Odisha is one of the top spiritual destinations and is famously known as the soul of Incredible India. It is making headlines with the grand inauguration of the 75-metre-wide Shree Jagannath Heritage Corridor in Puri. For tourists, the state offers the marvel of 12th-century architecture and the sacred beauty of the ancient Buddhist ruins of the Diamond Triangle.
The local experience in Odisha takes you through streets filled with temple chants and the aroma of incense. You can also relax at eight certified Blue Flag beaches. Odisha has a strong tradition of art and cuisine, including Pattachitra paintings, Sambalpuri fabrics, and Chhena Poda, which is made by slowly cooking dough.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before booking Odisha tour packages, including the best places to visit and the ideal time to plan your trip.
Odisha: The Land of Lord Jagannath
Odisha is on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is famous for its temples and the renowned Jagannath Rath Yatra. Thousands of tourists visit every year to see its rich cultural history, tribal customs, and handicrafts. Odisha tour packages offer an unforgettable experience at affordable rates, whether you are looking for a spiritual getaway or are interested in history.
Here are the top reasons for choosing Odisha for your next holiday:
- Spiritual Grandeur: Witness the Shree Parikrama Project in Puri, which has transformed the area into a world-class pilgrimage hub with a 75-metre-wide heritage path.
- Sustainable Luxury: Visit the Eco Retreats, which are open until March 2026, and enjoy five-star glamping in untouched forests and coastal dunes.
- Wildlife Hotspot: At Chilika Lake, you can see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, and along the Gahirmatha coast, you can watch Olive Ridley turtles build their nests.
- A Living Museum: Odisha is a hub of traditions that are more than 2,000 years old, like the classical Odissi dance and the 500-year-old silver filigree art.
- Eco-Tourism Hub: Discover “Eco Retreat” glamping experiences in forests and along beaches that demonstrate high-end sustainable practices.
- Short Travel Distances: You can drive to the "Golden Triangle" (Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark) in just a few hours.
- Culinary Discovery: Odisha is known for its local food and dishes, with its unique flavours and cooking style.
Top Places Covered in the Odisha Tour Packages
With carefully planned itineraries, these Odisha tour packages guide you through the region’s famous temples and timeworn monuments. These include:
The Sun Temple at Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage site that shows the chariot of the Sun God. Odisha holiday packages often include the light and sound show, which uses world-class 3D projection mapping to narrate the temple’s solar legends. Visitors are often amazed by the 24 stone wheels that function as accurate sundials, showcasing the creative genius of the ancient era.
The Shree Jagannath Temple is the spiritual heart of the state and has been recently transformed by the grand Shree Parikrama Heritage Corridor project. Puri tour packages make it easy for devotees to walk along the newly renovated 75-metre-wide peripheral path. You should not miss the world’s largest earthen kitchen, where thousands of pilgrims gather daily to partake in the famous Mahaprasad.
Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon. Hence, it is a biodiversity hotspot and a must-see on any Odisha holiday package. At Satapada, you can take a boat cruise to see the playful and rare Irrawaddy dolphins. At Nalabana, you can explore the bird sanctuary. The lake's varied ecosystem draws in more than a million migratory birds in the winter.
Puri’s Golden Beach holds the international Blue Flag certification for its cleanliness and world-class environmental standards. Blue Flag certification guarantees high environmental and safety standards, and the presence of Commando lifeguards makes the spot especially family-friendly. It is an important part of Puri tour packages, offering white sands and sunrise views over the Bay of Bengal.
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Udayagiri-Khandagiri Jain caves
Carved into twin hills, Udayagiri-Khandagiri Jain caves (2nd century BCE) offer a rare glimpse of monastic life under Emperor Kharavela. Here, you can admire the delicate friezes and inscriptions in Rani Gumpha and Hathi Gumpha, then climb for sweeping panoramas of Bhubaneswar.
Perched on Dhauli Giri, the white Shanti Stupa commemorates the turning point when Kalinga moved Emperor Ashoka away from conquest toward peace. Every February, the Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav animates the hill with classical and martial dance performances. Visitors can also explore the ancient Ashokan rock edicts at the base of the hill.
Simlipal is a biosphere reserve that is 2,750 square kilometres in size and is home to Royal Bengal tigers and elephants. Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls are among the park’s most striking natural attractions. Recent eco-tourism initiatives have introduced high-end glamping sites at Jamuani, allowing visitors to experience both comfort and conservation in the wilderness.
Many people visit Gudugudia to see its beautiful pine forests and orchidarium. It has eco-tourism activities inside the Simlipal Tiger Reserve. People can stay in bamboo cottages on Odisha tour packages to get a taste of the local Odia way of life.
This temple is one of the oldest surviving shrines in Bhubaneswar, dating back to the 7th century AD. Here, you get to see the early Kalinga architecture, which features intricate carvings of Lord Shiva and Ganesha. Its compact stone structure and detailed bas-reliefs let you understand the evolution of temple building in ancient Odisha.
Located at the meeting point of the Kushabhadra River and the Bay of Bengal, Ramachandi Temple is a popular stop in Puri tour packages. It is a must-visit for travellers heading towards the Konark Sun Temple. An adjacent beach offers opportunities for water sports and relaxed picnic outings.
Daringbadi is known as the Kashmir of Odisha, as it is the state’s only hill station where sub-zero temperatures and frost can be experienced. Odisha holiday packages allow visitors to explore coffee plantations, spice gardens, and the Midubanda waterfall. Travellers can also opt for luxury glamping at the Daringbadi Eco Retreat to enjoy the region’s misty landscapes.
The Lingaraja Temple is the largest 11th-century temple in Bhubaneswar. The ongoing Ekamra Kshetra Heritage Project aims to create a pedestrian-friendly zone around the temple complex. Its 180-foot spire attracts lakhs of devotees during Shivratri, while non-Hindus can view the temple from a designated platform.
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Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan is a world-renowned conservation centre featuring rare species such as Hoolock gibbons and Manipuri deer in natural, open enclosures. Visitors can observe leopards through glass panels or experience India’s first white tiger safari.
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Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika is a mangrove ecosystem, famously home to the world’s largest saltwater crocodiles and the Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites. On the boat safaris through the winding creeks, you can get sightings of kingfisher species and monitor lizards in their natural habitat. This ‘Mini Amazon’ in the Odisha tour packages is a must-see spot for those seeking a wild adventure.
Best Time to Visit Odisha in 2026
By choosing the right season for your Odisha tour packages, you can enjoy everything, from its sun-drenched coastlines to its mountain retreats. Whether you are looking for spiritual solace in Puri Tour Packages or a wild adventure in the hinterlands, the timing of your visit defines your experience.
The following table outlines the best periods to plan your Odisha holiday based on your travel interests:
| Season | Months | Best For |
| Peak Season |
November to February |
Sightseeing at Konark Sun Temple, spotting Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika Lake, wildlife safaris, and the Konark Dance Festival. |
| Summer |
March to June |
Visiting Daringbadi, enjoying the breeze at Golden Beach, and the Rath Yatra. |
| Monsoon |
July to September |
Exploring the lush greenery of Similipal, viewing the Barehipani waterfalls, and experiencing rain-soaked forest trails. |
| Shoulder Season (Spring) |
October to November |
Exploring the Buddhist Diamond Triangle, photography at heritage sites, and enjoying the pleasant weather before the winter crowds arrive. |
What to Do in Odisha
Odisha is known for its spiritual setting and old buildings. There are many attractions and activities that visitors can explore and choose from as per their interests. From exploring age-old temples to enjoying the sea breeze at the cleanest beaches, the state attracts all kinds of travellers every year. The added advantage of booking Odisha tour packages is that you can experience the state’s raw beauty without worrying about the logistics.
Let us discuss the must-have experiences that you cannot miss:
- Char Dham Journey to Jagannath Puri: The Puri tour packages take you to the 12th-century Jagannath Temple and experience its 75-metre-wide Shree Parikrama heritage corridor.
- The Sun Temple’s design: Marvel at the temple’s 24 intricately carved stone wheels, then stay for the evening light-and-sound show (often included in Odisha holiday packages). Nearby, visit the Konark Museum and wander the local markets.
- Chill by the Blue Flag Beaches: Enjoy the cool sea breeze at Puri's Golden Beach. Also visit the scenic shores of Chandrabhaga, Sonapur and other Odisha beaches.
- Luxury of Eco Glamping: Experience five-star seasonal tents at Daringbadi or Satkosia for modern hospitality with the thrill of camping.
- Explore the Diamond Triangle of Buddhism: Trace the ancient sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri to discover rare Buddhist artefacts and monastic stupas.
- Visit the Villages of Artist Tribes: See the Pattachitra art of Raghurajpur, where every household serves as a living gallery to show the craft of traditional palm-leaf.
- Try the Burnt Cheesecake: Taste the world-famous Chhena Poda and the sacred Mahaprasad prepared daily in the temple’s legendary earthen kitchen.
Food in Odisha: What to Eat in 2026
Odia cuisine reflects ancient wisdom by making the best use of local ingredients and fresh produce rather than heavy spices. Your itinerary for Odisha tour packages often includes a culinary experience that honours traditional recipes with a subtle modern touch. Here are some popular dishes you must try:
Devotees at the Jagannath Temple share this sacred 56-dish feast, prepared daily using age-old techniques in the world’s largest earthen kitchen.
This cool, fermented rice dish is especially popular during summer. Odia communities across the world celebrate Pakhala Dibasa on 20 March.
Odisha holiday packages recommend this nutritious and oil-free vegetable stew for travellers seeking a light meal seasoned with garlic and mustard seeds.
This is a comfort food made with lentils and local vegetables like pumpkin and plantain. At last, it is topped with a smoky cumin tempering.
This coastal curry uses sharp mustard paste and sun-dried mangoes to give the dish its distinct tangy flavour.
Cuttack’s most famous street food combines soft, yoghurt-soaked lentil dumplings with a spicy potato curry, creating a rich mix of textures.
Locals gather every evening around street stalls to enjoy these crispy shells filled with spicy mashed potatoes and tangy tamarind water.
This world-famous ‘burnt cheesecake’ is made from cottage cheese kneaded with sugar and slow-baked until it develops a rich, caramelised crust.
Traditional festivals such as Raja showcase these diverse rice cakes, which are prepared by steaming or frying and flavoured with coconut and jaggery.
Travellers on Puri tour packages often buy this crispy, multi-layered sweet pastry as a sacred souvenir from the temple’s dry offerings.
Shopping In Odisha
Odisha offers bustling markets, artisan villages, handloom hubs, and coastal bazaars. Here, one can pick up everything from appliqué work and seashell souvenirs to intricate silver filigree and Pattachitra paintings. Odisha holiday packages provide access to budget-friendly street markets and organised craft complexes, such as:
- Market Building: Market Building sits at the heart of Bhubaneswar, offering everyday clothing, electronics, handicrafts and local snacks. This is a perfect one-stop option for budget shoppers.
- Ekamra Haat: A complex in the style of a craft village, where government stalls sell Odia snacks, palm-leaf art, and handlooms.
- Station Square: Located near the Bhubaneswar railway station, this area is suitable for last-minute shopping for souvenirs, books, and travel necessities.
- Orissa Modern Art Gallery: One can admire or purchase artwork by local artists, showcasing paintings inspired by Odisha’s cultural heritage.
- Pipili: It features roadside shops of colourful appliqué work on lanterns, wall hangings, umbrellas, and bags.
- Puri Beach Market: A lively beachside bazaar where local vendors sell seashell jewellery, conch items, beachwear, and Jagannath-themed souvenirs.
- Konark Local Shops: Situated near the exit of the Konark Temple, these shops sell Pattachitra paintings, stone sculptures, miniature wheels, and other keepsakes.
- Orissa State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society: A trusted place to buy authentic Sambalpuri, Bomkai, and Ikat sarees from the cooperative. It is known for fair prices and genuine weaves.
Book Odisha Tours and Packages with EaseMyTrip
For travellers seeking to explore the soul of Incredible India, Odisha offers a deeply immersive journey. From untouched coastlines and age-old architecture to the spiritual aura of the Jagannath Temple and the grandeur of the Rath Yatra, its holiday destinations cater to every kind of explorer.
EaseMyTrip makes it easy and stress-free to plan your trip to Odisha. Book flights with fair prices and no extra fees, so you can always stay on top of your travel budget.
So, don't wait for the peak season. Browse EaseMyTrip’s range of Odisha tour packages, compare your options, and book your journey today.