Top 20 Places To Visit In Odisha During Winter
ODISHA – a state with a glorious history, magnificent temples, and miles of clean silver beaches. Inhabited by innumerable tribes and lashed by cyclones every summer. Yes, that is exactly how the world comes to think of “India’s Best Kept Secret”
Well, that is not all about Odisha. Cradled between the sun-kissed beaches of the Bay of Bengal and the dense forests of the Eastern Ghats, Odisha is an experience that is at once sublime and aesthetically invigorating. Filled with nature and adventure, the not-so-developed state of Odisha is a destination that needs to be lived – to be able to fully experience the countless wonders it has in store.
Winters are around the corner and with the holiday season ushering in, today, we are going to talk about 20 such less-explored destinations in Odisha that should totally be on your bucket list this season.
Puri
Puri, one of the Chaar Dhams and the harbinger of spirituality across eastern part of India is not just a destination for devotees. It is a marvellous tourist place which shines brighter in summers, smells earthly in monsoon and seems beautifully rustic in winters. Take a bath at the sea, sit back on the beach and feel serenityor spend your afternoon relishing at the music of the waves.
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Chilika Lake
Home to over 160 species of migratory birds across the Indian subcontinent, the Chilika Lake is a must on every traveler’s winter getaway list. Spread over 1100 square km (including the wildlife sanctuary), it is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon with estuarine character. It offers visitors a magnificent display of avian acrobatics in countless hues in the peak season between November and February. A number of islands are present in the lagoon, prominent among which are Krushnaprasad, Nalaban, Kalijai, Somolo, Honeymoon, Breakfast and Birds Island. Tourists can take a boat/ferry and cruise across to the islands for a view.
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Simlipal National Park
With an amazing landscape speckled with perennial streams, rivers, waterfalls, gorges, valleys, and peaks, Simlipal is home to a plethora of wild animals, fishes, and birds. What was once the hunting preserves for the Maharajas of Mayurbhannj is home to three of India’s biggest animal species—the tiger, Asian elephant, and gaur. Simlipal got its share of the limelight after being recognized under the Project Tiger, initiated in May 1973 and the Mugger Crocodile Scheme that began in 1979. If you’re an adventure seeker, then Simlipal is the place to go to. With its rippling mountainous topography, it offers all grades of trekking challenges and encounters.
Gopalpur-on-Sea
Gopalpur-on-Sea is a port city with virgin beaches fringed by coconut groves and palm trees. The small town is strikingly beautiful with hills descending vividly upon the Bay of Bengal.
Gopalpur offers sailing, surfing, scuba diving, rowing, and swimming. Also, you can go out to sea in paddle boats and on-water scooters. If you happen to visit Gopalpur in December, you might even be able to experience the annual Gopalpur Beach Festival which brings the generally quiet town to bustle.
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Satkosia
Satkosia is without a doubt one of the most stunning ecosystems in Odisha. It not only has a splendid gorge over the River Mahanadi but is also a tiger reserve and a breeding center for freshwater crocodiles and gharials. There are three entry points to Satkosia, namely Tikarapada, Chhotakei, and Purunakote. Even though there are resorts/rest houses Chhotakei and Purunakote, the most serene piece of stay is in Tikarpadawhere the forest department has set up 10 eco-tents in collaboration with a group of tribal youths of Tikarpada village. The youth are extremely warm and cordial; besides maintaining the tents, they would also be more than happy to give you a tour of the forest and cook for you. Befriend them and they might even catch and cook freshwater fish for you in the open.
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Daringbadi
Commonly referred to as Odisha’s own Kashmir, Darignbadi is a hill station located in the Kandhamal district. With an altitude of 3000ft, this pretty little hill station offers magnificent views of the valley and clouds during winters. There are pine, pepper and turmeric plantations that you can take a tour of. Most importantly, this is the only place in Odisha that experiences snowfall in extreme winters. Needless to say, the best time to visit is between November to March. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip this winters and you may get lucky enough to build a snowman yourself.
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Satapada
Most people would just mock at the fact that you can experience Dolphins in Odisha. Fun fact, that’s true. Satapada, in Puri, is home to a 100 odd dolphins that reside in the huge blue expanse of the Chilika lake. You can easily take a boat ride from Satapada and the boatmen would take you amidst the blue expanse of the Chilika lake where you can spot and picture dolphins. If you are a sea-food lover, then this place is a bonus for you. Satapada also offers some of the tastiest seafood that you would experience in the region.
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Talsari
Now, we know that Odisha boasts of magnificent coastline and most people end up thinking of Puri or Konark when they think of the beaches on offer. However, these beaches can be really crowded and dirty in some stretches. If you are looking for a secluded and pristine sea beach, then Talsari is the answer. In Bengali, Tal means palm trees and sari means a row. It is said that the region derived its name owing to the rows of palm trees that line this scenic spot. Interestingly, you need to cross the river Subarnarekha’s backwaters to reach the main sea at Talsari. Spend a peaceful weekend by the beach and indulge in some lip-smacking delicacies like a crab curry.
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
Olive Ridley Turtles is another thing that is synonymous with Odisha for nature lovers. Well, it should be, given the fact that the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is the one and only of its kind in Eastern India. Located close to Bhittarkanika National Park, the Gahirmatha beach is where you can spot the turtles. These turtles travel all the way from the South Pacific Ocean to breed on the coast of Gahirmatha. About half a million of these species visit the beach every year for mating. Take a boat ride across the river and venture into the sea to experience sheer ecstasy.
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Bhetnoi
Dolphins, Turtles, and Tigers – but that’s not all. Odisha also has the majestic blackbucks to offer. Yes, you read this right. Head over to Bhetnoi, a small village in Ganjam district, where you can witness herds of the endangered Black Bucks playfully grazing in the lush green surroundings here. The animals live in the vicinity of the human settlement and villagers do not harm them even if they graze on the crops. These blackbucks are considered the harbingers of rain and prosperity and their conservation is taken care of by the Black Bucks Protection Committee. Head out for a day tour and experience the beauty of these majestic creatures.
Sanaghaghara
Sanaghagara, which literally translates into a small waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Odisha this winters to enjoy the magnificent side of nature. There is a mesmerising charm about these falls which draws people from across the state and more. Families can spend time in the gardens and the lake. For more adventurous folks, there are options to relish trekking as well.
Harishankar Falls & Temple
Also known as the natural gem of Odisha, these falls and temples are located in the Sundergarh area. The temple derives its name from the fact that it enshrines both Lord Shiva and Vishnu together. The falls are located in the Gandhamardan hills and surrounded by nature all around. Take a dip or just enjoy a quick shower in the falls.
Anusupa Lake
Shadowed under the popularity of the Chilika Lake, this distinctive horseshoe-shaped lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Odisha. Situated near the bank of River Mahanadi, it is surrounded by Saranda hills on the western side and Bishnupur hills on its northern side, both being a part of the Eastern Ghats. You can either relax at one of the park sheds were adoring the beatific expanse of greenery and water or indulge in trekking up the hills to witness the remnants of a 10th Century Fort built by the Kesharis.
Chandipur Beach
If you intend to spend some peaceful time at a sea resort, then Chandipur is where you should be heading to. Other than its distinctive disappearing sea, a result of high and low tides, Chandipur is famed for its seafood. Do try the prawns and pomfrets. Besides, it is a picturesque coastal town that offers ample peacefulness and tranquillity. Pack your bags and spend some quality time with your loved ones.
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Jirang
Odisha’s Little Tibet, although not as popular as Majnu ka Tila in Delhi, is exact site where a camp was set up for habitation of Tibetans when China attacked Tibet. Since 1963, these Tibetans have not only made this place their home but also beautified and converted this little settlement into a tourist spot. Besides being nestled amidst nature and hills, this is also the home to South Asia’s largest monastery – Padma Sambhava Maha Vihara Monastery. This place definitely deserves a weekend getaway.
Bhimkund
Neighboring to the Booking village, the river Baitarani descends from a gorge and creates a pool like lake. This lake or “kund” is revered as legend states that the might Bhim, one of the Pandavas, used to bathe in this pool. Hence the pool derives its name from Bhim. Though there are no bus services available on this route, this place can be reached via roadways that remain in good shape in all seasons. The place is a little rock and also provides ample opportunity for light trekking.
Deomali
With an elevation of 1672 meters over seal level, Deomali is not only the highest peak in the state but also in the eastern ghats. Located just 35km away from Koraput, this can be an ideal destination to visit during November to March. The experience is as special as it can get. You should be there on top of the peak to see the surrounding, experience the clouds, the grassland type ecosystem, and scenic localities.
Bhitarkanika
Considered the second largest mangrove forest in the country after the Sunderbans, Bhitarkanika is absolutely a fascinating experience. It is home to over 1500 crocodiles and a plethora of other fauna. Each year the winters are times when the park hosts lakhs of migratory birds from across the Indian subcontinent. So, what are you waiting for? Sail through meandering streams with dusky mangrove forests on both sides and see giant crocodiles basking in the sun on the river banks at Bhitarkanika National Park this winter.
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Duduma Waterfalls
Located in Koraput district, the Duduma falls happens to be one of the highest waterfalls in India. It originates from the river Machkund and is the lifeline of the Machkund Hydroelectric Project. The place is nestled between majestic peaks and lush green forests. This is definitely one of the most exciting and adventurous places to visit this winter.
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Taptapani
Located in Ganjam district and about 60kms from the bustling town of Berhampur, this place is famous for its sulphuric hot water springs. Taptapani in English translates to hot water, “Tapta” means Hot and “Pani” is for water. This is a natural spring with a pond that is commonly used for bathing purposes. The spring is said to have medicinal properties and a winter morning dip here could be really relaxing. There’s also a deer park maintained nearby for nature lovers and an OTDC guesthouse for accommodation. Other attractions include the picturesque landscape and tribal habitations.
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