Things to do in  Odisha

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Jagganath, an eastern Indian incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It’s a major pilgrimage site and one of the four sites (dhams) in India that devotees believe will lead to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It’s a must-visit destination while in Puri, a city south of Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneshwar.

Founded in the 1930s as a place to collect and display archaeological findings, the Odisha State Museum has grown to become the premier museum in the state. Exhibits across three floors. focus on everything from geology to armory, while there are lovely gardens you can stroll around outside.

The Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneshwar, dating to the 11th century, is celebrated as a fine example of Kalinga temple architecture. It stands around 180 feet (55 meters) and houses a Shivling (representation of the Lord Shiva) within its walls.

Among Bhubaneswar's oldest attractions, the Khandagiri Caves are a grouping of 15 rock-cut cave temples that date back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. The caves were built by Kharavela, who was the ruler of the Meghavahana Dynasty at the time, as a refuge for Jain monks.

Dating to around the second century BC, the Udayagiri Caves is a grouping of Jain temples and monastic dwellings commissioned by King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty. They’re often grouped together with the adjacent Khandagiri Caves, built by the same king at around the same time; most people visit both sets of caves in one visit.

Overlooking the Daya River in the southern part of Bhubaneswar, Dhauli Hill is known for its Dhauli Shanti Stupa, also called the "peace pagoda." It's one of many sites across India with an "edict of Ashoka," an inscription attributed to the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who was instrumental in spreading Buddhism across the subcontinent.

Dating back to the 10th century, the Mukteswara Temple draws in visitors for both its historical and spiritual significance. It's dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and many devotees come to seek his blessings, while others visit to admire the Kalinga architecture for which the temple is known.

Dating to the 11th century, the Rajarani is a sandstone temple built in honor of Lord Shiva. Today, it functions as an archaeological site rather than a house of worship, drawing visitors to see its intricate carved adornments, many of which are erotic.

Just west of the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Jayadev Vatika is a sprawling park that spans 96 acres (39 hectares). Highlights include water features, shaded picnic areas, a playground, and hundreds of types of plants.

On the northern outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan Zoological Park is among the largest zoos in the country. The zoo is home to all sorts of creatures from India and beyond, including big cats, elephants, primates, and a huge range of birds.

Formerly known as the Museum of Tribal Art and Artefacts, the Odisha State Tribal Museum focuses on the 62 tribal communities that live in Odisha. It’s a great place to spend some time learning about the region’s cultures through a range of exhibits that showcase everything from textiles to traditional crafts.