5 Offbeat Places To Visit In Odisha You Probably Haven’t Heard Of!

Home to some of India’s cleanest beaches, the most revered Jagannath Temple in Puri, and Similipal National Park (the only place in the world to spot melanistic tigers), Odisha is an underrated destination in India. While many travellers plan their itineraries around the Jagannath Dham and Konark Sun Temple, the state has many hidden gems waiting to be explored by nature and culture enthusiasts. So, here are 5 offbeat places you must visit in Odisha, which you probably haven’t even heard of!

5 Offbeat Places In Odisha Waiting To Be Explored

1. Sitakund Waterfall

Nestled within Similipal National Park, about 2 km from its Pithavata Gate, Sitakund Waterfall in Mayurbhanj district, is believed to be the place where Maa Sita spent a few days to rest and bathe during the forest exile in Ramayana. Crystal clear water flows from the top of a hill and comes gushing down along a pathway flanked by pebbles and rocks. Trek to the waterfall, spend time on the rocks resting and soaking in the pristine views. Sitakund Waterfall during the winter season often makes for a peaceful picnic spot. Tip: The water is so clean that you can quench your thirst!

2. Balidiha Dam

Like Sitakund Waterfall, Balidiha Dam is also located in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. The massive dam was constructed on the Palpala River in 1912 to provide for irrigation and agricultural needs in the area. Balidiha Dam offers stunning views of the lush green hills. Tourists and locals can make their way to the shallow end of the dam and spend time waddling in the clean water. Balidiha Dam is one of the offbeat places in Odisha you must visit.

Also Read: This 500-YO Ritual In Odisha Turns Diwali Into A Sacred Reunion Between Families And Their Ancestors

3. Raghurajpur Heritage Village

Imagine an entire village where art lives, breathes in the walls of homes, in the lives of its residents! That’s Raghurajpur Heritage Village, home to a community of skilled artisans who have been practising Odisha’s traditional art form, Pattachitra, for generations. Step into the homes of artists and watch them create intricate hand-painted scrolls of Indian epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, folklore and paintings of deities from scratch. Take home artworks made using natural dyes on fabric, palm leaves and other canvases at this offbeat spot in Odisha.

4. Swargadwar Beach

In Puri, Odisha’s temple town, flanked by beaches, the Blue Flag-certified Golden Beach and Puri Beach near Jagannath Temple are most popular amongst tourists. Another hidden beach, loved by locals, is Swargadwar Beach. Located near the Swargadwar Cremation Ground, this beach offers pristine sunrise and sunset views. Visitors often flock here for its serene vibes in the morning and its buzzing atmosphere during the day. Camel rides, swimming and sunbathing are popular activities here.

Also Read: Odisha Has An 18th-Century Palace Turned Boutique Hotel Offering Scenic Views Of Chilika Lake & Colonial Elegance

5. Bipad Tarini Chandi Bari Temple

Near Jagannath Temple in Puri, a small yet pristine temple dedicated to Maa Kali. Bipad Tarini Chandi Bari Temple offers a sense of peace for the weary travellers and devotees of Maa Kali. A powerful and towering idol of Maa Kali is worshipped here, along with the Jagannath deity, the Lord of Puri. Bhajans in the evening are sung by the priests, and you can spend a few minutes sitting right in front of the deities, offering your prayers and gratitude.

Which of these offbeat places in Odisha are you certainly adding to your itinerary?

Cover Image Courtesy: Sanjana Shenoy