Road Trips in Odisha: Explore the Heart of an Unexplored Gem

Odisha shares a de facto association with the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra that takes place near the pristine Puri Beach every year. But the land of Lord Jagannath has so much more to offer for a seasoned traveller. The Odisha road map is dotted with numerous heritage sites that will mesmerise you with their beauty. An Odisha road trip is an exciting adventure that will regale you with stories from the regional history and culture.

Home to an astounding biodiversity in its dense forests and thriving wildlife, road trips in Odisha are full of fun and excitement. Experience the magic of nature as your Odisha road trip leads you through spectacular sights. Bhubaneshwar is the perfect jump-off point for thrilling and adventurous road trips in Odisha. We have marked some highly recommended places to visit in Odisha on the Odisha road map. Here’s Odisha beyond the magnificent Jagannath Rath Yatra.

1. Chilika Lake – A thriving ecosphere

The Chilika Lake is a prominent pit stop on the Odisha road map. Known to be Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, it is home to an astounding variety of wildlife. It is one of the best places to visit in Odisha for a nature lover. It plays host to numerous migratory birds as the winter chill rolls in around various parts of the world. It is one of the only two places in the world where Irrawaddy Dolphins can be found in the wild. This Odisha route will take you through some truly spectacular sights.

2. Daringbadi – The Kashmir away from Kashmir

Counted among the most exciting road trips in Odisha, Daringbadi is the place to go to enjoy the thrill of driving in the mountains. With a series of mountainous curves that will test your driving skills, getting there is half the fun on this Odisha route. Wearing a lush cover of verdant Pine Forest, Daringbadi will enthral you with its beauty. Visit Belghar, the eco-conscious village of the Kutia Kandha tribe and marvel at the magnificence of Midubanda and Badangia waterfalls. Enjoy paragliding in the mountains and leave your mark on the Odisha road map.

3. Gopalpur – Rediscover history in the lost sands of time

Gopalpur is a city of beaches. Like the famous Puri Beach, Gopalpur has its share of beautiful beaches like Gopalpur Beach, Aryapalli Beach, and Sonepur Beach. Located around 170 km from Bhubaneshwar, Gopalpur makes for a fun-filled road trip. It has cemented its place in history by serving as an important seaport in ancient times. It has also earned its Military stars during World War I. Enjoy a soothing boat ride in the Bay of Bengal and catch magnificent sunsets. The food stalls that line the beaches offer you a lip-smacking range of local delicacies.

4. Keonjhar – The land of waterfalls

Keonjhar is one of Odisha’s best-kept secrets. It is a wonderfully off-beat destination off the Odisha road map that’s not a part of the usual road trips in Odisha. A road trip to Keonjhar will give you access to several tourist destinations and heritage sites. But the highlights of Keonjhar are Sanghagra and Badaghagra waterfalls. The other contenders for your attention are the smoky Khandadhar Waterfall and Hadibhanga Waterfall. If you want to witness something unique, you must visit Sitanbinji to marvel at its rocky inscriptions and fresco paintings, a real blast from the past.

5. Taptapani – A spring of wellness

Hot water springs are marvels of nature that carry the secret of wellness within. The temple at Taptapani has carved its place on the Odisha road map with its perennial hot spring of medicinal sulphuric water. Nestled in the hills and surrounded by thick forests, Taptapani is an adventurous road trip destination. It is a serene nature retreat that exudes healing spiritual vibes and soothes the mind. Be sure to visit here to partake in the local tribal culture in the form of dance and music. This is one road trip you won’t forget soon.

6. Konark – A treasure trove of history and spirituality

Konark is among the most culturally and historically important destinations on Odisha road map. The stupendous Sun Temple is alone worth the road trip to Konark. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a marvel of ancient engineering and design. Completed around 1250 AD, it features an astounding architecture. It is a testament to the precision of the old masters as the first light of the day falls on the image of the Sun God in the sanctum sanctorum. It is a mesmerising drive to Konark over smooth roads. It will be a memorable road trip.

The Odisha road map is filled with wonders. A road trip through Odisha is the best way to explore the heart of this unexplored gem.

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