Incredible India | All Attractions

Ashokjhar

Set amidst the green forests of Mahagiri hills, Ashokjhar beckons the adventurers. The motorable road ends at Sukinda. You can trek the remaining 10 km or hire an auto-rickshaw.

Kendrapara

Known as ‘Tulasi Khetra,” the place is famous for the temple of Lord Baladeva. A grand yatra or car festival is held here annually which draws a mammoth crowd.

Similipal National Park

It is about 300 km from Bhubaneswar and nestled in the centre of the Mayurbhanj district, the northern-most district of Odisha. One of the eighteen tiger reserves of India spreads over an area of 2,700 sq.km. The Variation in the topography, climate and vegetation has supported large varieties of animals, birds and reptiles. Other than tigers this wild life sanctuary is also an abode to wild animals like leopards, elephants and rare reptile like mugger crocodiles. Besides, the sanctuary shelters more than 200 species of birds. The Similipal forest is abounding with hills, waterfalls and rivers.

Chandaka Sanctuary

Nestled on Khurdha uplands of' North -Eastern Ghats' biotic region, Chandaka forest is a relic of wild land that once extended all over Bhubaneswar. Spread over 193.39 sq.km of rolling table land and small sprawling hillocks of Khurdha and Cuttack Districts, it is a wildlife sanctuary since August 1982. The sanctuary, literally abutting on the capital city of Odisha, is the pachyderm country. Originally established to provide inviolate refuge for elephants with a view to minimize their depredation, the sanctuary is now a treasure trove of biodiversity. It is now a popular destination for solitude seekers, hunt for eco-tourists, and laboratory for researchers and temple of learning for all.

Stone Revetment Of Cuttack

The river banks in Cuttack are protected by stone revetments, a great engineering marvel of 11th Century AD and a remarkable example of the ancient technological skills of Odisha.

Choudwar

Choudwar has a mythological and historical background. A growing industrial area, it was once the capital of Somakuli Keshari Kings of Odisha. Eight prominent Siva Pithas were established by the Keshari Dynasty. The five Pandava brothers with their consort Draupadi took shelter in Choudwar during their secret exile.

Bhattarika

It is a beautiful place with the shrine of Devi Maa or Goddess Bhattarika. The River Mahanadi, the longest river of Odisha, flows on the side of this sacred temple.

Dhavaleswar

A small island on the Mahanadi, this scenic spot is famous as a Shaiva centre. The place named after its presiding deity lord Shree Dhabaleswar (Lord Shiva) offers ample opportunities for water sports thanks to the enchanting water spread of the Mahanadi River. A newly developed hanging bridge that connects Mancheswar to Shree Dhabaleswar Pitha attracts tourists in large numbers.

Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-Udayagiri

Lalitgiri, with its other name as Naltigiri, is the 1st century Buddhist complex in Orissa, which together with Ratnagiri and Udayagiri creates Puspagiri University which has a number of best sculptures of that age – like significant stupas and monasteries (viharas). As a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage, this ancient lush village Lalitgiri is a holy destination for a large number of Buddhism devotees. Numerous excavations done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have related this region with the origin point of Buddhism. ASI has been conducting such excavations since 1985 to today.Ratnagiri has been a historical and religious significance that make it an ideal destination to explore. The small yet religious town in Jajpur District of Odisha is known for a huge monastery that relates to Mahayana Sect along with famous kings like Ashoka and others from Gupta Dynasty. Apart from its strong historical backgroung, Ratnagiri is also known for the flow of main rivers of Odisha known as Mahanadi, Brahmani, Kimiria and Birupa.Udayagiri, an Orissa Buddhist complex to form Pushpagiri University along with udayagiri and Lalitgiri, and bears a number of significant stupas and monasteries (viharas). Udayagiri was referred as ‘Madhavapura Mahavihara’ in the history, as per the epigraphical artifact found in the region. A number of excavations have been conducted by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1958, which is still in continuity. The large excavation done 1997 to 2000 discovered the Udayagiri-2, the second part of Udayagiri. Several additional stupas and monasteries have been excavated here by ASI.

Niali Village

Madhab, a nearby village, is an enchanting place on the banks of River Prachi, also famous for the shrine of Radha-Madhab.

Barabati Fort

It is a 14th Century fort built during the Ganga Dynasty. It is situated in the heart of the city on the banks of the Mahanadi River. The ruins of the fort remain with its moat, gate and the earthen mound of the nine-storied palace, evoking memories of past days.

Quadam-I-Rasool

A cluster of green domes in the centre of the city is sacred to both Hindus and Muslims. This 18th Century shrine shelters the footprints of Prophet Mohammed on a circular stone in its central mosque. It has two other beautiful mosques and a music gallery.

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Memorial Museum

Ansupa

Ansupa Lake is the largest and one of the oldest fresh water wetland of Odisha located in Athgarh Forest Division (Banki Sub- Division). It spreads over a vast area of 141 hectare, and is surrounded by Saranda Hills.Lake is directly linked with the River Mahanadi by a channel called Kabula Nala, through which flood water of river Mahanadi enters the lake. This Lake is of National importance due to its unique bio – diversity character having varied aquatic fauna and flora and is a famous natural heritage site of Odisha. It harbors large number of fishes, aquatic plants (submerged, floating and emergent types). Different types of resident and migratory birds visit the lake in winter – time, attracting large number of tourists.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve

It is one of the best deciduous ecosystems which represent a diverse floral and faunal extravaganza. It is a magnificent gorge ecosystem having many rare and endangered species. Satkosia is the meeting point of two bio-geographic regions of India; the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats, contributing immense biodiversity.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

It is one of the favoured wildlife destinations in India. Lying on the cost of Bay of Bengal, it forms the estuarine confluence of three famous rivers of Odisha i.e. Brahmini, Baitarani & Patsal. It is the second largest Mangrove ecosystem in India after Sundarban. Millions of Olive Ridley turtles visit Bhitarkanika every year between Octobers to May for nesting at Gahirmatha.

Chatia

The deity of this temple is Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra. Popularly known as Chatiabata, the place is a famous pilgrimage centre. Amaravati-Kataka, one of the five important forts of Chodaganga Deva, is located here.

Gurudwara Guru Nanak Datan Sahib

A holy historical Sikh shrine, the Daatan Sahib Gurdwara is where the first Sikh Guru, Shree Guru Nanak, halted on his way to Puri. It is believed that a tree branch planted by him after using it as a tooth cleaner still flourishes here, hence the name Daatan Sahib.

Chandi Temple

Dedicated to the Goddess Chandi, the presiding deity of Cuttack. The Chandi temple is located in proximity to the banks of the Mahanadi River. It is famous for its annual Durga Puja and Kali Puja festivals. The Durga Puja festivities are prominent in Maa Katak Chandi temple which takes place for 16 days starting from dark fortnight of Ashwina Krishna Ashtami till Ashwina Shukla navami and Vijayadashami. The Goddess popularly called as Maa Katak Chandi, sits and rules on the heart of the ancient city.

Chandikhol

The place is a popular place to visit. Nearby is Mahavinayak, a beautiful spot with a shrine of Shiva. It also draws devotees of the elephant-god Ganapati. The picturesque Chhatia 30 km from Cuttack has several shrines and the remains of an ancient fort.