Located on the eastern coast of India, Odisha at 17 o.49’ & 22 o.34’ North Latitude and 81 o.29’ & 87o.29’ East Longitude, is bordered by West Bengal & Jharkhand in the north, Chhattisgarh in the west, Andhra Pradesh in the south and the Bay of Bengal in the east. Odisha is famed for its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. Its 482 kms of coastline is dotted with spectacular virgin beaches, tranquil lakes and lagoons, magnificent temples, diverse tribal groups, captivating wildlife, and vibrant cultural festivals. The boundless beauty of Odisha attracts travelers from around the globe.
Accessibility: Odisha is well connected to rest of the country by air, road and rail. The Biju Patnaik airport is connected to major cities of the country and a few international destinations like Dubai, Malaysia and Thailand. Odisha boasts a well-connected transportation network, crisscrossed by a system of national and state highways, facilitating seamless travel within the state and to other regions of the country. Travel options include taxis, auto-rickshaws (locally known as tuk-tuks), and ride-hailing cabs. Additionally, a multitude of train services link the state with key cities such as Bhubaneswar, Puri, Brahmapur, Sambalpur, and more.
Climate: Odisha has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 42 o C in summer and a minimum of 10 o C winter. Average rainfall is around 150 cm.
Seasons: Around the year destination, Odisha can be visited any time of the year though the best period is from October to March. However, if you want to avoid the rush and planning a trip to Odisha during the lean months then do keep in mind that:
- Summer Season (April to June) is usually hot, but the forest and hilly areas are fairly cool.
- Rainy Season (July to September) drizzles intermittently without hindering mobility of traffic.
- Winter Season (November to February) is extremely pleasant and are best for bird watching
Clothing
- Light weight cotton clothes for summer and rainy season. Umbrellas/raincoats and, sunscreen is a must.
- Warm garments for winter.
Accommodation: Odisha caters to a diverse range of visitors with its excellent accommodation options. The state-run Odisha Tourism Development Corporation offers clean and affordable lodging options at key locations across the state. Additionally, numerous privately-owned budget hotels and hostels provide comfortable stays for budget-conscious travelers.
For those seeking luxury accommodations, prominent cities like Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Gopalpur offer upscale lodging options to ensure a lavish and memorable stay. Another highlight of luxurious living in Odisha is the recently introduced luxury glamping experience at Konark. This innovative concept combines the thrill of camping with the comfort and opulence of a luxury hotel, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature without compromising on luxury.
Do Keep in Mind
- Travelers Cheque/ Credit Cards are accepted by major hotels, Tour Operators and some shops.
- Foreign currency like USD/EURO/POUND/YEN can be exchanged through Banks and Authorised Moneychangers. Receipts for such exchange must be obtained and retained.
- There is no separate permit required for visiting Odisha. Though, prior permission is required for visiting a few tribal pockets by foreigners so do check with your tour operators.
- There is also restriction for entry of non-Hindus into some of the living shrines of the State.
- There is an entry fee to visit some monuments (like the Sun Temple at Konark, Rajarani Temple, Khandagiri-Udayagiri Caves at Bhubaneswar, Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udayagiri Buddhist Complex and the Wildlife Sanctuaries including Nandan Kanan Zoo) and also the Museums.
- Nandan Kanan Zoo & the State Museum remain closed on Mondays.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries like Bhitarakanika, Similipal etc. remain closed during rainy season.