Unexplored Tourist Destinations Of Odisha That Are Heaven For Travellers

Bhubaneswar: Often called the ‘Soul of India’, Odisha is a state with vibrant culture, exquisite temples and extraordinary monuments. The coastal state is home to many prolific singers, artists and craftsmen and boasts of pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, breathtaking landscape and enchanting natural beauty.

Perched between West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, Odisha lies on the eastern coast of India. For Tourists, the state offers diverse habitats- from lush green and hilly terrain to coastal plains and rolling river valleys of the Mahanadi, Baitarani, Brahmani and the Rushikulya rivers. With a rich history spanning pre-historic period, Odisha is an unexplored paradise for tourists and travellers who come from all over the globe to get a glimpse of the state’s rich culture and heritage.

However, apart from the popular Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark Golden Triangle tourist circuit, Chilika lake, Bhittarkanika Sanctuary and Satkosia reserve, there are many other places in the state which are still largely unexplored by tourists. We have listed down some of these places which remain undiscovered but have a lot to offer to every traveller

• Potagada Fort, Ganjam

Situated in present-day Ganjam district, the Potagada Fort was built 247 years ago. The construction of the fort began under Edward Costford, the first resident of Ganjam in 1768. The fort is spread over a vast area and is close to a river. It was built in a star-shape. Inside the compound, there are three residential buildings that have different architectural designs, most probably assigned to the Muslims, the French and the British. There is also a British-era cemetery nearby which contains the graves of British soldiers who died in the First World War.

• Leaning Temple of Huma

The Huma Temple, also known as the ‘leaning temple of Huma’, is a famous temple situated 23 kms away from Sambalpur city on the banks of River Mahanadi. Dedicated to Baba Bimleshwar (Lord Shiva), the temple was built in 1670, by King Baliar Singh, who was the fifth king of the Chauhan Dynasty of Sambalpur. A strange thing about this temple is that it does not stand upright but is tilted more towards one side. Furthermore, every item within the temple complex is also skewed which is a must seen for every tourist.

• Debrigarh Sanctuary

Debrigarh is an unexplored destination full of wildlife and scenic beauty. Spread over a sprawling area near the Hirakud dam in Sambalpur, this sanctuary is rich with flora and fauna. The place is famous for waterfalls and streams that flow gently along hillsides. Besides, it is also a known fact that freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai had taken refuge in the dense forests of Debrigarh to launch guerrilla warfare against the British regime.

• Talasari Beach

Located in Balasore district at a distance of some 10 odd-kilometres from Digha, Talasari beach has a vast stretches of green paddy fields, numerous rivers, blue hills and extensive beaches. The beach with its tall coconut trees, palm trees and casuarina make for a beautiful sight.  Talasari is one of the less exploited beaches of Odisha. The calm ambiance, unique receding waters and tropical weather all year round make it a popular destination for adventure seekers and those looking for solitude.

• Pir Jahania Beach

It is a beautiful beach located near Astaranga in Puri district. The famous shrine Sufi saint of Pir Jahania is just near the beach. Both Hindu and Muslims revere the shrine and throng here to seek blessings of the saint. Besides these, the handicraft market and golden sandy beach are other attractions of this place.

• Chandragiri

Loctaed in the Gajapati district of Odisha, Chandragiri is famous for Tibetan settlement and for the Buddhist monastery adjacent to it. The rare scenic beauty and the picturesque landscape surrounded by luxuriant tropical forest, gurgling rivers, exquisite mountain slopes and roaring hilltops makes it a perfect adobe for travellers. The place is also famous for seasonal fruits, tibetan woolen garments, carpets and dogs of various breeds.

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• Duduma Waterfall

Duduma Waterfall is 175 metres high, formed by the sacred Machkund river in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. One of the highest waterfalls in India, the aboriginal ‘Bonda’ tribals live near the waterfalls. It has two sub-waterfalls one on the Odisha side and the other on the Andhra Pradesh side. Located amid picturesque surroundings, it is one of the most unexplored tourist places in Odisha.

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