Hirakud Dam is not only a multipurpose site but also a natural scenery. During the monsoon and winter seasons, it is also home to migratory birds. Trekking in the mountains surrounding the dam is also a great option. During other seasons, you can also enjoy a variety of water activities.
