The Odisha Tourism board’s tagline previously said – Scenic. Serene. Sublime. We agree. But we think there should be more – Adventurous, Artistic and Abundant for example. Since we are spoilt for choice – Ancient, Historic and Spiritual, could be another.
If you are someone with multiple dimensions, Odisha is the place for you. Travel to Odisha – You could spend weeks just visiting ancient architectural sites, or getting your camera gear sandy and dusty clicking wildlife in the mangroves and beaches or tracing the history of a religion from its root or just spending weeks basking in the scenic beauty of unparalleled lagoons, mangroves, beaches and waterfalls.
It is because Odisha has all the right elements – The nature, art, history, culture and wildlife – You mix them in the right proportions and Voila! – It is nothing short of magic. In fact, the new tourism tagline of Odisha sums it up perfectly, ‘Think India, Think Odisha.’
Let’s embark on an Odisha travel guide!
“Odisha has all the right elements – The nature, art, history, culture and wildlife – You mix them in the right proportions and Voila! – It is nothing short of magic.”
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves near Bhubaneswar
Odisha travels: Experience History and Art at the Diamond Triangle
Located around 100 km north-east of Bhubaneshwar, the three sites of Ratnagiri, Udaygiri and Lalitgiri are some of the most important but least known Buddhist sites of Odisha. These sites were built to house monks, provide them enough seclusion to do their practices in peace. You could also hope for your slice of peace here.
The stupas, monasteries and the Buddha heads are more than enough to keep your interest, but we would still recommend you read a bit on the history of Buddhism in India and the Kalinga war before you arrive to bask in the experience.
History, Culture and Art at The Dhauli – Kalinga Mahotsav
The Dhauli Kalinga festival is a confluence of two festivals. The Dhauli festival – Which is a celebration of music and dance and the Kalinga Mahotsav – which is a celebration of martial arts at Dhauli, which has witnessed the historic Kalinga war. The festival was conceptualized to celebrate the victory of peace over war. The festival hosts not only dances and martial performances from Odisha but from across India. It attracts the best of troupes and is a must watch if you are around at the same time.
The Kalinga Mahotsav is usually held in late January or early February, over a period of three days, at Dhauli Hills near Bhubaneswar.
International Sand Art Festival Sculpture near Konark
Travel to Odisha to experience Nature, Culture and Art – Sand Art & Dance festival
Now who doesn’t like building crumbling castles on the beach? Except these sculptures don’t exactly crumble that quickly, they are enormous, and artist have taken painstaking efforts to build them.
International Sand Art Festival
Odisha in recent years has gained quite a lot of popularity for its International Sand Art festival. If you are around, you could try your hand at building some sculptures too or be content with capturing them on film and keep them from for posterity without them crumbling.
Held at the Chandrabhaga beach near Konark, the festival is usually held in the first week of December, corresponding with the Konark Dance Festival. Artists from India and other countries participate in this event, showcasing their sand art creations for everyone.
Konark Dance Festival
Another prestigious and renowned festival is the culture-rich Konark Dance Festival. Held in the first week of December, this five-day event showcases India’s rich heritage and culture through numerous dance forms across Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Bharatnatyam among others.
Held in an open-air auditorium against the backdrop of the Konark Sun Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), this is a visual spectacle that can only be experienced in person.
If you want to experience the Konark Dance and International Sand Art Festival in 2026, join our Odisha women only tour 2026 in December. Explore the history of Odisha, its culture, stories, and natural diversity.
Performers at the Konark Dance Festival 2023
Experience Nature and Wildlife during your travels to Odisha – Turtles and Dolphins
A trip to Odisha is not complete without a look at its wildlife. Odisha is home to teeming wildlife – You can take your pick among Tigers, Turtles and Dolphins, depending on how terrestrial you are.
You could take a boat into the Chilika lake and spot some playful Irrawaddy dolphins. They are majorly found in South East Asia other than in Odisha and are an endangered species.
Another endangered species, the Olive Ridley turtles lay eggs in the millions in the coasts of Odisha. If you are around you could try to do your bit for turtle conservation and watch the cycle of life.
The Royal Bengal tigers in Odisha are endangered as well and you would be lucky to spot one in one of the tiger reserves.
Serene view of Chilika Lake in Odisha
Odisha is a place that will capture your soul. From the rich architecture of the Konark Sun temple, to the biodiversity at the Chilika Lake, from the ancient rock-cut caves at Udayagiri and Khandagiri, to spirituality at the Lingaraja temple and Puri Jagannath temple, from the beaches to wildlife, to handloom, crafts, and Pattchitra art, there’s a lot to experience in this beautiful state.
If you want to a personalised Odisha travel plan for solo, friends, and family, get in touch with us to customise a tour for you.
Intricate Carvings at Konark Sun Temple during our Odisha Women Only Trip
Blog Update: June 2026. Minor image and text update to keep it relevant.
