1. PURI
Puri is famous for the world-renowned Jagannath Temple and its long Golden Beach. It is one of the four Dham (holiest places) of India, along with Dwarka, Badrinath, and Rameswaram. Lord Jagannath, His elder brother Balabhadra, sister Subhadra, consort Lakshmi, and the Lord of the Universe Himself are worshipped here in Purushottam Kshetra, seated on the Ratna Singhassana (Bejeweled Pedestal). Numerous festivals are celebrated throughout the year, including Snana Yatra, Netrotsava, RathaYatra, ChandanYatra, ChitalagiAmavasya, Janmashtami, and Dussehra. The most important is the world-famous Car Festival and its return procession, which draws immense crowds of devotees and tourists.
2. KONARK
Konark is a small town in Puri District, renowned for the 13th-century Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, built inkhandelite stone during the reign of King Narasimha deva I of the Ganga dynasty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple was designed as a gigantic chariot of Surya Dev, the Sun God, with twelve pairs of ornamented wheels and seven horses. Some wheels are three meters wide, and six of the seven horses still stand today. Though partly in ruins, its sculptures are preserved in the Sun Temple Museum managed by the ASI. The temple fell into disuse after desecration in the 17th century. Konark also hosts the annual Konark Dance Festival in December, devoted to classical Indian dance forms, especially Odissi.
3. KAKATAPUR:
Kakatpur is famous for the shrine of Goddess Mangala, situated on the banks of the Prachi River. The present temple dates back to the 15th century, while the deity belongs to the 9th century. Goddess Mangala sits in Lalit asana on a double lotus pedestal, surrounded by Parswa Devatas. She is closely linked to the Navakalebar ritual of Mahaprabhu ShriJagannath, believed to guide the search for sacred logs used to carve the idols. The Jhamu Yatra festival, featuring firewalking, is celebrated in the month of April and attracts thousands of visitors.
4. KURUMA:
Kuruma, a small village near Konark, is known for its excavated Buddhist site. Discoveries include an image of Buddha Dev in Bhumi Sparsa Mudra and Heruka, along with a 17-meter brick wall of ancient construction. Preserved by the ASI, the site is significant for historical research and offers insights into Odisha’s Buddhist heritage.
5. SATYABADI:
Satyabadi is also known as Sakhigopal, is a pilgrimage centre where the shrine of Sakhigopal (witness Gopal) is located. It is believed that a pilgrimage to Puri is incomplete without visiting this temple. The shrine houses idols of Sri Krishna and Sri Radha, surrounded by Brahmin settlements. The temple is 60 ft high, with Shri Krishna and Shri Radha idols measuring 5 ft and 4 ft respectively. The Anla Navami festival, where devotees witness Radha Pada, is the most important celebration.
6. BRAHMAGIRI:
Brahmagiri is famous for the shrine of Mahaprabhu ShriAllarnath. During Jagannath’sAnabasara(from Snnana Purnima to Sri Gundicha), thousands of devotees visit this temple for darshan.
7. CHAURASI:
Chaurasi is known for the ancient temple of Goddess Varahi, depicted with a boar’s face, holding a fish and a cup. Worshipped according to tantric rites, the deity dates back to the 9th century. The site also features shrines of Laxminarayan and Nilamadhab, adding to its spiritual significance. Nearby, Amareswar is also famous for its Shiva shrine.
8. BISWANATHA HILL:
Biswanath Hill, rising 500 ft above sea level, is the abode of Mahaprabhu Shri Shiva. Legends link its discovery to a Ganga dynasty king who built the temple after finding the deity. The site attracts visitors year-round for its religious importance and scenic beauty. Festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Raja, and Biswanath Mahayagyan are celebrated with grandeur, while winter picnickers enjoy its natural surroundings.
9. RAGHURAJPUR:
Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village near Puri, renowned for Patta Chitra, palm leaf engraving, wood and stone carving, papier mache, cow dung toys, and tussar paintings. Many artisans have won national awards, making the village a living museum where visitors can watch artists at work.
10. BALIHARACHANDI:
Baliharchandi is an 8th-century shrine located near the sea on sand dunes. Its natural surroundings make it a beautiful picnic spot.
11. RAMACHANDI:
Ramachandi is a scenic spot at the confluence of the Kushabhadra river and the Bay of Bengal. Dedicated to Goddess Ramachandi, it is believed she left Konark during invasions. Some traditions suggest her image was originally in the Mayadevi temple at Konark. Today, it is one of the district’s finest picnic destinations.
12. PIPILI:
Pipili is renowned for its vibrant appliqué work, including umbrellas, wall hangings, purses, carpets, and garments. This traditional craft has a strong market both in India and abroad.
13. SATAPADA:
Satapada, located on Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, is known for Irrawaddy dolphins, migratory birds, boating, and serene beaches. It offers breathtaking views and is a paradise for nature lovers. The site also has abundant fish and crabs, making it a hub for local produce.
14. JAHANIAPIRA:
Jahaniapira is the shrine of Pir Mukudan Jahania Jahangast, a Muslim saint who arrived in Odisha in the 16th century. Both Hindus and Muslims worship here, symbolizing communal harmony. The nearby Astarang beach is famed for its colorful sunsets, considered among the best in Odisha..
15. BELESWAR:
Beleswar is a Shiva temple believed to have been established by Mahaprabhu Shri Rama, who worshipped here before proceeding to Lanka. Located near the sea on sand dunes, it is both a religious and scenic attraction.
16. BALIGAON:
Baligaon is the birthplace of devotee Dasia Bauri, remembered for his devotion to Mahaprabhu ShriJagannath. Festivals like Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and Magha ShuklaEkadashi commemorate his birth and death anniversaries, drawing large numbers of pilgrimage.
17. BARAL BALUNKESWAR:
Barala Balunkeswar is a Shiva shrine linked to Rama’s exile, also known as “Guptakasi.” Legends connect it to the ashram of Bhrigu Muni, adding historical depth.
18. ASTARANGA:
Astaranga is a coastal town known for its colorful sunsets, sea beach, and fish trading. Well connected by road to Puri and Bhubaneswar, it is a vibrant blend of commerce and natural beauty.
19. MANIKAPATANA:
Manikapatana is associated with Mahaprabhu ShriJagannath and Shri Balabhadra’s legendary journey to war of Kanchi. The village houses the 13th-century Bhabakundaleswar temple and statues of Shri Jagannath and Shri Balabhadra on white and black horses respectively, symbolizing their expedition.
20. BALIGHAI:
Balighai, located on the Puri-Konark marine drive road, offers casuarina groves, sand dunes, and scenic views. Its tranquil environment makes it an ideal picnic spot.
21. MAA MANGALA PITHA JALIAPADA:
Situated 46 km from Puri in the village of Jaliapada under Kanas Block, Maa Mangala Pitha is a very famous religious centre dedicated to Goddess Mangala. Devotees visit throughout the year, with Tuesdays and Sankrantis being especially auspicious. The grand Chaitra Parba festival is the biggest celebration, attracting more than 40,000 people annually. From Ekadashi to Purnami, the Mahajangya is held, drawing large crowds. Devotees firmly believe that Maa Mangala fulfills all wishes, making this shrine a centre of deep faith and devotion.
22. GANGESWARI PITHA:
The Gangeswari Temple, located in Bayalish Baati near Gop, is a 13th-century shrine built during the reign of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is a fine representation of the Pancharatha style of Kalingan architecture, constructed of sandstone in the Khakhra style, with a Jagamohan (entrance porch) and a laterite foundation. The presiding deity, Goddess Gangeswari, was the Ista Devi (family deity) of the rulers. The temple is modest in size but culturally significant, closely linked to Konark’s chief architect, Sibei Samantaray Mahapatra, who hailed from this village. Historical accounts note that over 1,200 craftsmen, engineers, and supervisors stayed here while planning the Sun Temple, with much of the masonry transported via rafts along the nearby Patharabuha river.
23. SUANDO:
Suando is the birthplace of PanditUtkal ManiGopabandhu Dash (1877–1928), revered as the Jewel of Utkal. He is remembered for his service to the poor, defense of the Odia language, and leadership in the movement for a separate Odisha province. In 1909, he founded the Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya at Sakhigopal to instill nationalism and service among students, later launching the Satyabadi magazine and the weekly newspaper The Samaja. His literary works, including Karakabita, Bandira Atmakatha, and Dharmapada, reflect his vision of reform and patriotism. Elected All-India Vice President of the Lok Sevak Mandal in 1928, he continued his mission until his untimely death in Lahore. Today, Suando stands as a symbol of Odisha’s renaissance, honoring the legacy of a man who embodied sacrifice, education, and devotion to the people.
