Odisha Tour Packages

1. About Odisha
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Odisha
4. Odisha At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Odisha
6. Best Time To Visit Odisha
7. Top Cities to Visit In Odisha
8. Top Things To Do In Odisha
9. Shopping In Odisha
10. Dos And Don’ts While Travelling To Odisha
11. Foods To Try Out In Odisha
12. Art And Culture In Odisha

The Eastern Ganga dynasty, which left a significant impact on Odisha’s culture, ruled from the 5th century to the early 15th century. Their reign led to the creation of architectural marvels, such as the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Konark Sun Temple. Odisha also witnessed the rule of other dynasties, including the Gupta Empire, the Somavamsi dynasty, and the Gajapati Empire. Odisha became a full-fledged state of India in 1950. The name of the state was changed from ‘Orissa’ to ‘Odisha’ in 2011.

Approximately three-fifths of Odisha’s working population is employed in the field of agriculture. Some of the crops cultivated in the state include vegetables, oilseeds, pulses, coconuts, sugarcane, spices, jute, and cereals. Odisha is among the top producers of high-quality iron ore in the country. It’s also known for the production of nickel ore, graphite, manganese ore, aluminium ore, and chromite. The natural resources of Odisha are connected to its manufacturing activities. Steel, aluminium, cement, fertiliser production, and ferromanganese are some of the large-scale mineral-based industries in the state. During the early 21st century, the service sector contributed majorly to Odisha’s economy, and it has grown since then. These sectors include trade, hospitality, insurance, and banking and finance.

• Odisha’s Dhanu Yatra is the largest open-air theatre in the world, and is celebrated in the town of Bargarh.
• Bhuban, located in Odisha, is considered to be the largest village in Asia.
• Until 2011, the state’s name was ‘Orissa’, after which it was changed to its current name.
• Odisha is the 11th most populous state in India.
• The Jagannath Temple in the city of Puri in Odisha forms a part of the revered Char Dham in India.
• The coast of Odisha is said to be the world’s largest known nesting site for the olive ridley sea turtles.
• Chilika Lake, which is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the world’s second largest coastal lagoon, is in Odisha.
• Odisha Day, also known as Utkal Divas, is celebrated every year on 1st April.
• The Nandankanan Zoological Park in Odisha was the first to launch a white tiger safari in India.
• In the ancient era, Odisha was known as Kalinga.
• The Hirakud Dam, which is situated 10 km away from Sambalpur in Odisha, is the longest earthen dam in the world.
• As of 2025, the population of Odisha is more than the population of Australia and Canada.
• Up until 2008, carrier pigeons were used by the Odisha Police to send messages to the remote areas in the state.

• The government of Odisha launched its ‘drink from tap’ mission in 2017, thereby making it safe for people to consume tap water. However, if you want to ensure your safety, it’s better to carry bottled water when you’re out sightseeing.
• The most important airport in Odisha is the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI).
• The Bhubaneswar Railway Station is considered to be the main railway station in Odisha.
• Some of the public transport options you can access in Odisha are buses, taxis, and autorickshaws.
• Although ATMs are widely available in Odisha, it’s better to carry some cash since cards are not accepted in all places.

Here are some of the top reasons to book our Odisha tour packages:

Odisha is known for its magnificent temples, as is evident from its capital, Bhubaneswar, which is renowned as ‘the temple city’. The Kalinga style of temple architecture is commonly seen in the temples of Odisha, featuring intricate carvings, tall spires, and symmetrical designs. As you explore Odisha with our Odisha tour packages, remember to visit the Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswara Temple, Jagannath Temple, and Rajarani Temple.

Odisha’s coastline stretches for over 480 km along the Bay of Bengal. The Puri Beach, with its golden sands, offers some serene and spectacular views. Visit Gopalpur Beach, which is known to be one of the cleanest beaches in the country. Other beaches to explore in Odisha include the Chandipur Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, and Konark Beach.

Odisha’s food is influenced by the cuisines of Assam, West Bengal, and North India. The cuisine of Odisha makes use of less oil and spices. Rice is a staple part of the state’s food. While mustard oil is used in many recipes, ghee is utilised for Odisha’s temple cuisine. Some of the popular dishes to try out in the state with our Odisha tour packages are dalma, chhena poda, pakhala bhata, kanika, and santula.

Almost one-third of Odisha’s geographical area is covered by forests. Most of the state’s woodlands include an array of diverse wildlife, and are housed in the sanctuaries and national parks that Odisha is home to. The various kinds of fauna you can spot in the wildlife sanctuaries of Odisha include tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar, barking deer, and spotted deer. Some of the places you can visit with our Odisha tour packages to spot such wildlife are the Similipal National Park, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Odisha has a tropical monsoon climate. This means that the summers are hot and humid, the winters are relatively mild, and the monsoon season is humid and wet. The coastal regions experience a more humid, tropical, and moderate climate. The Eastern Ghats, on the other hand, have a much colder climate, especially because of the higher elevation. Let’s take a look at what each season in Odisha is like so you can accordingly decide when to book our Odisha tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature remains between 25 degrees Celsius and 36 degrees Celsius. The heat is quite high at this time, which is why it’s advised to go sightseeing during the day. However, if you still wish to step out, then you can go to Chilika Lake and spot the dolphins. The high temperatures mean that not many tourists visit during this season, so book our Odisha tour packages beforehand to get some discounts or offers. Pack light clothes, stay hydrated, put on sunscreen, and wear a hat while stepping out. Some of the festivals that take place in Odisha at this time are the Chandan Yatra and Raja Parba. The famous Rath Yatra usually takes place in June or July.

The temperature during the monsoon season in Odisha oscillates between 25 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. The rains transform Odisha into a lush green paradise, highlighting its flora and natural beauty. There are fewer tourists around this time. Cyclones are frequent in the coastal regions during the monsoon months, so plan your holiday accordingly. Along with Rath Yatra, another festival you could witness at this time with our Odisha tour packages is Nuakhai. Make sure to check the weather forecast before planning your trip and booking an accommodation. Try to go for a hotel that is accessible and centrally located.

During the winter season, you can expect the temperature to remain between 16 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. In certain areas, the temperature can go as low as 7 degrees Celsius. Due to the pleasant weather, this is the ideal time to visit the historical attractions in Odisha. It’s also the perfect time to explore the jungles, lush green valleys, and tiger reserves in the state. Since this is the peak tourist season, make sure to book our Odisha tour packages in advance. The festivals that take place during the winter period include Durga Puja and Konark Dance Festival.

Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha. The name of the city is derived from ‘Tribhubaneswar’, which translates to ‘The Lord of the Three Worlds’. This is in reference to Lord Shiva, who is revered as the region’s presiding deity. Renowned as India’s ‘Temple City’, Bhubaneswar is said to have more than 700 temples, many of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some of the most popular tourist attractions to visit in Bhubaneswar with our Odisha tour packages include the Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Mukteswar Temple, and Rajarani Temple.

Cuttack has been given the title of the ‘Millennium City’ due to its history, which dates back a thousand years. The name of the city is derived from the Sanskrit word Kataka, which means ‘the seat of government’ or ‘a military camp’, thereby highlighting its historical importance. Cuttack is also known as the ‘Silver City of India’ because of its popular silver filigree work. When you visit the city with our Odisha tour packages, make sure to explore the Barabati Fort, Netaji Birth Place Museum, Maa Cuttack Chandi Temple, and Odisha State Maritime Museum.

Puri is a coastal city in Odisha and a cultural cornucopia of festivals, events, and handicrafts. There is a variety of souvenirs tourists can shop for from Puri, including Pattachitra paintings, sea shell and conch products, handloom textiles, and stone sculptures. Some of the vibrant festivals you can witness in Puri with our Odisha tour packages are Rath Yatra, Chandan Yatra, and Snana Yatra. The must-visit tourist attractions in Puri are the Puri Beach, Jagannath Temple, Chilika Lake, and Konark Sun Temple.

The city of Rourkela is known as the ‘Steel City of Odisha’ as it’s home to the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). It’s also known as Ispat Nagar and is the third-largest city of Odisha. Rourkela is thought to be Odisha’s second smart city after Bhubaneswar. The popular tourist spots of Rourkela are Hanuman Vatika, Vedvyas Temple, and Mandira Dam.

GT Holidays’ Odisha tour packages help you experience all the tourist attractions of Odisha and participate in numerous adventurous activities. Listed below are the places to visit with your family and the activities to engage in:

The Lingaraj Temple is located in Bhubaneswar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. James Fergusson, a popular architectural historian, had once described the temple as ‘The finest example of Hindu temples in India’. It was commissioned in the 11th century during the reign of King Jajati Keshari of the Somavamshi dynasty. The temple houses Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga, standing eight inches tall. Many devotees flock to this spiritual site during occasions such as Mahashivratri and Ashokastami.

The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are located about 7 km from Bhubaneswar. These were built during the rule of Emperor Kharavela of the Kalinga dynasty, going back to the 2nd century BCE. The caves were constructed to provide a place of rest and meditation for Jain monks. Initially, there were 117 caves, of which only 33 are present today. 18 of these caves are situated in the Udayagiri Hills, and 15 of them can be found in the Khandagiri Hills.

The Mukteswara Temple is situated at a distance of 4 km from the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it was constructed in the 10th century and built by King Yayati I of the Somavamshi Dynasty. Crafted using red sandstone, the temple stands about 35 feet tall and features an intricately decorated arched gateway. It is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Situated about 20 km from Bhubaneswar, the Nandankanan Zoological Park is known to be the first zoo in the world to successfully breed white tigers in captivity. The name of the zoo translates to ‘The Garden of Heaven’. Established in 1960, it was declared a zoo and a sanctuary in 1979. The zoo has over 1580 animals, which include 812 birds, 634 mammals, and 134 reptiles. In 2009, the Nandankanan Zoological Park became the first zoo in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

Puri Beach, also known as the Golden Beach, is among the tourist attractions in Odisha that you just can’t miss out on. Known for its glittering golden sands and azure waters, the beach offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views, as you can experience during your trip with our Odisha tour packages. When you walk along the shore of the beach, you will come across little stalls selling snacks. You can also explore the market along the beach, selling items such as souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles, and so on. Every year, a cultural event known as the Puri Beach Festival is organised at the beach, celebrating the art, culture, and cuisine of Odisha.

Puri Beach, also known as the Golden Beach, is among the tourist attractions in Odisha that you just can’t miss out on. Known for its glittering golden sands and azure waters, the beach offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views, as you can experience during your trip with our Odisha tour packages. When you walk along the shore of the beach, you will come across little stalls selling snacks. You can also explore the market along the beach, selling items such as souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles, and so on. Every year, a cultural event known as the Puri Beach Festival is organised at the beach, celebrating the art, culture, and cuisine of Odisha.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a revered form of Lord Vishnu. Millions of devotees visit the temple each year, and it receives a high number of attendees during the famous Rath Yatra. The temple forms a part of the Bada Char Dham Yatra. It was built in the 12th century during the rule of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Featuring the Kalinga style of architecture, there are smaller temples located within the main complex.

The Chilika Lake in Odisha is renowned as the largest brackish water lake in Asia. Covering an area of over 1,100 sq km, it spans across the districts of Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam. The lake is known to be the Indian subcontinent’s biggest wintering ground for migratory birds. It has been listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists can spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins at this location. The lake forms an integral part of the culture of the state. About 400 years ago, a poem was written by Purushottam Das, who was a devotee of Lord Jagannath. The poem was based on Lord Krishna dancing with Maniki, a milkmaid who came to sell curd on the banks of Chilika Lake.

The Sun Temple, or the Konark Sun Temple, is situated about 35 km northeast of Puri. It was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty during the 13th century. Dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, the temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Back in the day, the Sun Temple stood 227 feet tall, making it one of the tallest sacred structures in the country. However, a huge portion of the temple is now in ruins.

The Chandrabhaga Beach is located in Odisha’s Puri district, 3 km east of the Konark Sun Temple. Legend says that it was at this location that Samba, who is the son of Lord Krishna, prayed to the Sun God so that he could be cured of leprosy. The International Sand Art Festival takes place at Chandrabhaga Beach each year, with sand artists from all over the world showcasing their skills and sculptures.

The Netaji Birth Place Museum is situated about 5 km away from the Cuttack Railway Station. It’s the ancestral house of Subhash Chandra Bose, who was one of the greatest Indian freedom fighters. The museum is home to documents, photographs, and artefacts related to the life of Bose and the part he played in India’s struggle for independence. This includes 22 letters that were written by Netaji himself, along with his autobiography, which was written in Bengali.

• River rafting in the Mahanadi River
• Kayaking, surfing, and jet skiing at Puri Beach
• Trekking at Satkosia Gorge
• Camping at Daringbadi

The shopping scene in Odisha reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the souvenirs to buy from Odisha and the best shopping places in the state are as follows:

Stone carving is one of the most ancient practices in Odisha and something that is followed even today. You will come across stone sculptures within temples, and several public places use such pieces to decorate their surroundings. There are many sculptures modelled around deities that you can buy for yourself.

Odisha is famous for its filigree work, which refers to jewellery and other kinds of objects carved out of silver. You can find various types of jewellery featuring filigree work, such as earrings, necklaces, pendants, bangles, and brooches.

Pattachitra paintings are a traditional style of paintings that uses various kinds of materials and backgrounds as its canvas. This includes cloth, silk, palm leaves, paper, and glass. The subjects of these paintings are often related to deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.

The wheels of the Konark Sun Temple are iconic and are available as souvenirs in Odisha. These are usually carved out of stone or wood and can be found in different sizes.

Pipli is a village in Odisha located between Puri and Bhubaneswar. The village is known for its applique work. Some of the kinds of souvenirs you can buy from this category are umbrellas, bags, lamps, bedsheets, and cushion covers.

• Nimchouri (Cuttack): For pieces with filigree work
• Ekamra Haat (Bhubaneswar): For stone sculptures, Pattachitra paintings, handloom products.
• Market Building (Bhubaneswar): For accessories, jewellery, footwear, electronics.
• Shahid Nagar Market (Bhubaneswar): For jewellery, handicrafts, clothes.
• Bapuji Nagar Market (Bhubaneswar): For clothes, handlooms, jewellery.

• Since the smaller stores and markets don’t always accept credit and debit cards, it’s best to carry enough cash when you go shopping.
• Keep your belongings close to you while exploring the crowded markets.
• Carry a bottle of water so you can stay hydrated while shopping, particularly during the summer months.
• Bargaining is accepted at the markets of Odisha, but remember to be polite as you bargain with the shopkeepers.
• Do check for the tag of authenticity while buying objects such as handicrafts and handloom products.
• To avoid the peak crowd, it’s advised to go shopping either late in the afternoon or early in the morning.

• Don’t use your left hand to eat, point at people, receive anything, or hand things over, as the left hand is usually considered dirty.
• Don’t engage in public displays of affection.
• Stay away from discussing the topic of religion and politics, just in case any comments are taken as offensive.
• Dress modestly whenever you visit spiritual or religious places.
• Make sure to take off your shoes before entering a temple.
• Ensure not to harm the flora of Odisha, such as the plants and trees.
• Throw your garbage away only when you spot a garbage bin instead of littering the roads.
• Odisha has banned the use of single-use plastic in protected areas.
• Therefore, carry reusable bags and remember to throw away plastic wraps only in dustbins and designated places.
• Don’t smoke in the forested areas.

The cuisine of Odisha is a blend of age-old traditions and modern culinary techniques, making the culinary landscape of the state pretty diverse. Odisha’s cuisine makes use of a few spices, and locally sourced and fresh ingredients. Owing to the state’s geography and coastal regions, you will find plenty of seafood, grains, and vegetables. Rice is one of the staples in Odia cuisine, and mustard oil is often used for many dishes. The state’s cuisine is influenced by West Bengal, North India, and Assam, which is reflected in its usage of rice, fish, and lentils. Let’s take a look at some of the Odia dishes you absolutely must try during your trip with our Odisha tour packages:

If you’re visiting Odisha during the summer season, then there are high chances you will be having pakhala bhata. This traditional Odia dish is made by soaking cooked rice in water. It’s often fermented overnight and is usually served along with curd, fish, green chillies, and fried vegetables. The fermentation gives the rice a slightly tangy taste and also lends it certain cooling and refreshing properties. Such is the cultural significance of this traditional dish that there is an entire day dedicated to it, known as the Pakhala Dibasa. Also known as Pakhala Day, it is celebrated on 20th March.

Chhena poda can be considered the Odia version of a cheesecake. Literally translating to ‘burnt cheese’, the dish is made using fresh cottage cheese or chhena. Some of the other ingredients that go into making this dessert are sugar, cardamom, semolina, cashew nuts, and raisins. It’s believed to be the favourite sweet of Lord Jagannath and is often presented by devotees as an offering at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

If you love dal, then you can have the unique Odia version of dal, known as dalma. Moong dal or toor dal can be used for this preparation. The dish also includes vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, papaya, raw bananas, and eggplant. The spices that increase the flavour of a bowl of dalma are cumin seeds, bay leaves, and dry red chillies. A bit of ghee adds to the richness of this concoction. Dalma is usually served with steamed rice.

Santula is a traditional Odia vegetable stew. Some of the vegetables used to make this dish are raw papaya, brinjal, potatoes, pumpkin, and tomatoes. The spices often used to make santula are mustard seeds, cumin, panch phoran, and green chillies. It’s flavoured using ginger and garlic, and salt is used to season the dish. This light and wholesome dish is usually served with rice or roti.

Macha ghanta is a traditional fish curry in Odisha, usually made using freshwater fish. It contains a rich gravy with fried fish in it. The ingredients that go into making this dish include onions, tomatoes, potatoes, cardamom, garlic, chilli powder, and cinnamon sticks. It’s usually served along with steamed rice and salad.

Kanika is a fragrant and mildly sweet rice dish that’s mostly served during pujas, festivals, family gatherings, and other special occasions. It’s one of the 56 items served to Lord Jagannath as a part of the ‘chappan bhog’. Made using basmati rice, the dish also includes cardamom, sugar, ghee, cinnamon, dried fruits, and nuts. It’s usually served with chicken or mutton curry.

Chungdi means ‘prawns’ in Odisha’s local language, and chungdi malai refers to a creamy prawn curry. The use of coconut milk is what gives this curry a delightfully rich and creamy flavour. The spices added to this curry include cardamom, cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon, red chilli powder, ginger, and onions. Served alongside steamed rice, this prawn curry is usually garnished with coriander leaves.

The music of Odisha consists of four classes of music, namely dhruvapada, panchal, chitrakala, and chitrakala. Jayadeva, Odisha’s celebrated saint poet, contributed greatly to the development of Odissi music. There are different talas or beats involved in Odisha’s music, such as navatala (nine beats), dashatala (ten beats) or egartala (eleven beats). The ragas in Odissi music are different from the ones seen in Carnatic and Hindustani classical music. The main ragas in the state’s music are kalyana, panchama, nata, shree gowda, bhairavi, dhanasri, and baradi.

Odissi is the name of Odisha’s main dance form. It originated in the temples of the state and started off as Devadasi performances. The folk dances of Odisha include chhau, which is usually a mixture of ancient tribal traditions and classical Hindu dance forms. Some of the other dance forms in Odisha include gotipua, pala, ghumura, and sambalpuri dance.

The colourful and vibrant festivals of Odisha are connected to the rich traditions and spirituality of the state. There is Rath Yatra, the annual chariot festival, which takes place in Puri. The festival involves placing the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra on intricately embellished chariots and pulling them through the streets. The other festivals celebrated in Odisha include Durga Puja, Konark Dance Festival, Puri Beach Festival, and Kalinga Mahotsav.