If you're a road trip enthusiast, Odisha is a true paradise for you! With its diverse offerings, it caters to every adventure seeker. Whether you're into magnificent temples, serene beaches, lush forests, or vibrant tribal markets, Odisha has it all.
I can confidently say this because I share a special connection with the land of Kalinga. Over the past decade, I've witnessed its incredible transformation and growth. It's a place that feels like home, yet constantly excites me with new discoveries.
Every time I embark on a road trip in Odisha, I'm filled with joy and anticipation. The beauty of this place never fails to amaze me, and I'm always up for exploring the uncharted territories. I've traversed many roads in Odisha, yet my desire for more adventures never wanes. It's a destination that consistently surprises, challenges, and captivates me, leaving me enamored with its charm time and again.
The icing on the cake is that you can experience all of Odisha's wonders while driving through picturesque routes and highways. Isn't that simply mind-blowing?
So without further ado, let's jump into the five stunning road trips you can take in Odisha that will leave you speechless. Are you ready?
From bhubaneswar to Puri: A Journey of Faith and Fun
This road trip is a must-do for anyone who wants to witness the spiritual and cultural essence of Odisha. Bhubaneswar is the capital city and the heart of Odisha’s heritage, where you can admire the magnificent temples and monuments of the Kalinga dynasty.
Puri is a sacred city and a beach resort, where you can pay your respects to Lord Jagannath and enjoy the sun and sand. The distance between the two cities is about 60 km, and you can take the NH 316 highway that passes through scenic villages and fields. Along the way, you can also stop at Dhauli, where you can see the Ashokan edicts and a peace pagoda, and Konark, where you can marvel at the Sun Temple and its intricate carvings.
Where to stay: Mayfair Lagoon, Trident Bhubaneswar, Hotel Pushpak, Hotel Gandhara, Toshali Sands Resort, Sterling Puri
What to eat: Dalma (lentils cooked with vegetables), pakhal (fermented rice with water), chhena poda (baked cheese cake), chhena jhili (fried cheese balls), kora khai (puffed rice with jaggery), and khaja (deep-fried pastry).
From Cuttack to Bhitarkanika: A Wildlife Adventure
This road trip is for you if you are a nature lover and a wildlife enthusiast. Cuttack is the former capital of Odisha and a bustling city with a rich history and culture. Bhitarkanika is a national park and a biosphere reserve that is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including saltwater crocodiles, migratory birds, dolphins, and turtles. The distance between the two places is about 140 km, and you can take the NH 5A highway that offers a smooth ride. Along the way, you can also visit Paradip, a port town and a beach destination, where you can enjoy some water sports and seafood delicacies.
Where to stay: Hotel Grand Residency, Hotel Sagarshree, Hotel Akbari Continental, etc. For Bhitarkanika, you can opt for forest rest houses or eco-resorts inside or near the park, such as Sand Pebbles Jungle Resort, Aranya Nivas Resort, Estuarine Village Resort, etc.
What to eat: Dahi bara alu dum (fried lentil dumplings with potato curry), chaat (spicy snack), rasabali (deep-fried cheese balls soaked in milk), chhena gaja (fried cheese fritters), crab masala, and fish fry.
You may also like to read: 7 Days In Odisha: A Complete Guide To Explore This Unique Indian State
From Sambalpur to Hirakud Dam: An Engineering Marvel
This road trip is ideal for those who want to witness the engineering marvel and the scenic beauty of Odisha. Sambalpur is a city that is known for its textiles, handicrafts, and folk dances. Hirakud Dam is the longest earthen dam in the world and a major source of irrigation and power generation in Odisha.
The distance between the two places is about 15 km, and you can take the SH 10 highway that runs along the Mahanadi river. Along the way, you can also visit Huma, where you can see the leaning temple of Lord Shiva, and Debrigarh, where you can explore the wildlife sanctuary and the reservoir.
Where to stay: Hotel Niiki, Hotel Harjit Residency, Hotel Sheela Towers. For Hirakud Dam - you can stay at the Panthanivas Hirakud, which is run by the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC).
What to eat: Badi chura (fried lentil cakes with onion and garlic), arisa pitha (rice flour cake), chaul bara (rice flour fritters), khechudi (rice cooked with lentils and vegetables), etc. Near Hirakud Dam, you can try some simple and wholesome food at the Panthanivas restaurant.
From Rourkela to Simlipal: A Tribal Odyssey
This road trip is perfect for those who want to experience the tribal culture and the natural beauty of Odisha. Rourkela is an industrial city and a steel hub of Odisha, where you can see the modern development and infrastructure of the state. Simlipal is a national park and a tiger reserve that is known for its biodiversity and conservation efforts. The distance between the two places is about 250 km, and you can take the NH 143 highway that passes through hilly terrain and forested areas. Along the way, you can also visit Baripada, where you can see the Rath Yatra festival and the Mayurbhanj Palace Museum.
Where to stay: Hotel Radhika Regency, Hotel Anurag, Hotel Brindaban, etc. For Simlipal, Toshali Jungle Lodge, Simlipal Resort, and Aranyaka Resort
What to eat: Manda pitha, mudhi mansa (puffed rice with mutton curry), chakuli pitha (rice and lentil pancake). In Simlipal, you can try some tribal delicacies like bamboo chicken, mahua wine, sal leaf pakora, etc.
You may also like to read: Tap, Pay and Go: The New Way To Travel On Mo Buses in Odisha
From Berhampur to Gopalpur: A Beach Escape
This road trip is suitable for those who want to relax and rejuvenate in Odisha. Berhampur is a city that is famous for its silk sarees, jewellery, and cuisine. Gopalpur is a seaside town and a former port that is known for its tranquil beaches, palm trees, and lighthouses. The distance between the two places is about 16 km, and you can take the NH 16 highway that offers a pleasant drive. Along the way, you can also visit Taptapani, where you can soak in the hot springs and enjoy the panoramic views of nature.
Where to stay: Hotel Nandan International, Hotel Moonlite Residency, Motel Mermaid Gopalpur-on-sea, Swosti Palm Resort Gopalpur-on-sea.
What to eat: Poda pitha (baked rice cake), ghuguni (peas curry), khira sagara (milk pudding with coconut balls), chandrakanti pitha (fried cheese balls with sugar syrup), and fresh seafood dishes like pomfret fry, crab or prawn malai curry.
Odisha is a state that deserves to be explored by road. It has so much to offer to the travellers who are willing to go beyond the usual tourist spots. By taking these road trips, you can discover the hidden gems of Odisha and experience its beauty and diversity. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your keys, and hit the road. Odisha awaits you.
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